Year: 1870

some sense rivals. We were nearly ol
the same age-our tastes were somewhat
similar-our circumstances In life much
alike, and we were in the same classes and
studied the same books.


Probably ii was more because I applied
myself closer TO my studies than he did
that / outstripped Paul. and under all cir
cumstances where scholarship was con-
cerncd bore of the prize. Naturally, he
was quite rs clever rs wS-a little more
brilliant. indeed but he lacked applica-
tion. and we all know that to become n
scholar requires time and practice and
hard study, even If one is q genius in the
beginning.


Paul had one decided advantage over
me. He was handsome aud graceful, and
all the girls in the vicinity made him
aware of Il. He was self conceited, nat
urally-and tho aiulation he received
made him vain. Nothing makes n fool of
man any more speedily than to have the
women make too much of him.


Gay, aud gallant and courteous, he was
TO them all; but he coveted tho love OF
only one. Florence Wayne was sweet
little brunette of two or three and twenty.
and all the young mon in town were in
love with her.


She had only lived in Marley two years.
Her native place was Philadelphia, but
her fathers health requiring change OF
air. they had come to Marley and estab-
lishcd themselves in pretty cottage out
on the Pownal road.


Florence was accomplished in no ordi-
nary degree. and she had travelled great
deal. which Is after all the best way to
educate ones self.


In Philadelphia she had moved in thf
first society. but she did not hold herself
above taking part in our rustic merry
niakings. aud at the huskings, and apple
bees and dances she was the life OF the
company.


To do Florence justice. she encouraged
none Of her suitors; was kind and courte-
Gus, nothing more.


As for me, l had been a beauty worship
rer always, and when / met Florence
Wayne saw for the first time my ideal
woman. Ny heart went from me and
never came back again. In my widest
dreams I had never imagined ever so
family that such a glorious vision ever
would come upon me in dull. prosy old
Marley, where nothing ever did happen
year in and year out.


/ had seen very little of the world. and
was shy and awkward, and tho passion |
felt for beautiful Florence. did not tend to
make me less embarrassed in her presence.
The fact of il was, the sight of her cone
fused To such degree that was always
making myself ridiculous before her, and
If she had not been the kindest hearted
gisl in existence, she would have indulged
In many hearty laugh ut my expense.


Once summoned up courage enough
to invite her To ride with me. had rs
fine horse rs there was in the country.
and n good buggy. and might have en-
joyed myself If l had not been so awk-
ward.


As Il was, I had trod on Florence's
dress, struck her bonnet with my elbow
In getting into the carriage, switched the
whip In her face, and did score Of other
things which l would have died to pre-
vent.


She made me- so terribly conscious that
possessed hands and feet that must be
disposed Of some way. and how this dis
position was to be accomplished was the
question.


Paul Stanford loved Florence also, but
his love did not make u fool of him rs
mine did Of me. He was always just so
polished and brilliant, and could say his
witticst things with the dark eyes Of Flor
cnce full upon him-just rs well rs If she
| had been n thousand miles off. Oh how
envied him his easy, quiet nOnchalancc,
and how chafed and irritated was by the
patronizing air he assumed toward me.


But at last fate gave me chance to do
Florence scryice-to prove to her that l
was not coward, though i might be an
awkward clodhopper.


Marley was seacoast town. and II was
TO avail himself of sea-alr and bathing
that Mr.. Wayne had removed thither.
Almost every fine day he and Florence
were down on Point Pleasant beach-Mr.
Wayne bathing and Florence reading and
watching him.


The attachment between this father and
daughter WAS very strong-poSsibly be-
cause Mr.. Wayne had tried To be both
father and mother to his girl.


Sometimes when l could get sufficient
courage TO do so, would GO down TO the
point them, but these occasions were rare,
because could not make sure that Flor
ence wanted me to disturb them often.
True, she always smiled, and made room
for me on the rock where she found n
seat. but she die not smile much, and she
had way Of looking out to sea which
made me fancy she was dreaming dreams
in which could have no part.
Sanford was not SO particular. He was
down nj the Point almost every day when
the Waynes were there. and the smell of
his cigar and his light laugh floated land
ward together ON the sea brccse.


Ii was in July that the manufacturing
company In which all my property was
invested. failed and left me very near
penniless. Ii WAS plain i must go to
work, and was courageous enough tr
be willing 10 take hold Of anything that
offered. But the times were dull, work
men plenty and work scarce, and in spite
of all my efforts, nothing presented itself
to me 10 do.


Twas gloomy and down. hearted for the
most part. and everything looked cheer
less, and apprehensivc. In this mood.
one gray September day. strolled down
to the Point. / had not expected any
one would be there, but rs l turned an
angle Of the path. saw Florence In a
water. proof cloak and hood. in her old
seat; and ! caught out in the surf a gleam
OF Mr.. Waync's red bathing suit. tn


Even As I gazcd. and before i had spo-
ken to her. sharp cry broke from Flor
encc, and saw with dismay that Mr..
Wayne had got beyond his depth. and
not being able to swim. the undertide,
which was very strong at this point was
sucking him under in spite Of his detsr-
mined Efforts TO resist it.


In moment was bufietting the waves
and although ann n strong man and an
extra good swimmer. must confess that
more than once was on the eve Of Civ
ing over and letting fate dispose OF both
myself and the helpless burden which !