.V ;. "^ .^"^ o ■ > '''t^ ^ -:^Ox, '^^ 0^^ ^ I'd- t ,,v>jj' , " •^. o. ^^ <-c C r o V -^ c j£^ <« ~^^: , ^■f> '^o .^^^. .0 ^^ ^0 « ' >P^^. ' 4 o YER THE SUMMER SEA' BY JCHN HARRISON AND MARGARET COIJdtON nured at the Post Office, N. Y.. *« •ecnnaeckles 20 17. The Dark Colleen 20 18. They were Married 10 19. Seekers After God 20 20. The Spanish Nuf 10 21. Green Mountain I .■ys..2o 22. Fleurette 20 23. Second Thoughts 20 24. The New Magdalen 20 25. Divorce 20 26. Life of Washington 20 27. Social Etiquette 15 28. Single Heart, Double a Face 10 29. Irene ; or, The Loiicly (# Manor 20 30. vice Versa 20 31. Ernest Maltravers 20 32. The Haunted House... 10 33. John Halifax 20 34. 800 Leagues on the Amazon 10 35. Tiie Cryptogram 10 36. Life of Marion 20 37. Paul and Virginia 10 38. A Tale of Two Cities .... 20 39. The Hermits 20 40. An Adveniure in Thule, etc 10 41. A Marriage in HighLife2o 42. Robin 20 43. Two on a Tower 20 44. Rasselas 10 45. Alice ; a sequel to Er- nest Maltravers 20 46. Duke of Kandos 20 47. Baron Munchausen 10 48. A Princess of Tiuile 20 49. The Secret Despatch.. . .20 50. Early Days of Christian- ity, 2 Parts, each 20 51. Vicar of Wakefield 10 52. Progress and Poverty.. .20 53. The Spy 20 54. East Lynne 20 55. A Strange Story 20 56. Adam Bede, Part 1 15 Adam Bede, Part II 15 57. The Golden Shaft 20 58. Portia 20 59. Last Daj's of i^ompeii. ..20 60. The Two Duchesses 20 61. TomBrown'sSchnolDays.2o 62. Wooing O't, 2 _ .3. each. 15 63. The Vendetta 20 64. Hypatia, Part 1 15 Hypatia, Part II . . . t « 15 65. 66. 67. 68. 69. 70. 7^- 72, 73- 74- 75- 76. 77- 78. 79- 80. 81. 82. 83- 84. 85. 86. 87. 88. 89. 90. 91. 92. 93- 94. 95- 96. 97- 98. 99. 00. Seima 15 Margaret and her Brides- maids 20 Horse Shoe Robinson, 2 Parts, each 15 Gulliver's Travels 20 Amos Barton 10 The Berber 20 Silas Marner 10 Queen of the County . . .20 Life of Cromwell 15 Jane Eyre 20 Child's llist'ry of Engrd.20 Molly Bawn 20 Pillonc 15 Phyllis 20 Romola, Part I .15 Romola, Part II 15 Science in ShortChapters.20 Zauoni 20 A Daughter of Heth- . . .20 Right and Wrong Uses of the Bible 20 Night andMoming,Pt.I.i5 NightandMorning.Pt.II 15 Shandon Bells 20 Monica to Heart and Science 20 The Golden Calf 20 The Dean's Daughter ... 20 Mrs. Geoffrey 20 Pickwick Papers, Part 1 . 20 Pickwick Papers, Part 1 1. 20 Airy, Fairy Lilian 20 Macleod of Dare 20 Tempest Tossed, Part 1. 20 Tempest Tossed, P't 1 1. 20 Letters from High Lat- itudes.. .. 20 Gideon Fleyce 20 India and Ceylon 20 The Gypsy Queen 20 The Admiral's Ward. . . .20 Nimport, 2 Parts, each., 15 Harry Holbrooke 20 Tritons, 2 Parts, each ..15 Let Nothing You Dismay, to LadyAudley's Secret... 20 Woman's Place To-day. 20 Dunallan, 2 parts, each. 15 Housekeeping and Home making 15 No New Thing 20 TheSpoopendykePapers.2o False Hopes 15 Labor and Capital 20 Wanda, 2 parts, each ... 15 More Wordsabout Bible. 20 Monsieur Lecocq, P't. 1. 20 Monsieur Lecocq, Pt. 1 1. 20 An Outline of Irish Hist. 10 Tlie Lerouge Case 20 Paul Clifford 20 A New Lease of Life ... 20 Bourbon Lilies 20 Other People's Money.. 20 Lady of Lyons 10 Ameline de Bourg 15 A Sea Queen 20 The Ladies Lindores. ..20 Haunted Hearts 10 Loys, Lord Beresford. . .20 127. Under Two Flags, Pt I. 20 Under Two Flags, Pt II.20 128. Money 10 129. In Peril of His Life 20 130. India; What can it teach us ? 20 131. Jets and Flashes 20 132. Moonshine and Margue- rites lO 133. Mr. Scarborough's Family, 2 Parts, each . . ij T34. Arden 15 135. Tower of Percemont 20 136. Yolande 20 137. Cruel London 20 138. The Gilded Clique 20 139. Pike County Folks 20 140. Cricket on the Hearth.. 10 141. Henry Esmond 20 142. Strange Adventures of a Phaeton 20 143. Denis Duval 10 144. 01dCuriosityShop,P't I. IS 01dCuriosityShop,P'rt 1 1. 1 5 145. Ivanhoe, Part I jc Ivanhoe, Part II 15 146. White Wings 20 147. The Sketch Book 20 148. Catherine 10 149. Janet's Repentance 10 150. Bamaby Rudge, Part I.. 15 Barnaby Rudge, Part 1 1. 15 151. Felix Holt 20 152. Richelieu 10 153. Sunrise, Part 1 15 153. Sunrise, Part II 15 154. Tour of the World in 80 Days 20 155. Mystery of Orcival 20 156. Lovel, the Widower.. .. 10 157. Romantic Adventures of a Milkmaid 10 158. DavidCo]iperfield,Part 1. 20 DavidCoppi'rfield,P'rt II. 20 159. Charlotte Temple. . ..10 160. Rienzi, 2 Parts, each ...i^ 161. Promise of Marriage . . . • ro 162. Faith and Unfaith 20 163. The Happy Man 10 164. Barry Lyndon 20 165. Eyre's Acquittal 10 166. 20,000 Leagues Under the ' Sea 20 167. Anti-Slavery Days 20 j68. Beauty's Daughters 20 169. Beyond the Sunrise 20 170. Hard Times 20 171. Tom Cringle's Log .... 20 172. Vanity Fair 30 173. LTnderground Russia 20 174. Middlemarch,2 Pts.cach.20 175. Sir Tom 20 176. Pelham 20 177. The Story of Ida 10 178. Madcap Violet 20 i7> The Little Pilgrim 10 180. Kilmeny 20 181. Whist, or Bumblepuppy?.io 182. That Beautiful Wretch.. 20 183. Her Mother's Sin 20 184. Green Pastures, etc 20 185. Mvsterions Islaiid, Pt I.ii QECRET Row to Beautify the Comjjlexion. All women know that it is beauty, rather than geniup, which all fjeneratlons of men have worshipped in the eex. 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BU€HAT^"5s CARBOIilC MEDICINAIi SOAP cures all Eruptions and Skin Diseases. A Manual of Hygiene for Women and the Household. niustrated. By Mrs. E. G. Cook, M.D. 12ino, extra cloth, - ------ $1.50 This new work has already received strong words of commendation from competent judges who have had the opportunity of examining it, as the following wiU show: Commonwealth, Boston, Mass. " This is a sensible book, written in a clear, plain, yet delicate style; a book which ought to be in the hands of all womcQ and girlg old enoue;h to need its counsel. It treats of topics on which hinge much of the world's woe, because of silent suffering, pale cheeks and broken constitutions." Enquirer, Philadelphia, Penn. " It is a plain, sensible talk on subjects usually considered too delicate to be either spoken or written about, but here put in a way that cannot offend any- body. It is a book that every mother should read and then put in her daughter's hand." N. Y. Times. "A book of sound advice to women." Christian Intelligencer, N. Y. City. "Written by a women who speaks from the stand-point of an eaucated ex- perience. Its style is simple, chaste and earnest, and it treats of subjects which it vastly concerns wives, mothers and daughters to know." National Tribune, Washington. D. C. "The information which this book affords is precisely what every woman ought to have." Zion's Herald, Boston, Mass. "■ In clear and plain style, with the modesty and the knowledge which an educated woman has of her subject, is presented just what the young head of a family ought to know about herself and those who may come under her care. It is an admirable book of its kind." New York Star. "The work opens with a chapter on physical culture, which is followed bv essays on physiology in general. The feeding of children, the rights of chil- dren, the question of education, etc., are all discussed, and the work is fully illustrated." N. Y. Medical Times. " It treats of the importance of physical culture and hygiene. The chapters on ' Intemperance and Tobacco' are especially worthy cf note. Such books as this manual are to be welcomed as helpers-on in the good cause of uplifting and perfecting humanity." Scientific American, N. Y. "The importance of physical culture for women, with especial reference to their duties in the household and the raising and care of children, are promi- nently treated in this book." Indianapolis Journal, Indiana. " Some work of this kind is indispensable and thia one seems to be perfectly suited to the purpose for which it was prepared." Presbyterian Banner, Pittsburg, Pac " Prepared by a woman who baa herself received a medical training, it con- tains for mothers instruction and warning that should be carefully considered." LADIES WANTED to act as Agents, to whom ]iberal terms will be given. Copies sent by mail, post-paid, on receipt of price, 1 1.50. Address HYGIENIC PUBIilSMIWCJ CO., 91 7 Broadway, New YorK, or 48a Van Euren Street, Miltvaultee, W£s. "OVER THE SUMMER SEA" ^BY JOHN HARRISON AND MARGx^RET COMPTON "There is a tide in the affairs of mQnrShakspeare NEW YORK JOHN W. LOVELL COMPANY 14 AND 16 Vesey Street Copyright, 1884, by JOHN W. LOVELL COMPANY TROW'3 PRINTING AND nOOKOINDING COMPANY, NEW VORK. H)e5ication (with apologirs to dr. o. w. holmes and mark twain) this volume is affectionately INSCRIBED TO OUR MOST PATIENT READERS AND MOST CHARITABLE CRITICS, OURSELVES "OVER THE SUMMER SEA/' INTRODUCTION. LIST OF SALOON PASSENGERS PER STEAMSHIP THE EMPRESS, CAPT. O. VANK, SAILING FROM NEW YORK FOR LIVERPOOL, Wednesday, June — , i8 — , MR. O'DONOGHUE, New York MRS. O'DONOGHUE Nkw York MISS O'DONOGHUE, Nkvv York MR. RUSSELI Bloomington, III. MISS RUSSELL Bloomington, III., MR. MURRAY, Philadelphia MR. GREEN Dublin MISS GREEN Dublin MR. CHRISTOPHER KENT New York MR. FRENCH. London. Eng. AND OTHERS. OVER THE SUMMER SEA. CAPTAIN VANK. The captain of the Empress was a fellow big and burly, His head was like a bullet, and his hair was brown and curly, And he had a horrid fashion of getting up so early That he always yawned at dinner. For seamanship and courage he was very often quoted, And many resolutions by his passengers were voted ; Yet, perhaps, the noble captain more especially was noted For the yarns he spun at dinner. But who that is lieutenant in the R. N. pray afraid is Of being reprimanded ? for an ocean captain's trade is Not so much to run his vessel as to entertain the ladies And preside with grace at dinner. OVER THE SUMMER SEA, THE O'DONOGHUES. The grandeur of Mrs. and also of Miss O'Donoghtie simply amounted to this, That no other family — this without flattery — In New York, from High Bridge clear down to the Battery, From the north to the south, or the east to the west, Could in any way equal it ; they were the best. Their help was the best that for cash could be hired, And their carriage and horses were always admired. Because, all admitted. New York could not equal The O'Donoghues' turn-out. They could dance well and speak well. They owned the best diamonds, and it was said The two ladies frequently wore them to bed ; As Mrs, O'Donoghue once told her daughter, " In case of a fire, they're the very first zvatery Miss O'Donoghue sang in Italian, of course. And also in French, but declared she was hoarse If asked to sing English, or, tossing her head, *' I only know classical music," she said. After each entertainment their iiie'fiage was lauded, And Mr. O'D. by the press was applauded When he headed a charity list with his name, Always followed by '* Mrs. O'Donoghue — same ; '* 8 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. And then Miss O'Donoghue brought up the rear With an equal amount. They were not at all near Or miserly, that was an evident fact, Though some people said they showed excellent tact In giving, and a few of them openly hinted They never subscribed if the list was not printed. Each summer they patronized Europe, and lent An additional charm to the old continent. The O'Donoghues' phrase was, so rumor relates, ** If you 'd see this done properly, come to the States." And yet, it was strange, when they came back again. They hardly did anything else but complain. As when at a concert, at the close of a song. Miss O'Donoghue said, " In the Bois de Boulogne, I heard a poor beggar-girl sing that same air Far better, and oh ! she was wondrously fair. Why, even le pciiple in dear France are delightful, But our poor people are wretched, are frightful 1 " In short, the O' Donoghues constantly cavilled At everything local, to show they were travelled. If you praised Coney Island, they at once praised Bou- logne ; If you mentioned Chicago, they mentioned Hong Kong, Incidentally throwing in London and Rome, Quite taking your breath away. When they were home America suffered, there is not a doubt of it. But they praised it, ad natiseanty when they were out of it. OVER THE SUMMER SEA. MR. RUSSELL. A GENTLEMAN of fifty-four, Or fifty-five, or maybe more ; He never told his age, but let concealment— well, no matter. His hair was iron gray, but fine As unspun silk, the only sign That Father Time recorded, save that daily he grew fatter. A merchant — rumor does not tell The kind of goods he had to sell. But stocks and bonds and ready cash were proof that he had flourished ; A self-made man, and well made too. His capital had been a sou, At first, which shows how little things will grow if wisely nourished. lo OVER THE SUMMER SEA. MISS RUSSELL. From her debi^t until the last ball of last season Miss Russell was belle, with but very slight reason If with critical measure her features you scan, Which you never will do, if a single young man. Her hair, which was dark, was inclined to be straight, But waved here and there in defiance of fate ; Her eyebrows were heavy, and prettily curved ; Her nose from the Grecian had saucily swerved, Not pugnaciously, no — though her rivals declare She frequently carries that feature in air. Her lips were not rosy, her teeth were not pearls. And yet she was far from the plainest of girls. Her eyes, as to color, were blue, brown, or gray, And sparkled and changed fifty times in a day ; They were certainly lovely, and lit up her face, And gave her, in part, that intangible grace Which poets and novelists seem to combine In calling a *^ something,'' but never define. OVER THE SUMMER SEA. n MR. MURRAY. He was tall and slim and very erratic, Loud in his speech, which was always emphatic ; Quick with an answer, and careless if what He said was polite or if it was not ; Pallid complexion, with dark, piercing eyes, Which, at times, would look foolish, at other times wise ; A forehead that reached to the back of his head, That was partly concealed by a skullcap in red. Bushy black whiskers adorned either cheek, And a m.ustache connected the two, so to speak. He was starting for Europe with one suit of black That fitted him like the proverbial sack, A suit which was patched and eternally dusty, A suit which had reached the condition called rusty. He was one of those men who despise the external. And value a nut by the size of its kernel ; Which is all very well in the matter of food, Although, for our part, we like both to be good. The outside and inside, for who can endure Any one who makes patches a virtue ? We 're sure The poor may be smart, as was Robinson Crusoe, But, if a man can avoid rags, he should do so. 12 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. He was tough as a mule, and could stand any weather, And never was still for two minutes together ; Be the sea rough or smooth, be it cloudy or clear, He was good for a sermon, or good for a beer. First up in the morning, and last to " turn in,'* He seemed to consider that sleep was a sin. From the day that he sailed to the day that he landed He battled and conquered ennui single-handed. MR. CHRISTOPHER KENT. ** He is very like Shelley," the ladies remark, *' Except that his eyes are a trifle too dark ; A true poet's forehead and soft chestnut curls, A complexion as pale and as clear as a girl's ; A well-moulded chin — and the poise of his head Is perfectly charming." The gentlemen said : *' A deucedly handsome young fellow, that Kent, Our chance with the ladies is not worth a cent, For those whom his face fails to capture instanter Will worship his muscles — he '11 win in a canter." OVER THE SUMMER SEA. MR. GREEN. A HANDSOME man with an eager eye, And a frame well knit and strong ; But he spoilt it all with a chronic sigh, As if something inside was wrong. Freed by wealth from common care, He had plenty of time to fret, And had gone about with a mournful air. Since learning his alphabet. He shook one's hand in a solemn style, And spoke in a minor tone ; It was only his skin that seemed to smile- He 'd a titular funny bone. MISS GREEN. His sister, a lady of certain age, Kind-hearted and good but quaint, Served Brother John like a faithful page, And thought him a modern saint. 14 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. MR. FRENCH. A DISCIPLE of Nature, nay, more, a Freethinker, Who sought every orthodox tenet to tinker ; A satirical, epigrammatical Briton, Employed by some paper, for which he had written His notions about the American nation. He was like that great potentate, Og, King of Bashan, Who belonged to the remnant of giants, his size Being simply enormous. He was witty and wise, The prince of good-fellows. 'T is needless to state That Nature intended this man to be great. THE OTHERS. One frequently fmds on a play-bill, you know, Right after the name of the great So-and-so, A long list of villagers, citizens, lords, Who fill up a scene, or say a few words, Who make up a crowd, or assist at a mystery. But have little or nothing to do with the history. Be the '' Others " 0217^ supers, whom we introduce Whenever we find they can be of some use. Go forth, httle book, do your best ; it is certain You must stand on your merits now. Up goes the curtain 1 SCENE I. -FAREWELL, DEAR LAND, FARE WELL!" SCENE I. ''Farewell, Dear Land, Farewell!" What a sense of contentment, what visions of ease Steal over a passenger's mind, when he sees The long line of table, one sweep of refection, Which the mirrors, by means of a dual reflection, Extend to a board of such noble proportion — He blushes to think that he swore at extortion. A field of white linen, a glitter of plate, With floral devices (in fashion of late). With gay-colored glasses in studied confusion. And crystal and china complete the delusion. And, although older travellers know, to their sorrow, How the aspect of things will be changed on the mor- row. They join in \}i\^fete, and are heard to declare, They expect a smooth passage, et sans inal de mer. The steward, portly. Goes starboard shortly, With list of names. To settle claims To choice seats at the table ; With practised vision, And calm decision, 2 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. And sundry fees, He, by degrees, Brings order out of Babel. His manner stately, Changes greatly, As, leaving starboard, He goes to larboard — For who respects 2. porter ? With surly haste The cards are placed, And protestation Is but vexation ; The bell cuts matters shorter. Who cannot tell The dinner bell Wherever it may tingle ? Its welcome tone None others own, An appetizing jingle. Unlike the sound The rag-man's round Proclaims in street and alley. None think to look, Except the cook. Or lowly, love-sick Sally. Unlike the light *' Ting-ting;' at night, By one young miss expected ; OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 19 Which old maids fear, But long to hear, For they arc belles rejected. Unlike the clang That sends a pang Through every nerve and sinew. It means no meal, You know, you feel A dun has called to " skin " you. No other bell Is known so well, As that which rings for dinner ; 'T is understood By rich and rude, By saint as well as sinner. In the midst of the general scrimmage and hurry. The foremost and loudest had been Mr. Murray, Whose causes for grievance, apparently boundless, Had proved, one and all, to be utterly groundless. Which must not against his good judgment be reck- oned. For his maxim in life was, '' In nothing play second." In the race for the seats, when the bell rang for din- ner, By considerably more than a neck he was winner. The others had barely been seated, when he Recognized an acquaintance in his vis a vis, And without hesitation saluted him thus : " Say, Russell, old fellow, how did you leave Gus ? " 20 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. Mr. Russell looked up, and was greatly confused, While his daughter looked on, and was highly amused. He really could not for the life of him tell Who it was that apparently knew him so well. Since his marriage, and subsequent life at the Wev,v,, He had taken but little or no interest In the doings and beings of bachelor days, And so not a ghost of the past could he raise. But while he was racking his business-like brain, Mr. Murray addressed him in jocular vein : " You don't mean to say you 've forgotten the hairs In the soup, that, in order to soften affairs, We used to call rabbits — and how Gus, the fool, Would swear, ' Dey ain't mine, sah, I'ze only got luool ' ? " ** Why, Murray, my boy ! " Mr. Russell exclaimed, As he held out his hand, "I am really ashamed That my memory served me so shabby a trick. While you knew me at once. You 're a regular brick ! And how goes the world, old fellow, with you ? You know, in our young days, the coppers were few ; But Providence favors us men at the West, And now I can hold up my head with the best. Mr. Murray, permit me — Miss Russell, my daughter. I suppose that, although you have taken to water. You are not a teetotaler? Steward ! some wine ! I am glad you decided to go by this line." Mr. Murray had listened, and now and again Had looked up and smiled, but his knife had not lain For a moment in idleness. Now, less intent OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 21 Upon eating-, he introduced Christopher Kent, With a warmth and enipressemeiit that one would ex- tend To him who had long been an intimate friend, While neither had heard of the other one's name. Until the head steward reluctantly came In response to their summons, to see if he knew Who first bought the ticket for berth 92. The wine being brought, the gentlemen drank The toasts of ** Lang Syne," " The Ship," " Captain Vank ; " And each time the glasses rose higher and higher. Mr. Russell suggested, " Before we retire, Mr. Murray's young lady I beg to propose — The name we must leave to our friend t,o disclose." Mr. Murray uplifted his glass, while he said, •* If Miss Russell will kindly permit me — " Her head Dropped in silence, she blushed and had made Some excuse to retire, but feeling afraid Of offending her father by slighting his friend, She sat without raising her eyes till the end, And so did not see Mr. Christopher Kent, Who scowled at his neighbor, and longed to resent The insult thus offered in friendship's disguise. But great would have been Mr. Murray's surprise. Had he dreamed the young lady or Kent would resent it; For, of course he was jesting, and never had meant it; He most likely presumed such a girl had a lover. 22 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. The passengers rose when the dinner was over ; Some went to the deck for a breath of salt air, And some to their rooms for the night to prepare. Miss Russell's conipagnoii de voyage she found Stretched out in her berth, her things scattered around : *' Are you sick ? " Miss O'Donoghue lifted her eyes, *' Oh no ! viais je pcnse, it is best to be wise." Miss Russell was quick the false tone to detect, For shoddy she never had any respect, But revelled in aiming the sharpest of wit At every pretension, and laughed when it hit. To put the case mildly, in more than one sense MissO'Donoghue's baggage was " simply immense : " A huge " Saratoga," voluminous wraps — Such as waterproof cloaks, and rugs done up in straps — • Bonnet-boxes and hat-boxes, bags and valises, A patent camp-chair with adjustable pieces, Umbrellas and sunshades of every hue. Till Miss Russell's one trunk was quite hidden from view. So slie turned just as quickly as space would allow, And said, with a formal attempt at a bow, *' Ttrust that my trunk will not be in your way ? " Miss O'Donoghue roused herself slightly to say, '' Fas de tout, poti-r le present^ if it is, without doubt We can shift it, or something — in short, have it out." '' Have it out? " said Miss Russell, then, feigning a sigh, " I should suffer, you know more o{ boxijig than I." OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 23 Curiosity getting the better of pride, Miss O'Donoghue moved, and attentively eyed Her companion. She had on a blue travelling suit, And a small jaunty hat, that was ever so cute. The dress fitting close to her figure was made So remarkably well, and the buttons and braid Matched the cloth so exactly, she felt some surprise And asked, '* What modiste, pray, do you patronize ? '' Miss Russell replied, ** Well, a lady who lives In our town, as a rule makes my dresses, but gives Me a lesson sometimes — I am stupid and slow, But I made this myself/' If a violent blow Had been aimed at the fair Miss O'Donoghue's head. It could not nave stunned her more thoroughly. Led By a fear of vulgarity, she muttered, " Indeed ! " Then picked up a book, and pretended to read. Miss Russell controlled her desire to laugh, And a still stronger longing to twit her with chaff; But she said to herself as she went up on deck, " I am afraid that she suffers from clironic stiff-neck. Well, I pity the girl — though I know that is folly, I'll be bound she has never been thoroughly jolly." Darkness is slowly creeping over the cities' towers, But on the western hill-tops the light will glow for hours. Sparks from celestial embers drop on the quiet bay. In a moment the waves are flaming — they smoulder and die away. 24 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. Black is the narrow river running down to the sea, And the fire-flies are twinkhng on its shores in every tree. RolHng in from the ocean, heavily wreathed witii white, By the cool salt wind that hastens to the land on a summer night, Billows and waves and billows break on the yellow sand, And the vessel dips her colors as a gun is fired on land. Suddenly, from the towers, up on the wooded heights, Like the signals from a castle, flash forth the High- land Liehts. 'fc)' Out of the pale blue zenith, bashful, as children are, Who long to be seen, yet hidden, there faintly shines a star. Gray and cold the horizon, ghostly the tall white sail. It has gone, like the phantom vessel in the old New England tale. Peace and a restful sadness come with the lengthened swell, As the ship is plunging seaward. '' Farewell, dear land, farewell ! " OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 25 Mr. Russell was one of those men who maintain That character reading is perfectly plain ; As a matter of course, he was never deceived (So he said, and most likely he firmly believed). It was fortunate then for the person concerned That something he fancied he clearly discerned In the bright, handsome features of Christopher Kent. So, when, after dinner, the gentlemen went To the deck for a smoke in the cool evening air, He joined the young man at the head of the stair, And linking his arm, in a fatherly way, Discoursed for awhile on the news of the day. Kent apparently listened, but certcs ! his mind Wandered far from the speaker, for — well, he had dined, And as fate and the steward ordained it had sat Vis a vis with Miss Russell, and certainly tliat Was sufficient excuse for his mental abstraction ; The young lady, in short, was the counter-attraction. But good listeners often gain credit for what The speaker has said, when, as likely as not, Their brilHant replies have been merely " Oh no ! " Or '* Oh yes ! " with, perhaps, for variety, ** So ? " Mr. French soon approached them, and asked for a light. And remarked, " This is truly a beautiful night." The topic of weather is twitted as old ; Like spinsters, the good it has done is untold, Like them, it is often tlie butt of our fun, J -ike them, it will do that which else were undone, 26 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. Like them, 't Is peculiar — It must be confessed, Its methods and actions can never be guessed ; But what should we do if old maids and the weather Should suddenly leave this poor world altogether ? Who then would receive the young lover's confes- sion ? How then could we manage a needed digression ? Or even approach a sedate-looking stranger ? But Old Probabilities says there's no danger, But as long as the heat and the frost shall contend, And as loner as the rain and the sunshine shall blend. The weather will last ; and, as long, we 're afraid, We shall laugh at and cherish the ^''67///^ old maid. This subject worn threadbare, worn clear to the bone, Conversation took on a more personal tone. MR. RUSSELL. I suppose, Mr. French, you have travelled half round The world once or twice, and this trip, Fil be bound, Seems to you a mere nothing. To us it appears The event of a lifetime. I think travelling clears From the brain mental cobwebs — you know what I mean, It needs, as one's house does, an annual clean ; And I think we might copy our newspaper men. Who must need have clear heads, to make use of the pen. I believe I have managed the knot to unravel, When I say, you owe this to the virtue of travel. Am I right ? OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 27 MR. FRENCH. Well, of course ; though I oftentimes think One can travel too much. If the faculties shrink By inaction, they can, by a change, be restored. And the " virtue of travel " must not be ignored ; But who can restore elasticity lost By o'erstretching ? Then, have you computed the cost Paid by scholars to happiness ? Knowledge is pain. A professional humorist never again Can know the crisp sparkle and fillip of fun, A trick is no trick if we know how 't is done, There's monotony even of change and variety, One can overdo anything, travel or piety, One can eat too much, drink too much — there, I can see I have talked too much. MR. RUSSELL. No, sir, not so. I agree With much you have said, though I freely confess I know little about it ; but, nevertheless, If travel will cure those who rust, I suppose Rest will cure over-travel. Now, I would propose, If this be your ailment, you marry, and then Settle down, read no newspapers, bury your pen, And perhaps that will cure you. Just try it. MR. FRENCH. You make An error, believe mc, indeed you mistake A man's theories for his opinions. lUit say 28 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. That the case is my own — would your remedy lay In the dust all ambition for fortune and name ? Even newspaper men Jiave a longing for fame. MR. RUSSELL. I '11 not answer for that, sir. MR. KENT. But I can. The seeds Of Ambition, once sown, though it be among weeds, Will o'ertop them. You may bury it deep, And pile heavy stones on its grave — it will creep To the surface again, and the thing you thought dead Will haunt and appall you with infinite dread, As the earnest of talent that, properly used. Had led on to glory, but, crushed and abused, Abandoned, or finally ruthlessly slain, Has left in its stead that incurable pain The stine of remorse. / :=) MR. RUSSELL. Bless my heart ! One would think You a hoary old cynic. MR. FRENCH. Or given to drink. But he spoke from experience as bitter and sad As many a hoary old cynic has had. There's a time in the boyhood of nine out often, When they think they can never be happy again ; They plunge into pleasure with genuine zest, OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 29 They work without giving themselves any rest, They talk about dying, and wish death were near, They speak of the opposite sex with a sneer. How long the low fever will last will depend Upon the next woman they choose for a friend ; For a/r^V;/.^/— at the first, they are very exact In giving the title ; and she, with a tact That only a w^oman can hope to possess, Accepts it, for value received, more or less ; And, sooner or later, statistics will prove. From friendship they surely will drift into love. But Christopher Kent was cut off from the joy That lifts into manhood the cynical boy. The duty which fettered his brilliant young life Compelled him to banish the thought of a wife. He had loved, and, unless he was greatly deceived. As a suitor he would have been gladly received ; But that was beforehand — his friend loved her too, With a love just as earnest, poor Christopher knew, And pure as his own. To ask her to wed Some time in the future, when, looking ahead, The prospect was duller, he thought it a sin. So stepped to one side, and let his friend win. And what was the trouble that darkened his life ? For years it had been a continual strife To conquer his tastes, and to bury his soul In a work that he hated. The coveted goal Of his boyhood and youth could never be gained ; So ambition was deadened — there only remained 30 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. A strong sense of duty, a worry and fret Over what he 'd rehnquished, but could not forget. From the time when, a merry young urchin, he went To Barnum's Museum and Play-room, his bent Had been most decided. His dream was, that he An actor, a famous tragedian might be. His training all tended to foster the same. He went on the stage, and was making a name Such as few debutants can expect, when the blow That shattered his idol, and made him forego His pleasure and hopes, left the future a blank, Came upon him. His father had served in a bank, For tv/enty or thirty — it may have been more Best years of his life — he was now past three-score, And the managers told him he could not compete With new men and new methods ; they wanted to meet The growing demands of their patrons, and so — They were sorry, of course, but such changes, you know. Must come in the natural progress of trade. The old man was stricken, no answer he made. Ikit Christopher, hot with the hot blood of youth, Went to see them, to compromise matters, forsooth, And did — for his father related with pride, He was asked to come back ; but there, at his side, Poor Christopher labored, and day after day Smothered all his bright hopes, as he plodded away. Week in and week out, and year after year, He saw every chance of escape disappear ; OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 31 Too poor to indulge in society's revel, Too proud and too faithful to go to the devil. This trip was the gift of a kind-hearted friend ; The bank gave him time, and a small draft to spend, The one kindness shown him for many a year. Is it strange he adopted a cynical sneer, And doubted the justice of God or of man ? Think of it, ye favored, then blame him who can. To resume. While they talked, Mr. Murray had passed And repassed them, again and again ; walking fast, And still faster, as if he were running a race, Increasing the length of his strides with his pace. On his arm hung Miss Green, and her maidenly feet, Accustomed to picking their way in the street With a measured and decorous kind of placidity. Now fluttered along with terrific rapidity. At the turns she accomplished a hop, skip, and bound. As the gentleman dragged her excitedly round. And, blissfully ignorant aught was the matter, Kept up a continual, voluble clatter, Nor gave her the ghost of a chance to explain The pleasure it gave her to walk, and the pain It gave her to run. But the topics he chose Were inal a propos, and her gentle blood froze With terror, for now it was shipwreck and fire, Collisions with icebergs, then troubles more dire. Such as mutiny, fever, explosions, and death, Never stopping a moment for words or for breath, 32 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. Never thinking of rest, or proposing a seat ; He believed he was giving Miss Green quite a treat. Exhausted and breathless, she managed to say, As Miss Russell came up the companion way, " Won't you pi- -ease take my pi — ace ? " Mr. Murray stopped short, And offered his disengaged arm to escort Miss Russell, as well as Miss Green, for an airing, Explaining, '' The captain has just past us, swearing Like one ^o'clock, so that Miss Green turned quite pale, And gave us strict orders to crowd on more sail.'' "Then please, Mr. Murray," she said in reply, " Just crowd it on, won't you, and let me pass by ? " Her father was smoking the smoke of the just. Unlike those who smoke because, sooth, smoke they must. To quiet the conscience by dulling the brain. Or those more unfortunate ones, to kill pain. He never had smoked while a lad, but had learned it Of late, for he felt that his hard work had earned it. Mr. Kent rose to meet her, and said, " I declare, Here's Miss Russell— permit me"— he offered his arm. ♦*Do you care"— speaking now to her father— " if your daughter and I Take a walk ? *' OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 33 ** Not at all," he replied ; '' well, good-by. Take care of her, Kent." So the two strolled away To the stern of the ship, or ** went aft " we should say. They talked about music and painting, and then Of modern essayists, and prominent men Who had risen of late. Alas ! poor young Kent Began falling in love. The pale moonlight lent A charm to his dream, with commendable grace, As likewise the sea, the faint stars, and the place ; For when did the moon, or the stars, or the ocean Fail to help a young man, once possessed with the notion Of fallincr in love ? Yet, in spite of the pleasure It gave him, he knew it was wrong — that at leisure His judgment, his feeling of honor and right Would accuse him of treachery. " Love at first sight ! " Was it possible ? Love ? Then a sense of chagrin Swept over his soul. If it were, could Jic win This lady? He ask her to marry him ? Fool That he was ! without aught in the bank — but his stool (That by common consent he had claimed for his own). No future — the fate of his father had shown The reward that would come to the faithful, at last. "Strike out?" He had done so, but that was all past. ** O conscience, be silent, upbraid not to-night, And let me enjoy, unalloyed, the delight 3 34 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. Of a union of soul with its own counterpart In a woman ! I promise, in earnest, my heart Shall not conquer my reason, or lead it astray.'* So he argued, and placed himself under the sway Of passions he never had suffered before To rise to the surface. We build out the shore, And think we have mastered the powerful tide, But let the great torrents sweep down, and our pride Is carried before it ; for back to its bound. The water will rush, and the pitiful ground Can oppose no resistance ; 't is as helpless as we, Who cannot control either passion or sea. Miss Russell was always accustomed to please, And therefore with strangers was wholly at ease ; She frequently flirted, but had no intent Of trying her skill upon Christopher Kent. But a woman who flirts, without meaning it quite ^ Is by far the most dangerous — somehow, in spite Of herself, she is charming ; a natural grace, The glimpse of her soul that he sees in her face, Bewitches the man ; let him fight as he will, The web is elastic and fetters him still. And so, as they leaned on the railing, she thought Of the beauty of sky and of sea, he of naught But her beauty and talent. A pale yellow light Still shone in the west, and above it two bright. Rosy clouds, that soon darkened, and faded away, Caught Miss Russell's attention. OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 35 '* Whenever the day- Dies like that," she observed, " a song I once read, And remember with pleasure, comes into my head. If you like, I'll repeat it ; I think it is named Chateaux en Espagne'' If Miss Russell had aimed To capture his heart, she would scarcely have found A subject more fitting. Kent's heart gave a bound, And he stammered out, " Thank you," and so she began To recite, in a low, tender voice. Thus it ran : ** All the world is wrapped in glory, May not I be happy, too. Rest my head on crimson pillows, Sail awhile o'er golden billows. Of the future catch a view ? " In the dim, but sweet blue distance, I see castles, tall and fair. Gates are opened for my entry ; While, with eager gaze, the sentry- Waits my coming through the air. " Entering, my eyes are dazzled. Courtier knights around me stand, Show the treasures they have brought me, Tell how enemies that fought me Have been vanquished by their hand. 36 OVER THE SUMMER SEA, *' On the walls my arms are blazoned, Music sounds through marble halls, While from fountains, ever playing. All my weariness allaying, One sweet shower of perfume falls. ** What is that ? I hear a knocking, As of waves against the door. Ah ! the glory has departed, And I drift back, broken-hearted, For my castle is no more." At its close, Kent was lavish in praise ; for his ear. Although pleased with the words, had admired the clear And musical voice, the correct modulation And rightly placed accent. In truth, admiration So made him forget, that he scarcely could hold, His passion in bounds, and he nearly had told, Then and there, that he loved her. The sound of a bell Brought him back to his senses, and broke the mad spell. The supper completed, the minutes flew fast. And Miss Russell was glad when her father, at last, Advised her to go to her room. She was tired With the novel excitement ; it therefore required But very few words from the fair Miss O'D. To rouse her to anger. OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 37 A person at sea, To remain on good terms with all those on the ship, From the day that it sails to the end of the trip, Must either be void of combativeness, or His digestion is better than when upon shore. Miss O'Donoghue sneered about " some one's " triste eyes ; And in very plain language expressed her surprise At her boldness for going on deck after dark. Miss Russell was vexed, and this hint, like a spark Let to fall upon tinder, caught, smouldered, and grew, Till her anger was kindled. She wisely refrained From giving it vent on the spot, but remained, For a moment, just eyeing her over with scorn, Then turned into bed, feeling tired and worn, And lay awake, thinking how best she might be Avenged for this insult. Bezvare, Miss O'D. ! The dull plash of waters, so heavy and deep, When new to the landsman, forbids him to sleep ; But soon it will soothe him, as when upon shore A sweet voice will sing the same lullaby o'er Many times ; but no language can ever explain The charm of a sound — and again and again The poets have failed — but in this they agree. That an unexplained secret hes hid in the sea. SCENE II. A DISCOVERY AND A PLOT. SCENE II. A Discovery and a Plot. The breath of the morn blows from windward to lee, Fresh, cool, and salt with the spray of the sea ; The water is blue, and the sky overhead Is wooed by the sunlight. The faint flush of red Grows deeper and stronger ; the wooer has won, The maiden is vanquished, and day has begun. The sails of a yacht Mr. Black calls " White Wings," But we wonder whatever he 'd call the vile things They hoist on a steamer ? Perhaps he would crack A joke at expense of himself, and say " Black." However, a sail that had grown by degrees To a nondescript color now flapped in the breeze. The sea-gulls that followed the track of the ship. Or took a salt bath without waiting to strip, Were loud in expressing disgust, by their cries, At the lateness of breakfast. 'T is said that time flies, But when you are hungry, just say if you feel The remark to be true, while you wait for a meal. Three sailors were swabbing the deck ; two were tall, Ungainly, and lanky, the third one was small. The little one seemed to do most of the work. Which the others were only too willing to shirk. 42 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. Mr. Murray appeared. First he looked at the sun, And seeing how high it was, started to run ; We suppose with the primary view of attaining A healthy sea appetite — his had been waning. And he did not intend that the company should Get the better of him — let them try if they could. But his eye caught the swabbers ; he stopped, and then said, ** Mop harder, my men, wake those sluggards in bed, But don't wet the decks so, or else they'll need wring- ing, And what in the world do you mean by not singing ? You call yourselves sailors, and yet sing no chorus While swabbing the deck ; all the real sailors bore us With long drawn-out part-songs. Heavens! don't say You sailors don't sing as they do in the play." Then the little man laughed as he said, "• Sing sir ? No, And we have n't no words if we wished to do so." ** No words," he exclaimed, with increased animation, " By Jove ! here's a chance for a grand inspiration." He drew from his pocket a note book, and biting His nails for a moment in thought, commenced writing. In less than ten minutes, the words were completed. And he said to the three merry sailors, who treated The whole as a joke, *' Avast there, ye lubbers. Ye hitherto songless, mute swabbers and scrubbers ! Here are words, and it only remains to be seen, If you know the old ballad called * God save the Queen.' " OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 43 Then he snatched a mop-handle from one of the long, Lazy swabbers, and, swabbing the deck, sang this song : Swabbing So?tg. Far from our native land, Bravely, with mop in hand, Scour we the seas ; Rising at dawn o' day, Faithful us works away, 'T ain't any youngster's play, 'T ain't done with ease. Over the dirty decks, 'Most like to break our necks, At it we keeps ; Never a word we swear. Bravely we do and dare, Lots do land-lubbers care, Soundly they sleeps. Under the British flag. Or any other rag, Swabs we the same ; Darn it ! no praise we get. Darn it ! our feet gets wet, T is mighty hard, you bet. But we dies game. At the end of the song, Mr. Murray observed A rather old man, with an ample vest curved Like a bow when the arrow is drawn to its tip. 44 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. With no beard, or whiskers, or hair on his lip, To hide the defects of his face, which was red, And round as the sun ; who, approaching him, said. In a voice that was husky with ill-suppressed rage, " It surprises me, sir, in this civilized age. To find any one who could wilfully sing Such bosh to our national air; 'tis a thing Quite indecent ! Why, how would you like it, you noodle, If I sang Rule Britannia to your Yankee Doodle ? " ** I should like it immensely," quite gravely said Mur- ray, " The song would be greatly improved. What 's your hurry ? " He exclaimed ; for the gentleman, stamping his foot. With a growl, and a " Hang your impertinence ! " put A respectable distance between them. **By Jove ! " Said the short swabber, " Ain't he a peppery cove ? '* *' They Ve a stowavvay for'ard, a strapping big fellow," Said a sailor. " You ought to have heard the chap bellow ; He swore like a trooper. He's six-foot, and strong As a limburger cheese. You should just go along To the steerage, and see for yourself if he 's not." Murray let the mop fall, and was off like a shot. Nearly killing the man with the paunch, who had growled At the chorus, by knocking him over. He howled And shook his fat fist at the fleeing offender. Then rubbed himself down where he felt the most ten- der. OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 45 Near the prow of the ship stood a small knot of men, And as Murray drew near he heard one say, "D'ye ken Where ye are th' day, bairnie, an' where is yer hame ? Do ye ken if your mammy 's aboard ! What 's yer name ? " He elbowed his way past the speaker and there Saw no dangerous stowaway, only a fair, Flaxen-haired, blue-eyed, rosy-cheeked, bright little lad, Five or six years of age, and respectably clad In a plain braided suit, but his light hair was rough And tangled, his collar was creased, and one cuff Was spotted with tar, with which he was trying Quite vainly to wipe off the traces of crying. "Why, where did you find him?" said Murray, '' poor baby ! " «' He 's a stowaway, sir," said a sailor. '* Eh, may- be," Replied Murray with warmth, " he's so old, is he not ? Say, rather, a stowcd-d^v^^y. Here, httle tot, What's your name ? " ** Tommy, sir." *' Tommy what ? What's the other ? " " 'T ain't nuffin' a 'tickler!' " Good ; well, where's your mother? " This started the tears. Murray stroked the boy's hair, And said, '^ Tommy 'Tickler, don't cry, my lad— there, You '11 make yourself sick. Come, get up, and stand. Now ! That 's right— what a man ! " Tommy put his small hand 46 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. In that of his newly found friend, and the two Went in search of the captain ; Tom minus a shoe. Captain Vank was at breakfast, and at his right hand The O'Donoghues sat, looking sea-sick but grand ; The ladies in light morning wraps trimmed with lace. The sea was so calm that not one had the face To pretend to be sick. When Murray advanced, Holding fast little Tom, many passengers glanced With surprise at the soiled little urchin, who drew Himself timidly back, shyly hiding from view Behind Mr. Murray's long coat-tails. ** Look here," Cried that gentleman, drawing the boy from the rear, And tenderly lifting him up from the ground, ** Look here. Captain Vank, what your sailors have found ! " He told all he knew of the child, and his name — ** Tommy 'Tickler." *' Now who," he went on, ** is to blame ? Not the little one, captain. Come, what 's your decree, Will you pardon the baby, and let him go free ? We can find room for Tommy with us, can't we, Kent ? He can share my commodious berth. You consent ? " " Mr. Murray," the captain replied, '* I regret To seem hard or unfeeling, but then you forget He 's a stowaway. I am responsible " ^'Stay !" Exclaimed Murray, ** I guess we can somehow defray The expense of his passage." He set down the lad, Took out of his pocket the book that he had, And wrote his own name at the top of the page, OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 47 Then, " $2.00," but changed it to three, " I engage," He went on, '* every one here will add to the list, Even you, Captain Vank ; come, you cannot resist The temptation." " I would," said the captain, " but we Have already found two stowaways. Can't you see, If I help one, I surely can hardly expect The rest to obey, or show any respect ? " Indignation was written on every one's face. And some of them muttered, " A shame ! " ^* A dis- grace ! " Then Mr. O'Donoghue flourished his knife. And called out, **Ten dollars, for me and my wife.** " Ten dollars apiece ? " Mr. Murray asked gravely. The gentleman flushed, but he answered right bravely, *' Of course ! you could not suppose that I meant A beggarly ten for the two ? " Mr. Kent Reached out for the paper, to add his own name, When the fair Miss O'D. said, " Put me down the same As papa and mamma." The list went the rounds, Until Murray announced that he had "Twenty pounds ! " *' Which is one — hun — dred — dollars collected — not bad 1 " Said Mr. O'Donoghue, patting the lad With a prim condescension. And lastly they sent The paper along to the portly old gent, 48 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. Whose face became purple with rage, as he swore That he paid all his rates and his taxes on shore, His church tax, his poor tax, his school tax, and he— By Jingo ! he wouldn't be taxed while at sea. Miss Russell remarked sotto voce : ** He prates, For his tax-paying morals exclude waUr rates.'* The money subscribed was collected, and paid At once to the captain. A portion was laid Aside for investment for Tom's future use. The captain attempted no further excuse For his singular meanness. So Tommy remained In Murray's own state-room. He rapidly gained The love and the petting all freely bestow On beautiful children, or children who know Enough to be funny or saucy ; but let The child be low-browed and low-born, we forget That, perhaps, it is far more in need ofa friend ; It has always been so, will be so till the end Of all time, we suppose. Tommy Tickler was fair, And had, as it proved, a respectable share Of wit and impertinence. What is so grand As a bright day at sea, just a few leagues from land ? The water is witchingly blue, and the spray Hides the wrinkles of laughter that over it play ; The sky is an echo, in color, of sea ; The adventurous gulls are gone mad with the glee ; The sail on the main-mast is filled by the wind ; OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 49 The smoke is bewildered ; and, looking behind, We see a broad pathway of pebble-like foam, That leads, so we fondly imagine, to home. The awning is spread, and the passengers search For corners to lounge in, secure from a lurch ; Some make an attempt to read novels, but no ! The raciest seem incontestably slow. Like the beautiful imp that successfully won Good St. Anthony's glance from his book, so the sun, The white foam on the waves, the white gulls on the wing, The gay promenaders — in short, everything Distracts their attention, and leads them to look In every direction, save that of the book. Unless a man really wishes to be The butt of his fellows, he must, while at sea, Get acquainted, be sociable ; so it falls out, Introductions are plenty, or else done without. Mr. Murray adjusts Miss O'Donoghue's chair, And that haughty young lady, before she 's aware Of the manifest inconvenance of the act. Is talking and laughing with him, and, in fact. With three or four others, who, wanting to hear Mr. Murray's remarks, have shyly drawn near. Miss Russell was happy that morning, for she Had planned her revenge against fair Miss O'D. As she walked past that lady, she purposely leant In a fond, languid way on the arm of young Kent. 4 50 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. A few minutes later she might have been seen Promenading the deck with the sad Mr. Green ; And then, some one else. Miss O'Donoghue saw The change in her escorts, and hastened to draw An arrow of wit that should strike at the heart Of Christopher Kent, whom, sitting apart, Mr. Murray had striven in vain to include, More than once, in the group — but Kent feared to intrude. Miss O'Donoghue's wit fell decidedly flat. For Murray remarked, " Why, joking like that Brings back to my mind a tale that I heard, And believe in as true, although rather absurd." '* Do tell it," the company cried. So, with face As grave as a judge in a criminal case, And a tone that defied a correct imitation, He proceeded at once to recite this narration : The Nijte Suitors, ** A British ship at anchor lay In the harbor of New York ; The stevedores were packing her With Yankee beef and pork. Nine slim young men went up the plank, And they were tall and good ; But none of them had ever loved, Theysaid they never would ; But whether they would n't, Or whether they could n't. Or their mothers said they should n't, The world will never know. OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 51 *' The passengers were all on board, The vessel got up steam, And floated down the river, like The — ah — something of a dream. A pretty girl came up on deck And near the railing stood ; She never loved a fellow-man, And said she never would ; But whether she could n't, Or whether she would n't, Or her father said she should n't, The world will never know. *' The nine young men stood in a row, Each trying not to stare, The lady looked embarrassed, and They offered her a chair. The nine young swells were very rich, And it was understood That each of them could marry Whatever girl he would ; But whether he could n't, Or whether he would n't, Or the lady said he should n't. The world will never know. ** So things went on as usual, The weather soon grew thick, The nine young men were gallant. The pretty girl was sick ; She certainly was charming, When they brought her dainty food, 52 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. ' I 'd eat it all now really And truly if I could ; ' But whether she could n't, Or whether she would n't, Or her stomach said she should n't, The world will never know. ** The nine young men came up on deck, Each in his Sunday clo'es, And went abaft the wheel>-house. In order to propose ; The lady had no preference, But said that, if she could. She'd marry every one of them, But it was n't any good ; But whether she could n't, Or whether she would n't, Or that custom said she should n't, The world will never know. ** The lady asked the captain how She ever should decide ? Said he, * The love of those young men Should certainly be tried.' So, when they all were present, She fell into the sea, And eight of them jumped after her. The ninth — oh where was he ? Now whether he could n't (jump). Or whether he would n't (swim), Or the captain said he should n't (try), The world will never know. OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 53 ** Once fairly out of the water, she Went up to him, and said, * Dear sir, you are a solid man, And have a level head ; So, without further parley, Or hint of a pretence, I agree to marry you, sir. For you have common-sense.' So her father said he could n't. And her mother said she would n't, And the captain said he should n't Refuse to give consent." ** Bravo ! " cried the gentlemen, " give us some more." Miss O'Donoghue feebly responded " Encored But Murray declined to continue, and said, ** I must see if that carpenter fellow is dead ; He promised to cut some fresh boards, and a cue ; That was hours ago. I suppose all of you Play shuffle-board. Oh, you can quickly learn how ! I '11 shuffle him overboard — there he comes now ! " Mr. Murray went off to attend to the game, When Miss Russell, approaching him, called him by name. She felt half ashamed of the ill-natured shght She had offered to him on the previous night ; Moreover, she needed some help in the plan Of revenge, and she saw, ^in this Murray, the man To make it successful; and women all know That, if to the opposite sex they would show 54 OVER THE SUMMER SEA, Some mark of their favor, the surest and best Is to put their executive gifts to the test. In short, if they wish for devotion, to win it They keep their admirer employed every minute. MISS RUSSELL. You are one of my father's old friends ? MR. MURRAY. I suspect I can claim longer friendship than you. MISS RUSSELL. Quite correct. Now the friends of my father are mine. In a sense, His old friends are also my old friends, and hence, You 're an old friend of mine, and will prove it, I 'm sure. MR. MURRAY, bowing. As a family relic regard me secure. MISS RUSSELL. Oh, thanks ! What I want you to do for me now Is to aid me in vengeance. MR. MURRAY. With pleasure, but how Will you have it — you must have a choice, hot or cold. Id est, powder or steel? And you have not yet told— Not that that matters much, whom it is you propose I shall victimize. OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 55 MISS RUSSELL. Thank you ; your readiness shows That you understand perfectly. MR. MURRAY. I now can proceed, From a knowledge of detail, to do the base deed. MISS RUSSELL. But you first must inform me, sir, whether or no You like Miss O'Donoghue? MR. MURRAY. Let me bestow A moment's reflection, I beg. Altogether, Politeness would bid me reply to that, '' whether." But I candidly answer you ** No." And is she, That pink of perfection, the victim to be ? MISS RUSSELL. That '' pink of perfection " ! Mr. Murray, last night She insulted me dreadfully, out of sheer spite ; I need not repeat what she said, but I long To be neatly revenged. Oh, I know it is wrong, So you need n't look horrified, sir ! You have seen What a " shoddy " she is, and her slovenly mien, In spite of her riches. She toadies to wealth. She pretends to be sick, yet has excellent health, She is seldom on deck, lest the water may drench Her fine clothes, and she drags that contemptible French Into all that she says. 56 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. My idea is this : Between her and us '* commoners " yawns the abyss Of sham aristocracy. Let us interweave Fact with fiction, and lead her thereby to believe That a real English lord who has been to the States Is returning incognito. Add that he hates With such superfine hatred things rude and uncouth, That, although he had travelled from England, for- sooth, To judge for himself of the odium and scandal Attached to our stocks, he selected *' Pan Handle " As the only one fit to invest in. Then pause, And when she asks why — as she will — say, because ** Pan " was ancient enough to be good, and the name Had a handle. You '11 see, though the joke may be tame, She will swallow it readily. Have you observed A young English passenger ? MR. MURRAY. Paunch somewhat curved, Head round as a pumpkin, face red as a rose ? Yes, I know him, for we have had words, nay more — blows. MISS RUSSELL. Oh, I do not mean that one ; Jiis name, do you know. Is not on the list of the passengers, so, Since his size is so great, let us style him, I pray, *' Mr. X — ' unknown quantity ' " that is to say. But the one I refer to is handsome and tall, And he speaks with that lazy, ridiculous drawl Peculiar to young men of rank and gentility, OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 57 Who belong to, or Imitate England's nobility. His name is Hugh Spencer. Get him to consent To enact pseudo-grandeur, to any extent ; We need tell no falsehood, but brag now and then Of what he could do, if he chose to. MR. MURRAY. Amen. MISS RUSSELL. You will help me ? MR. MURRAY. With pleasure. MISS RUSSELL. And say, do you think Mr. Spencer will help us ? MR. MURRAY. Yes, indeed, and the " pink Of perfection " had better beware, for her fate Is ordained. MISS RUSSELL. I believe she will snap at the bait, And I think Mr. Spencer looks waggish enough To appreciate fun. MR. MURRAY. Yes, he's made of good stuff, I am sure, for I asked him five minutes ago Whether he had been pleased with our country — as though It was some patent nostrum, and I was collecting $S OVER THE SUMMER SEA. Testimonial letters to puff it. Reflecting A moment, he said, *' Well, the country 's all right And the natives remarkably kind and polite, But the cities, you know, are so shockingly planned, And those deuced straight streets I weally can't stand. New York is the best — well, the old part, I mean — Although horribly kept, as regards being clean. But I managed to lose my way there, and you see I felt quite at ho^ne.'" MISS RUSSELL. He's our man cap a pie^ As the " pink of perfection " would say. MR. MURRAY. Ouiy adieu A son grandeur y nion amie, votes serat plus henreux. After luncheon, the hours wore slowly away. In spite of the novels, the work, and the play, Which one and another successively tried, And also successively threw to one side. They hailed with delight the significant smell Of the soup, and went frantic at sound of the bell. The captain since morning had been in disgrace, But now he apparently strove to efface The verdict that many had freely expressed. And so, after dinner, appeared at his best ; And while, at its finish, the passengers waited, With a half-suppressed yawn, he this story related : OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 59 The Land-Ltibber. " When the wind roars through the cordage, an' the breakers are ahead, When the ragged clouds above us are as heavy as of lead. An' the thunder-bolt falls hissin' in the water close at hand, While we battle with the tempest, lads, we think of those on land. ''God help land-lubbers all of 'em — white-Hvered souls they be, ^ Who quake an' shake whene'er the wind is blowing out at sea ; They little know the pleasure of a tussle with the gale ; Just let the window rattle, Lor', they tremble and turn pale. '' There 's some that may have grit in 'em, of that I have no doubt, But then it takes salt water for to draw the true grit out ; Yet I know of one land-lubber who, I think you '11 all admit, Under influence of salt water, displayed the proper grit. '* It happened in September, lads, an' every man who sails Knows that 's the time o' year we catch the equinoc- tial gales. 6o OVER THE SUMMER SEA. We 'd seen some dirty weather, but we thought to pull her through, For there were n't a better cap'n, no, nor yet a better crew. *' But, just as we were reck'nin' that we'd make land in a week, One night the watch reported that the ship had sprung a leak. All hands were piped on deck, an' the pumps were worked with will, But tho' we pumped for life the water gained upon us still. "An' so the cap'n ordered us to cut the boats adrift, An' swore that every sailor for himself would have to shift ; Says he, * See to the women first, or damned be every knave Who saves himself, may he be lost on both sides of the grave.' "So, one by one, the life-boats were lowered down the side. Were filled, an' cut adrift an' borne away upon the tide ; The last was full to sinking when the cap'n stepped aboard, An' says, says he, * All safe, so far, pull off, an' thank the Lord.' OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 6i ** Just then our hearts were froze, lads, for a woman with a child Came to the vessel's side, lads, by terror driven wild. * For God's sake save my babe ! ' she cried, * an ' don't mind saving me.' But then the boat could hold no more — there were n't no room, you see. *' At that, that young land-lubber (I believe a parson's son), A dandy who had al'ays been the butt of every one, Says he, * I 've naught to live for, I have sundered every tie, I '11 make room for the two of 'em. God bless you all. Good-by ! ' " Before a man could stop him he had dived beneath the waves (The only kind of tombstone over lots of comrades' graves). We saved the mother an' the child, but. Lor', our hearts were sore For that brave-hearted lubber wot we never seen no more. " An' of'en when the north wind beats all the sea to foam. An' I am thinking sadly of the lass I 've left at home, I think of that land-lubber an' again I hear him cry, * I '11 make room for the two of 'em. God bless you all. Good-by ! ' " 62 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. When the evening was rapidly changing to night, In the wake of the Empress the foam gleamed more white, And a dull yellow star now lifted, now sank In the swirl of the waves 'neath the rudder. The clank Of the chain grew more ghostly, the faint cloud of spray Rose up like a spirit — the horizon was gray, East, west, north and south, though the day had been clear, And the stars shone but faintly ; the fog-banks were near. The mermaids are holding in deepest sea-caves A holiday revel, and o'er the dark waves The stars and the rockets sent up from below Are flashing and bursting, and colored lights glow For a moment, then pale in the great surface-gloom. Say, was that the stroke of the screw, or the boom Of the reveller's cannon, that dull heavy sound? In the roar of the waters its echo is drowned. Like a finely cut lens is the stillness of night. What seemed of no moment when viewed in the light Deep darkness reveals to the awe-stricken soul To be instinct with beauty or horror, the whole Being governed by laws unchanging, defined. We bow to the mystical power of mind. So Christopher Kent, through the long quiet day Had fancied his passions were under his sway, OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 63 But now all his scheming was planned for this end — To G^ain in Miss Russell a true life-lonsr friend. But at night, when alone he looked into the sea, The truth flashed upon him — this never could be. Better far would the ice of indifference prove Than the warmth of mere friendship in place of her love. He must leave her forever. He measured his pace To fit the sad words, when with bright smiling face Miss Russell passed by him with short saucy bow. He turned in a moment. 'T is wonderful how When the heart and the head are at variance, let The subject at issue be suddenly set Confronting the two for an instant decision, The heart gives the word with unerring precision. Miss Russell was brimful of frolic and fun ; The trick on the fair Miss O'D. was begun. She told him the joke. But a serious mood Still possessed him. And thus, when she spoke of a feud. And revenge for an insult, the jest passed him by. He took it in earnest, and said in reply : *' A wound from the keen edge of satire soon heals, But a joke that is senseless, or worse, that conceals Sheer malice beneath a false sparkle of wit, Jags the spleen that it rankles ; the passionate fit In a man may die out, in a woman it burns For revenge. She simulates friendship, but turns For the blow." 64 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. There is nothing so galhng on earth As to say something smart, something really worth A good laugh, and to have it fall hopelessly flat, It annoys like the poisonous sting of a gnat. Miss Russell felt angry, and said, ** rU engage Quite a fortune if ever you go on the stage As the * Crushed.' I presume, Christopher Kent, Since you can't see a joke you are Scotch by descent." Then he saw his mistake, but the mischief was done ; When he joked in return, she was grave as a nun. How he cursed his stupidity ; vainly he strove To regain his lost footing, and with skill interwove Mirth with pathos, and finally said in despair, " ' Chateaux en Espagne ' I can only compare To a beautiful dream that will haunt through the day." " Like that ' Punch, brothers, punch ' of Mark Twain's, I dare say." '* Well, not quite. I have written a sequel. I know It has none of the warmth of the other, the glow Has'gone out of the west, and I candidly own The poem is thoroughly morbid in tone. But I claim for the verses the merit of truth, Though perhaps you, enjoying the dreams of a youth Unclouded, or clouded with crimson and gold, Will call it in question. The story is old, As everything is that is wretchedly true. To Adam alone disenchantment was new." " I never believed in a preface," she said ; ** Yours proves no exception, so please go ahead." OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 65 He recited the lines without further remark, The frown on his face being hid by the dark : After Many Years, " On the beautiful ' Isles of the Golden Mist ' That we saw in the sunset's glow, Stately castles we all have built, In the years so long ago. *' We have travelled far on life's weary road And h^ive tried our hopes to forget. But looming up in the deep'ning gloom We see our castles yet. ** No sentry watches our footsteps slow, We knock at the rusted gate, And hear the bolts, by a feeble hand Undrawn, as we stand and wait. ** The marble hall is cold, and sends A sting through our blistered feet ; The cupid, from whose dimpled hand Once fell such odors sweet, '* Lies broken and stained at the fountain's base, And the minstrels we thought to hear Are gone, but their harps, with jarring strings. Are scattered far and near. " I pass the armor and pictured walls, I look for a holy shrine ; The noble face of the one I loved. Who only in thought was mine, 6 66 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. *' Is above the altar, my chosen saint, To whom I would dare to pray. I pluck a leaf from the bitter-sweet Round the picture, and turn away. " I lay it close to my aching heart, I kiss it and bathe it with tears ; Poor soul, 't is the one sweet gift to thee After the hopes of years. " The night is deep'ning, I must be gone; Farewell to Castle Despair. I turn again to the dusty road, I am going — stranger, where ? " MISS RUSSELL. " Do you wish me to answer the question ? If so You must cease to regard me as a stranger." The low Sweet voice thrilled like music. MR. KENT. " Yes, though I 've no right I ask for an answer — pray, give it to-night." *' You have left," she said softly, '' the Castle Despair, Why not level the walls — 't is a castle of air ? Faint heart never won a fair lady or fame. If you wish wealth or honor establish your claim. Perseverance is surely the keystone of luck, And fortune must favor the man who has pluck.'* OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 67 He felt in a moment a strong sense of power, And replied, " I will earnestl}'" strive from this hour — T will prove if the poets have all of them lied, And no longer will leave any pathway untried. God bless you ! " He tenderly lifted her hand, Then kissed it, and wondered, ** Will she understand ? *' SCENE III. OFF THE BANKS. SCENE III. Off the Banks. " Why who 's been a-washin' ? " said Tommy, next day; The air, and the sea, and the vessel were gray With thick, clammy mist ; and the deep-throated horn Was doing its utmost to frighten and warn. The captain was pacing the deck, and the men Were silent and watchful ; again and again They lowered the bucket, and questioned the sea, To know where the army of icebergs might be ; For the wind was so chill, it was proof they were near, Creeping up under ambush of fog, to appear Right ahead of the bow, and with deadliest shock To split the great ship as if struck on a rock. Of the passengers, many were thoroughly sick ; The others considered the weather too thick For pleasure on deck, so the few who were able Brought pens, ink, and paper, and sat at the table. Some opened those books with the neatly lined pages, That once in his lifetime each person engages To write up most faithfully — let us be just, Not more than nine-tenths of us stop in disgust. 72 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. Miss Russell, with Christopher Kent tete a tete, Was writing a letter as follows : " Dear Kate — The length of this letter will wholly depend On the length of the fog, but it seems to extend To the confines of space, and for thickness — I might Add for breadth, weight, and density, color and height — 'T is the foggiest fog I have seen ; so I may By the time I have finished be wrinkled and gray. When you see any word underlined, don't suppose That I meant to italicize ; every one knows How one's pot-hooks and hangers get mixed while at sea — The dash is an effort I make to cross ' T.' The vessel is dreadfully y>^//, so no wonder It rolls. If I make an occasional blunder Please credit the ship, for it upsets my notions With its very erratic and violent motions. **The compartments on board are called staterooms, you know ; Until lately I knew not the reason, but oh ! I found from my own, when I first grazed my skin, It is merely because of the state they are in. A young lady of wealth, Miss O'Donoghue, claims Three-quarters of mine. She is fertile in names For your friend, if I dare to indulge in a joke ; It is really enough any saint to provoke. And so, I have planned a revenge. OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 73 I let slip, In a casual way, that we had on board ship An Englishman, who, from his dignified airs, We believed was a nobleman. Not that she cares For a title, oh no ! Kate, you ought to have seen How she primped herself up, how she altered her mien, How she made his acquaintance, and languished and sighed. If he left her a moment, and finally cried Because he just spoke to a lady. His name Is Hugh Spencer, a drummer, but still, all the same, He acts out the jest to perfection. Last night, I chanced to be near them on deck, out of sight, But could hear all they said. It was something like this : SHE. *' ' Eh bon / then the duchess is witty ? ' HE. " ' Yes, miss. Oh, the great are all witty ! There's Bertie, I mean His Highness, the Prince, eldest son of the Queen, And heir to the throne, when his mbney runs low, Gives his right royal pockets a thundering blow, And says, with a naivetd charming to hear. And in right royal accents deliciously clear, *' I wish that England would expect this day, Each man to do his duty, and his duty pay." ' *' Then he spoke of the latest society play, And mentioned, as in a most casual way, 74 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. His box at the opera, spoke of his horse, Which ran in the Derby, as matter of course, His uncle, the Bishop, his honorable cousins, And other most noble relations, by dozens. His sneers at America made me feel hot ; I was tempted to answer him there on the spot, But quickly determined my anger to choke, For the sake of an excellent practical joke. To-day Miss O'Donoghue hugs the delusion, And looks upon me as a wretched intrusion. Whenever I venture our room to invade. The stewardess might be her own private maid. From the way she employs her. She delivered a note To Mr. Hugh Spencer. I wish I could quote From that document — well, I 've no doubt, That sooner or later the truth will leak out. But I hope it will last for a number of days ; I 'd like it to take a most serious phase. ** Mr. Murray — a friend of papa's, as it seems, In his bachelor days — has abetted my schemes. He 's a host in himself, and the good-will has won Of all those on board. He is full of his fun. And vows that when next the young lady shall speak In French, he will answer in Latin or Greek. He is good, I am sure, for he takes all the care Of a poor little boy — after giving his share Toward his passage. The youngster was found Stowed away on the ship. Mr. Murray went round To each one in person and quickly obtained Enough for the voyage, and something remained. OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 75 " The man that I think you 'd be apt to like best Is one Mr. French. His name might suggest A nature quite different to his. He is gruff And outspoken, though kindly enough When kindness is needed. He 's very well read. And certainly carries a clear, level head. He 's a writer and critic, and puts me in fear Lest I should sometime in his novel appear, Not as heroine, oh, bless you, no ! I admire His caustic remarks, and I never shall tire Of hearing him row with the steward or Boots, Who brings the wrong gaiters — to him he imputes Every evil design that a boy could invent, And warns him, in thundering tones, to repent Of his sins, ere he wretchedly perish at sea, And Boots is as frightened as boy can well be. *' I 've forgotten to tell you of Christopher Kent, A handsome young fellow, but not worth a cent, To judge from his clothes, which are shabby though neat ; He 's * a gentleman born,' from his head to his feet. I think he admires ' Yours truly,' but then We are not at all likely to see him again. When the voyage is over. He lives at the East, Never saw our dull town, and he has not the least Desire to do so, I think. Well, my heart Was long ago broken, 'T is mended in part, I suppose, or I never could fairly be jolly. The ring ? Now don't laugh at your old schoolmate's folly. I have it, and kissed it the first night at sea, 76 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. But then you know, Kate, that is never to be, And -SO I Ve resolved, at least I 've a notion, To bury the ring in the depths of mid-ocean ; Romantic, but sensible, do you not think ? Heigho ! there 's a lurch and there goes my ink. "■ You '11 excuse me, Miss Russell," said Christopher Kent, As she finished, '' while you have been writing, I 've spent An hour in vainly attempting to bring My thoughts into focus to make " "■ Will you sing," Said the sad Mr. Green, " will you sing us a song ? " Here a neighboring chess-player cried, ** No, you 're wrong, I took it, I tell you ; go on with the game." *' Make less noise, if you please, you can play all the same," Said the fat Mr. X, who was trying to read A statistical essay, but failed to succeed ; *' What's a pawn here or there ? One would think you were geese." " That is right," exclaimed French, **make them both keep \}i\^ piece.'' Bang went Tom at the piano ; a bird in a cage Went mad with delight. Mr. X, in a rage, Slammed his book on the table, and wrathfully swore He 'd report every man-Jack-alive when ashore. OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 77 Lounging lazily round, other passengers tried To live through the morning till lunch should provide A way of salvation from ennui. An air Of mutual misery, family care, Seemed resting on every one. " Please sing a song," Said the sad Mr. Green, once again. " Pitch it strong If you do," Mr. Murray said, taking a seat, '' Or we sha'n't hear a word. You '11 do well if you beat That remarkable youth now performing ; that child Is a positive genius (putting it mild). You 'd have laughed, when I asked him a minute ago His age. He said, swaying himself to and fro. With his hands in his pockets, * My mamma says five, But I say I 'm six ! ' Can't we somehow contrive To get up a game." Mr. Green said again, ** Won't you please sing a song ? " but he still begged in vain. " Is the fog clearing off? " asked Miss Russell. *' Oh no !" Replied Murray, quite cheerfully, almost as though He enjoyed it. "I heard a good story to-day Of Commodore Judkins, a man whom they say Disliked being bothered with questions. One night Some ladies — their sex takes especial delight In propounding such riddles, no masculine head Can possibly guess them — ' O Captain,' they said. 78 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. * Is there always fog here at the Banks ? ' 'I don't know, / don't live here,' he said." " I heard that years ago," Exclaimed fat Mr. X. " Won't you please sing a song ? " Pleaded sad Mr. Green. *' Oh yes, do, for we long For a change of performance," said Christopher Kent ; ** Tommy's energy surely must be well-nigh spent. He 's a forcible player, good, once in a while, But it 's tiresome hearing too much in one style." Miss Russell arose, put her letter away, And proceeded at once a fantasia to play. She was not a genius and did not pretend To musical flights, daring swoops from one end Of the much-abused instrument down to the other. She liked to hear classics, but thought that the bother Of learning to play them must outweigh the pleasure, Unless one had plenty of tiresome leisure — But played what she played with expression and skill. ** Won't you please sing a song ? " " If you Avish it I will," Miss Russell replied, and the sad Mr. Green Almost smiled, and assumed a most gratified mien. A ripple of notes, then a blending of chords. And she sang, in a low, plaintive minor, these words : OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 79 The Secret. ** A wild rose grew on a tall gray cliff. By the side of a lonely sea, And sighed, ' I could be so happy, if The secret would come to me ; And why should the wind and the cruel sea, Know what the fates have denied to me ? The pine-trees whisper, they know it well, And the sea moans a low reply. Then why should the wind be afraid to tell. And answer me but with a sieh ? And why should the forest, the wind, the sea, Know what the fates have denied to me ? ' '' Two lovers came to the tall gray cliff, And looked on the lonely sea ; He said, 'Ah, my love, I am happy, if A token you '11 give to me.' And the wild rose flung out its perfume free, For she said, ' It is coming, now, to me.' '* The maiden stooped to the sweet wild rose, While her tears fell down like rain, 'Ah, love, a lover only knows How much of love is pain.* And the wild rose sighed, * Farewell, O sea. The secret at last has come to me.' " Above the expressions of thanks and applause Was heard Tommy 'Tickler's small voice, without pause, 8o OVER THE SUMMER SEA. Exclaiming, " Let me sing, let me sing, let me " " He 's a genius, that boy is," said Murray with glee. " Go ahead, Senor Tommy, Miss Russell will play." So the youngster commenced without further delay : " Oh I 'm a little Welshman, My name is Davy Jones, I 'd be very fond of cod-fish. If it was n't for the bones, While as to beef and taters. They 're nothing to Welsh rabbits, An' if a man likes good Welsh ale, He 's got the best of habits." All laughed, save the sad Mr. Green ; he, poor man. Never saw a decanter, beer-pitcher, or can. Or heard doctors order their patients to take Any spirit to ease a sharp pain or dull ache. Or read the account of a vintage of wine, Without a cold shiver affecting his spine ; And here was a baby discoursing in song Of the goodness of ale — it was shamefully wrong, It was scandalous, it was a horrible verse, It was wicked, and then, to make matters still worse, His elders had shown approbation. " I think," He said, looking around him, '' the subject of drink Is one that should call for abhorrence. O boy ! The liquor you praise in your song will destroy The brain of a man. Good Welsh ale, oh, for shame ! Let it ever, from this time, become your one aim To try and forget the bad song." OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 8i '' Let him be ! " Mr. Murray exclaimed, quite enraged; "don't you see You have made the child cry ? don't go poking your nose Into others' affairs ; keep your sermons for those Who at least understand, or, to my way of thinking, You will make folks believe you yourself have been drinking." If this scene had continued at length, we suppose, Hotter words would have led in due season to blows, But o'er the contestants and listeners a chill Ran all of a sudden — ^the vessel was still. Like the heart of a man pulsing heavy and deep, Unnoticed when healthful, awake or asleep The engines work on — let a motion but swerve. And a terror will tingle through every nerve. Each heart, as if signalled, replies to the shock. "Is the vessel aground?" "Has she struck on a rock ? " " Has she come in collision with ice, or with ship ? " Such questions as these sprang to every lip. All rushed to the stairway, some sorely concerned With their personal safety ; but Christopher turned. Quick as thought, to Miss Russell. She stood with one hand Outstretched, as if giving the word of command For order, the other lay pressed on her heart, To prevent it from throbbing too wildly. Apart 6 82 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. From the attitude, nothing denoted alarm ; But when Christopher Kent laid his hand on her arm, And said, '' Come on deck — come at once — don't stand here ! " She trembled, but not from a feeling of fear. There are times in our lives when we cannot conceal From the dullest observer the passion we feel ; Brief moments when soul can read soul — when the mind Grasps a secret, and reads with eyes hitherto blind ; When one counted as brave by a look betrays fear, Or we find a life's history told in a tear ; The lover discloses, by glance or by tone, The love that he wished to continue unknown. So when Christopher said, " Come at once — don't stand here ! " Miss Russell turned pale, for her sensitive ear Heard more than the words. In an instant she knew That he loved her. She did not love him, it is true, For although she admired in secret, she thought That, possessed of such person and talents, he ought To aspire to something, display an ambition To rise from his present dependent position ; To be somebody, do something, act and achieve ; To "let the dead bury the dead " (not to grieve For the past), till, at length, he would have to confess, Even failure may point out the road to success. But because of one blow, to prepare for another. Like a shuttle-cock weighted ; to wilfully smother The fire of ambition, because an ill-wind OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 83 Blew the smoke in his eyes — it appeared to her mind Moral suicide, murder of intellect. No ! Though an apple-tree break into blossom and throw Its perfume abroad to the breeze, if the sun, Seeking apples in season to redden, finds none, It falls on a beautiful cheat. And a man Who is gifted in wit and in person, who can, If he will, achieve greatness, yet fails to succeed. Is a beautiful cheat. And to wed such an one To her seemed sheer folly. But the evil was done — And he loved her. The first words that rose to her lip Were, ** I need no assistance, sir, thank you, the ship Is not sinking at present," and Christopher Kent, Feeling hurt by her coldness, bowed slightly, and went By himself to the deck. There the passengers stood In groups, laughing and chatting as loud as they could, Each trying to prove that he had not shown fear, But had gone to see whether the weather was clear ; And the reason he travelled so fast up the stairs Had had nothing to do with the state of afi*airs. The vessel lay placidly floating, as though It was quite in the order of things to do so ; And, soon after, the engines were throbbing again, And all was serene. It was perfectly plain That at present the life-boats would not be required. Although nobody knew what had really transpired. 84 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. '* But what did they stop for ? " asked Kent. '• Well, they say," Replied Murray, " it was to inquire the way." *' Oh, not so!" exclaimed French, ''but the gulls lagged behind, It was merely that they might catch up with us." ''Kind Of the captain," said one, "but I don't believe it. I think It stopped to get — pardon me, ladies — a drink." This formed the chief topic all day, added zest To existence, and furnished a subject for jest, And, in fact, proved a godsend. When dinner was over, Mr. Russell said, " Captain, no one can discover What we stopped for to-day. One passenger said The propeller was broken. I often have read Of that happening lately — what causes it, ch ? " Captain Vank, of course, yawned in his usual way Before saying, " I '11 tell you a legend about it, You are welcome to take it as true, or to doubt it : " The Broken Blade of the Bumble Bee— A Salieni Story of the Saline Sea. " Oh, great was the commotion In the vast Atlantic Ocean, When first a steam-propeller churned its waters into froth, For the fishes had no notion To let any locomotion Disturb their rest and quiet, and were consequently wroth. OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 85 '* Indignantly, whales spouted, And the sprats, offended, pouted, And the nautilus just hoisted up his sail and scudded south ; Shoals of porpoises were routed, And the flying-fishes doubted. If this were not more dreadful than the shark's ter- rific mouth. ** ' Nay, they only imitate us/ Said a sole — divine afflatus Having filled his flattened head-and he wagged his flattened fin, * Present piscatorial status ' — Here a very marked hiatus — And a shark, who smacked his chops, represented where he 'd been. " Then a sound like distant thunder Filled the shark with sudden wonder. And he rose up to the surface of the water, just to see If it promised any plunder. But was nearly cut asunder By the biggest screw-ship sailing, aptly named the Bumble Bee. " Comprehending his position, With surprising expedition He resolved upon revenge, for the screw had hurt his back ; 86 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. He was fired with ambition Of the sailor's superstition To avail himself, and so he turned and followed in their track. " That they met its expectation Were but supererogation, For when did sailor doubt a superstition of the sea ? They were filled with perturbation. For by ratiocination They were sure one of their number that shark's food would have to be. *' Came the mate to their assistance, And remarked, ' The mere existence Of a shark proves nothing further than the fact that there is one ; If you wish him at a distance, By a very slight resistance To the dread decree of fate I believe it may be done.' " In a speech somewhat scholastic, And a trifle too bombastic. He proposed to stuff a hammock with rejected crusts and bran, Necessarily made plastic, And sufficiently elastic, To represent the body of a dear, departed man. '' ' Read the service,' said he. * Gracious 1 It may prove more efficacious If the shark is as intelligent as you would make it out; OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 8-7 If his appetite 's voracious, He will not be so sagacious As to taste before he bolts it, and will leave us then, no doubt.' " This idea they executed, And a search was instituted For material, and each man overhauled his private chest ; And the fact is undisputed That the sailors substituted For * crusts and bran ' some articles much harder to digest. *' When they launched the curiosity, On account of its porosity It sank beneath the waters, but the shark more quickly still, With remarkable velocity, And a savage, grim ferocity, Just snapped his jaws, and swallowed half, as it had been a pill. " For a minute's brief duration, Like a bear in hibernation. It seemed to all appearance as if life were quite ex- tinct. But a tremulous vibration, And a long-drawn respiration, Filled the crew with consternation, and the monster turned and winked. 88 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. ** Without perambulation, It performed a swift gyration, And bit the screw, and broke it off, which stopped the Bumble Bee. And that 's the explanation. Why, in modern navigation. Propeller-blades get broken — it 's the shark's revenge, you see." SCENE IV. A MIDNIGHT MYSTERY. SCENE IV. A Midnight Mystery. TJie Gulf Stream. There's a broad and beautiful river, That is born 'neath a tropical sky, That inherits the wonderful color, And the warmth of its heart thereby. For a thousand leagues do its waters Ride over the ocean cold, Like a sweet and wilful woman, Who ruleth a bridegroom old. Like a woman, it has its treasures, Some worthless, useless things, Like a woman, it has a sorrow. That out of its nature springs. For the deep, blue, tropical current Flings itself at the icebergs' feet ; And the sunshine of life is clouded. While the woman has learned deceit. But the woman will smile as ever, And the river be clear on the morrow, And men in the distant north-land. Never dream of the by-gone sorrow. 92 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. Mr. Green had, throughout twenty years of his life, Gone hither and thither in search of a wife ; He wanted to marry, he had made up his mind That for single existence he was not designed. The lady must not be too young nor too old, She must be a beauty, not bashful nor bold, Inclined to religion, devout but not prim, And leaving the form of her credo to him. He searched many years, but the few he admired Had never come up to the standard required. He did not believe in the arrows of Cupid ; Such Pagan ideas he regarded as stupid. A wag had remarked, if a lieart he possessed, It nmst be a square, or a circle at best. He was ncaring the fifties, a few streaks of gray In his crisp chestnut hair warned him not to delay ; So, trusting in Heaven to lead him aright, He determined to marry for love at first sight ; So he chuckled in secret, and looked all about For the lady in question. She would be, no doubt, Unlike in some points to the ideal painted, But prove quite correct when still better acquainted. His sister most wisely endorsed his decision. Instead of defeating his plans by derision ; She was odd, but unselfish, and loved this one brother. As she never had loved, or could love another. By some subtle power, most strange to relate. She hit on Miss Russell as being his fate. So, speaking to John in a sisterly way. She found him quite willing, although, truth to say. OVER THE SUMMER SEA, 93 He never had thought of the lady before ; He seemed to think courting confined to the shore. Not up to the tricks that a stripHng would know, He set out at once his devotion to show, In a dignified manner that suited his carriage, But never could possibly lead to a marriage. Trust a woman the symptoms of love to detect In a man whom his fellows would never suspect. Miss Green had discovered, with no small alarm, That Christopher Kent had come under the charm Of the lady designed for her brother. She knew All the points in his favor, and understood, too, That money is nothing to beauty and grace, And a girl is most often in love with a face ; Yea, many a virgin, if foolish or wise, Will plague her dear heart to please her bright eyes. She must somehow contrive, then, to keep them apart. Miss Green was a spinster, and had not the art Of pleasing the youthful ; they always felt bored, Whenever her presence could not be ignored ; The girls looked upon her, as most of them look On an old-fashioned novel or souvenir book, With a touch of compassion for ancient young beaux, Wlio could take any pleasure in such things as those ; "The boys," as Miss Green named those under two score. Thought much as the girls did, and probably more. Mr. Green was a man who never was troubled By colic or conscience. His fortune had doubled 94 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. Without any worry from him. So he slept From the moment that into his bed he once crept Till daylight ; and, therefore, was one of those bores, Who-m most of humanity justly abhors, Who spend half their own time and ours in despising Those who will not admit there is virtue in rising Some hours before any work is required. And never believe that a man can be tired. Of those whom he lectured some angry ones said, They believed Mr. Green lay awake in his bed The whole, or, at least, fully half of the night, To be able to say he was up at daylight. Give a dog a bad name and he some day will earn it ; Warn a child of a sin and he quickly will learn it ; Tell a man of a trick you suppose h« has played, And your trust in his shrewdness will soon be repaid. Mr. Green lay awake all that night, without winking. Like others he slept not, because he was thinking. He was thinking, quite calmly, about his past life, And thinking with pride of the excellent wife Who loomed in prospcctii, and thinking in vain How best to approach her and make matters plain. From restlessly tossing and twisting and turning, Now seized with a feverish thirst, now a yearning For some one to talk to, now haunted by faces That flitted before him with mocking grimaces, Now trying to deafen his ears to the roaring That came from the engines, or somebody snoring, Now wishing for death and a tombstone and willow Weeping greenly above him, now pounding his pillow, OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 95 As hot as a doughnut just out of the skillet, Now hunting a flea with intention to kill it, Rose at length in despair, went on deck, and began To pace up and down, thinking still of some plan By which he might win the young lady's affection, And overcome any decided objection. The cobwebs of sleep veiled his eyes, and the night Still shrouded the vessel in gloom ; here a light Made the darkness yet darker. He tripped up and stumbled Over cordage and canvas, and finally tumbled Full length on the deck. A projecting spike tore A large hole in his coat. Mr. Green never swore, But the language he used, although strictly sabbatic. Had a dubious sound. When the tone is emphatic, " Bless my soul ! " may not mean bless my soul, but the phrase Is as balm to the overwrought feelings, and pays. Mr. Murray appeared in a state of undress. And asked what he meant by such dashed foolishness. " The fact is," replied Mr. Green, as he rose, And stanched the red life stream that flowed from his nose, " I tried hard to sleep, but I could n't, and so I came up on deck, just to get a slight blow." " Well, it seems that you got it," cried Murray, who never Let a chance for a joke pass unnoticed. '* However, \i yoH cannot sleep, there are others who can ; 96 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. You 're a dog in the manger, a mean black and tan." " Had he said black and blue," thought the sad Mr. Green, "■ He 'd have spoken the truth, and I 'm sure I 'm not mean." But he made no retort; and when once more alone, He tried to sit down, but the act made him groan. He was stiff in the knees and the back and one hand, And, though tired, determined 'twere better to stand. But the cold morning air made him shiver and shake, And forced him to walk. Still he tried not to wake The fortunate sleepers below. Once again. The thoughts of Miss Russell and love filled his brain. And soon he unwittingly quickened his pace, Until you 'd have thought he was running a race. "■ Avast there ! " cried French, who now came to the deck, " Stop ! you '11 shiver your timbers, become a blank wreck ; There are terrors enough here at sea ; don't add more ; Pray keep contests in walking confined to the shore." Here the stout Mr. X, pushing past him, exclaimed — With sundry embellishments not to be named — "You Aristotelian peripatetic ! Don't you know you are serving a wholesale emetic To all aboard ship, with your ' " ' Aye, stagger, Like drunken cowards that ye be,' Cried the bold palmer. ' Know that she Whom ye call " Marian, the nun," And my ** Most Beautiful " are one ! 132 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. Betrothed to nic, and rudely torn From home, upon the bridal morn, By you or yours. This palmer's dress I chose, that I might gain access To monast'ries, for well I knew The thieves were of }'our cloth.' " ' Pooh ! pooh !' Exclaimed the friar Paunch, ' and you Think that this little game will do ? Friend, 't is a game requiring two To play it. Even were it true, yVnd she our '* game," we 'vq game, parbleu ! To keep her and we mean to, too.' '' But a punch in the paunch rolled him up like a scroll, And he lay with his shiny, bald pate in a bowl. And 3. picnch-ho\w\ at that, from which— little thinking 'T would serve him as nightcap — he'd just finished drinking. *' The other two friars and Gustave, observing The fall of their leader, with swiftness deserving Of record, departed, considering danger Lay hid in the fist of that fraudulent stranger. "Then the lovers embraced, and in spite of the weather — Having eaten the victuals remaining — together They made their escape, without halting or tarrying, And it ended, of course, in their festively marrying." OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 133 *' That 's a copy from ' Ingoldsby Legends,' my lad, Said Murray ; " however, the rhymes are not bad. Have you noticed that Tennyson rhymes the word bhmdered, I should say the words blundered, thundered, and wondered. And sundered, with hundred ? Now is n't it awful ? What license can ever make such rhyming lawful ? " Mr. Russell turned round to young Kent with a smile, And said, " Well, perhaps, you 'd admire ;;/j' style. I once, and once only, one dark winter's night, Got the notion that I, if I chose to, could write. I might have been great, but with me ink was stinted. You shall hear the result — no, it never was printed : *' Dainty dew-drops water roses, Kissing them to life anew Ere the waking morn discloses Once again the sun to view. '' Let us, Nelly dear, rub noses, While your father sleeps. Oh pooh ! Man proposes, not disposes — Hancf it ! here he comes. Adieu ! '* Then followed good-natured discussions on what Made a writer a poet. " You 'd throw out a lot Of popular authors," said Murray to Kent. ** Yes," the young man replied, " I must always re- sent 134 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. The insult to those who have hallowed the crown, When, to fit smaller heads, it is basely cut down. There are those we should honor, because they can sing, Let them rank with the nobles, but not with the king. It always has seemed," he continued, *' a shame, That our rugged old English is rendered so tame By those upon whom rests the onerous duty Of keeping unsullied its ilatural beauty. I do not mean slang, but the careless misuse Of powerful words, and the constant abuse Of shades in the meaning of others ; but then It is easier talking than using the pen." " That proves you an author," Miss Russell said, smiling, ** For readers imagine that writing is whiling The time away, lazily trying to shirk The fate of poor mortals, hard physical work." Mr. Green joined the party, and ventured opinions That were classics throughout the extended dominions Of the noble Queen's English ; but said them in tone As timid as if they were solely his own, And he dared not intrude notions novel and queer. Except in a voice that one hardly could hear. So the time slipped away. " Eight bells ! Is it noon ? " Exclaimed Murray. ''Pshaw! no, they have rung it too soon." The reason for poor Mr. Green's sad timidity, Amounting almost to a hopeless stupidity : OVER THE SUMMER SEA. i35 He had rallied his grit, when at dawn he arose, And solemnly promised himself to propose, Before the night fell ; and had aimlessly wandered All over the vessel, and nervously pondered On how to begin — he knew well how to stop — And walked up and down until ready to drop. With an effort his fears and his luncheon he swallowed, And as soon as Miss Russell arose, closely followed. The wheel-house on board of the Empress was low, With a nautical hip-roof, if landsmen may so Desio-nate the lone: slope at the top, and the flat Pohshed surface of wood-work below. Thereon sat Mr. Green and Miss Russell, as many had done Before them. The courting was slowly begun. He beamed on the lady, he flattered and stuttered, And " Will you ? " he said, while his heart wildly fluttered With a formal proposal ; he fully intended To wind up the sentence. It suddenly ended ; For, out of the doorway, a voice came : " I begs That you and the lady, sir, please move your legs, I can't see to steer." Miss Russell's laugh rung With a keen sense of humor. Mr. Green bit his tongue. Later on in the day, he again undertook To woo her, so, choosing a promising nook, He wedged her in closely, and said, with a sigh, '^Miss Russell I want you— that is, will you— may I " 136 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. He was caught by the shoulder, and turned squarely round, By Murray, who shouted, " He cannot be found I " " Who, what ? " said Miss Russell. ** Why, Tommj^ There, Green, Don't stand like a fool, help us look. Have you seen — Do you know where Tom is ? I left him asleep. Some hours ago, in the stateroom. Don't keep — Don't stand staring inanely. Come, help in the search. He may have been lost overboard, by a lurch, When no one was looking, when no one was by, Or slipped through the rail — 't is atrociously high From the deck. Come ! " Miss Russell went too. They searched in the wheel-house, they looked down the flue. In galley and steerage, in cabin and room. Tommy could not be found ; and a general gloom Came over the people ; while, with shake of the head. Some remarked, it but proved what they always had said, *' The child was too bright ; " some one added, *' too good." Which no one disputed, though most of them could. Captain Vank was the only one not interested. ** Have you looked in the panUy ? '' he calmly sug- gested. OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 137 Mr. Murray was off, without even replying. A few moments later, and Tom was heard crying, '' No, I did n't take nuffin ' ! " *' Which statement, I doubt," Said Murray, as almonds and raisins rolled out Of his numerous pockets, and dropped on the floor. " Please, sir, I won't do so, not never no more." But Murray considered he needed a whipping, Preceded, alas, by a barbaric stripping. SCENE VI. THE MOCK TRIAL. SCENE VI. The Mock Trial, CHARACTERS. Jtidge, Plaintiff, Mrs. Wright, Counsel for Plaintiff, Mr. Bluster, Defenda7it, Mr. Wright, . Counsel for Defendant, Mr. Trimber, Witness. Miss O' Patrick, . The others, ..... MoraL Mr. French. . Miss Green. Mr. Murray. . Mr. Green. Mr. Kent. Miss Russell. Others. . Ourselves. Case of " Wright vs. Wright." Wherein, Mrs. Wright sued For a writ of divorce. Charges : Family feud, BrutaHty, heartlessness, want of attention, And others it really would not do to mention. The damage placed at the moderate sum Of $5,000 and costs. Looking glum, Mr. Wright, closely followed by witnesses, entered; Then counsel and jury. The interest centred 142 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. Ill the much-injured lady, however, whose face, Pale, haggard, and worn, bore the evident trace Of weeping — or rather of water and flour ; And last came the judge, looking terribly sour. Then the jury was called, and then silence, and then, The judge having solemnly mended a pen, Mr. Butler proceeded to open the case. But we cannot report him, we have n't the space ; His speech was a failure, but short. At its close, Having first cleared his throat, Mr. Bluster arose. *' Your Honor," commenced Mr. Bluster, '* and you Gen-tle-men of the jury, without much ado. And as briefly as possible, I shall endeavor To state the case plainly. You know that I never Waste patience or breath in a useless display Of rhodomontade, to lead judgment astray. Yet I own to approaching this case with some fear, Gen-tle-men of the jury, a case, you will hear, Of such heartless depravity, barbarous crime, Inflicted on one barely yet in her prime ; On a lady who is, to the rest of her sex, As a flower of worth to the poppy that flecks Each hedge-row with red ; on a lady, I say. Of such beauty — although you must not let that weigh — Mankind would uphold you, mankind, white or black. Be their creed what you will, their laws stringent or slack, Were you now to arise as one man and declare You had rather had left this cold world for — else- where, OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 143 And that cycles and seons had rolled in between (Gen-tle-men we 'd have seen that your graves were kept green), Than have lived to discover the baseness of man, As revealed in this lawsuit. But then, when I scan Your good honest features, I breathe, I behold That which clearly assures me the WILL, that of old Crushed down the oppressor and raised the op- pressed, Finds its counterpart here ; and your country may rest. In your unsullied hands, with the right that makes strong, Justice places her sword. Strike then ! Strike at the wrong Misrepresentation by those who defend ! The defendant may know how the struggle will end. You are not to be brow-beaten, bullied, or cowed ; For, if crimes such as these, gen-tle-men, were allowed To pass by unpunished, corruption would rise, The incendiary's smoke would ascend to the skies, And the land would be deluged with crimes we ab- hor ; You would let loose the bloody-fanged hell-hounds of war ! ** Mrs. Wright, my fair client, before having taken The name of this man — who will now find it shaken From moral nomenclature — revelled, while yet In the spring-tide of girlhood, a pale violet, In that of Rupertia Chiggs, gen-tle-men. It is soft as a breeze blown o'er mountain and fen ; 144 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. It Is resonant, truly, with urban urbanity, And likewise with gullelessness. Doubt not her sanity In making the change, for, alas ! she was young — But an infant in law. Every poet has sung The praise of sixteen ; even statesmen have lauded Sixteen to the skies, while their voters applauded. Youth surrounds it with rhapsodies, fresh sentiment, And valentines laden with delicate scent — But no more. No ! It took this dark vampire of night, Who will have to stand there when the usher calls Wright, To deceive my fair client when only sixteen, When the mind is untutored and vernally green ; To burst the fond bonds of parental protection, To fly the old homestead — a good quarter-section — And to marry him ! Gen-tle-men think of It ! She A true child of nature, a seraphim — he A city-bred stripling. A few years went past, In which she was happy ; but that could not last. He could not, while yet within sight of the land — Your Honor, and you, gen-tle-men, understand — Athwart the blue azure of he7' sky unfurl The skull and the crossbones. Alas ! no, poor girl ! He waited until her fond parents were dead. Their hearts being broken by grief, it was said ; Broken ? Rather say pulverized. Then the blow fell. '* Bathed in tears that she vainly endeavored to quell, She sought out her husband. In heartrending tones, OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 145 She explained that, in order to follow their bones, In fitting habiliments, she would require A certain amount. Steel your hearts, or retire. Or, if you have tears, gen-tle-men, then prepare Now to shed them. The savage came forth from his lair. He refused her ! Refused her ! He gave her a sum So inadequate that her sad soul was struck dumb. It allowed on her dress but tJirce incites of crape. And the fashion plates, gen-tle-men, showed that the cape Should be bordered with six inches. Further than that, The veil that she fastened with shame to her hat Barely came to her shoulders ! O Justice ! you hear ? It was almost indelicate (Heavens ! a tear ! Forgive me for weeping) — to each honored shade, A dastardly insult, a grim masquerade, A tragical farce ! Why, three inches of crape Is no mourning at all." Here he untied some tape And referred to a document. " Four months or more Had passed since, with true resignation, she bore The bereavement and insult. The trappings of woe Grew old-fashioned — she touchingly called them * So- so.' Once again she adventured a winsome request. This time for a scarlet silk-poplin, for best. 10 146 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. "The chill winter of anguish had fled. In its place a Pretty April-like smiles rippled over her face, And, with nature, she yearned after color. For hours She sat at the windows and envied the flowers. She felt it was only her husband's plain duty To purchase whatever would add to her beauty. Brace yourself to receive the worst news you could hear ! Your Honor, prepare to shed sympathy's tear ; For he told her the times were atrociously bad ; * She must turn it,' ye gods ! turn the one that she had! *' He, perhaps, may contend that his paltry excuse Justified his base conduct ; he '11 find it no use. But will learn what it is to have dealings with men ; When you bring in the verdict, he '11 find the means then. The law is inflexible. Often we see That a villain, who stubbornly bends not the knee, Finds the law has a fashion of breaking that joint ; The defendant may feel pretty sure on that point. ** I have led you, so far, to the quagmire's brink. I must lead you still farther. Alas ! we must sink Breast-high, maybe higher, before we can hope To wash with retributive justice's soap. " We shall show you that, once having wandered astray From the paths of uprightness, he found, day by day, That he got in a sort of a criminal groove, And crime became easier. This we shall prove OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 147 By trustworthy witnesses. We shall do more — We shall show that his conduct grew worse than before ; That at last he conceived the infernal design Of sapping the life of this client of mine, By inviting his mother, her mother-in-law. She had borne much, your Honor, this proved the last straw ; For home, even then, was a modern Bastile. ** In her terror, she made one more touching appeal To the man's better nature. She tore her fair hair, She wept copious tears in her awful despair, She bared her bruised heart and cried, * Pity, and strike With your sabre, or anything else that you like ; I had rather be drowned, drawn, and quartered, or hung, Than know the full horrors of death by the tongue.' After that he absented himself from her side Three or four times a week. This will be certified, Gen-tle-men, under oath. Could my fair client fail To suspect him of taking the high road to jail ? ** We shall prove to your full satisfaction, moreover, That the wily defendant was seen, under cover Of the shadow of twilight and various trees, To steal from his home, to proceed by degrees To a neighboring lane, where, I blush to admit. He was joined by a closely-veiled stranger, to wit, A woman ! your Honor — a woman ! and then Was observed to embrace her — you hear, gen-tle-men ? I4S OVER THE SUMMER SEA. This destroyer of happiness kissed her ! They walked For an hour together ; I doubt not they talked ; I cannot be sure of the fact, for my sainted, My beautiful client, on seeing them, fainted. " And this in America ! This in a land That, for proud independence, has taken a stand. Of leader and teacher and champion. What wonder. Had Olympian Jove raised particular thunder, And had hurled in his anger one huge bolt to crush The now hardened and wicked offender to mush ! But no ! It is left for you, gen-tle-men, here To avenge this wronged dove's saliniferous tear. That this monster has caused to be frequently wept, In the night-watch, while he with brutality slept. You will show the wide world that now breathlessly stands Awaiting your verdict, that, placed in your hands. The case will be sifted, the gold will remain. You will sunder the bond now uniting these twain. You will feather the nest of this fond, stricken dove, Though no money can ever replace her lost love." At the close of this very remarkable speech, In which he had done all he could to impeach The defendant, he waited until the applause Of the audience ceased, and then, after a pause, He called Miss OTatrick. At that there arose A young lady, who threw herself into a pose That the audience saw, at a glance, was intended As a hit at the fair Miss O'D. OVER THE SUMMER SEA, 149 Much offended, But trying to look quite unconscious and bland, Miss O'Donogliue toyed with the fan in her hand, And stared at the opposite wall with a smile. Although inwardly boiling with rage all the while. ** Miss OTatrick," began Mr. Bluster, '' we know What a deep debt of gratitude all of us owe For your kind condescension ; your soul must recoil, As a child of refinement from cod-liver oil. As the flesh of the lamb from the beak of the vulture, From this change from Jiaut ton, from good breeding and culture, That has always been yours, by the grand right of birth. Since Adam first claimed any right upon earth. And we know that you stand in the box (let the thought That it is a box bring the relief that it ought) From a stern sense of duty. You come, it is said, Of a long line of highly illustrious dead — In short, of a very old family, eh ? " MISS O'PATRICK. Oh, the oldest, I 'vc heard papa oftentimes say, Of the oldest. MR. LLUSTER. They fled then the king's abused power. And bravely came over aboard the Mayflower ? ISO OVER THE SUMMER SEA. MISS O'PATRICK. Oh, long before that, I am sure ! They came over With Wilham the Conqueror. JUDGE. Nonsense ! That rover Never came to this country. MR. TRIMBER. If he had, lie 'd have been Nothing more than plain William ; that 's rather too thin. MISS O'PATRICK. Oh, if you refer to America, yes, I suppose that they did. JUDGE. It would be idleness To assume you were other than Irish, your name Makes that only too evident. MISS O'PATRICK. No, sir, we claim To be pure Early English. MR. BLUSTER. You have been, you say, A personal friend of the plaintiff's, miss ? MISS O'PATRICK. Nay, Nothing personal. OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 151 MR. BLUSTER. Well, in your quest after knowledge Did not you and my client attend the same college ? MISS O'PATRICK. Certainemeiit. MR. BLUSTER. Did you not then, while there, become friends ? Is not that how companionship commonly ends ? MISS O'PATRICK. Yes, we backed up each other if one told a fib, And in learning Italian we used the same crib, , So of course we were friends. MR. BLUSTER. Did this close friendship cease When you finally left, or an contrairc increase ? MISS O'PATRICK. If wc were not fast friends, think you I should be here ? Does not this prove my friendship intensely sincere ? I would die for Rupertia ! MR. BLUSTER. That does you credit ! It is good to have thought it, divine to have said it ! When her husband refused her the silk-poplin dress Were you present ? 152 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. MISS O'PATRICK. I was. MR. BLUSTER. And you heard him ? MISS O'PATRICK. Oh yes. MR. BLUSTER. In your presence? Ah, well, it was like the coarse knave ! Be so good as to tell us the reason he gave. MISS O'PATRICK. He gave none. He said it had been a bad season, And he could not afford it ; and that was no reason, That was sheer imbecility. MR. BLUSTER. You think that he could ? MISS O'PATRICK. That can't matter ; she ijaiitcd it, therefore he should / MR. BLUSTER. Have you ever observed the defendant unkind To the plaintiff? MISS O'PATRICK. PardoJiJicz, viojisicur, do you mind- But please, which is which ? OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 153 JUDGE. It was perfectly plain ; You are begging the question, and trying to gain, By subterfuge, time for reflection. Come, miss, reply. ]3ut the witness began, at this juncture, to cry. " How dare you," she sobbed out, " accuse me, sir, pray, Of beg — begging anything ? Take me away, I won't be insulted ! " A murmur arose In tlie jury. The court-room resounded with *' Ohs ! " And cries of " For shame !" The judge had to explain That the phrase was an idiom. Would she restrain Her passionate grief? It was all a mistake. Mr. Bluster besought her to stay, for his sake. For the sake of Rupcrtia Chiggs — might he add, l^^or the sake of morality ? — secretly glad That the scene had occurred, for he saw with delight That the jury blamed all of the trouble on Wright. MR. r.LUSTER. Will you now tell the jury whatever you know Of the meeting you witnessed, just one month ago In the fair days of June ? MISS O'PATRICK. We go every year To the continent — that is, to Europe. Oh, dear ! I cannot help speaking as Englishmen do ; Though American born, I am English right through. 154 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. I called on Rupertia merely to say Good-by to my friend, before going away. I found her in what, were I in her position, I should call absolutely a dying condition. She was mere skin and MR. BLUSTER. Certainly, please to continue ; Mere skin and framework, or say skin and sinew ; We know what you mean, and respect your fine feel- ing. Do not blush. (And he turned his eyes up to the ceiling.) MISS O'PATRICK. She said it was caused by her husband's depravity ; That to him she was always sweet temper and suav- ity ; But his manner was brutal. She cried on my shoul- der, Seemed at first half afraid to speak out, but grew bolder As the salt tears stole down, leaving stains on my dress. Till, at length, I prevailed on my friend to confess. She said that one day Mr. Wright had made mention Of his mother, and further declared his intention, When he went into town to fetch Higgins the plumber, Of calling and asking her down for the summer. And she knew what that meant ; the poor girl was demented. OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 155 If his mother was all that had been represented, She would bore her to death with reproof and advice, And would madden her, being so very precise ; She would back up her son when he wanted his way. And forever and ever be " having her say." 7\nd so she had bravely objected, and then (Oh, the heartless, the criminal conduct of men !), Without ever telling her where he was going, He left her for hours, and all the time knowing That his wife pined in solitude, loving him, still Drifting far from the reach of all medical skill. She said he was out of the house at that minute ; She was sure there was something too horrible in it. She would give all she had to know what he was doing. For she firmly believed greater mischief was brewing. I proposed we should follow together, and see. So she dressed and came down looking sweet cap a pic. And 1 could n't help thinking, if I were a man, I should worship her. Then, with no definite plan. But bent on discovery, having embraced. We went down the turnpike in feverish haste. And entered a field, where a gentleman cow, That we had not observed, being hid by a plough, Made a furious plunge, and upset poor Rupertia. It bruised her and JUDGE. Kind of disturbed her inertia. MISS O'PATRTCK. We escaped, and went on. Having climbed a small bluff, 156 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. We saw what we came out to see. Sure enough, There was Wright — Mr. Wright — in a sort of a valley, Or, if I may say so, a countrified alley, And a closely-veiled woman stood right at his side — Well, she had to stand close, for the place was n't wide. But we saw Mr. Wright lift her veil, and he kissed her Such a smack that I guess it produced a big blister. And then my friend fainted, and I — oh ! the heat ! But the sentence was left as it was, incomplete, For she herself fainted. The audience giggled. And fair Miss O'Donoghue nervously wriggled ; For she frequently fainted, and honestly thought Fainting quite an accomplishment, one to be taught Just as much as Italian or music or dancing, As retiring, bowing, chasscing, advancing. All absolutisms of modern society. That go to make up the bo7i ton, in entirety. The rest of the witnesses failed to be funny, And we would not report them for love or for money. They meant well, no doubt, but those nearest the door, One by one, two by two, three by three, four by four, Slipped quietly out, until Trimber arose And helped the case rapidly on to its close. MR. TRIMBER. *' Your Honor, and you, gentlemen of the jury. Will endorse my first statement. A man in a fury OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 157 Says more than he ought to, or even beheves. Now I know that you secretly laughed in your sleeves When you heard Mr. Bluster, in eloquent rage, Make the almost ridiculous effort to gauge The criminal depth he attempted to prove My client had sunk to — ' the criminal groove,' As he called it. However, I know that he had To make something of nothing, and everything bad. He felt that his case was too flimsy to stand Without blinding your eyes with rhetorical sand. But the witnesses brought to endorse his assertions Were not like the laws of the Medes and the Persians, That never knew change ; they, again and again, Contradicted themselves, as you know. Yet 't was plain That, before coming here, they had learned what to say, Which I think they '11 unlearn before going away. Mr. Wright, the defendant, is one who has shown, By his noble behavior and high moral tone, That a man who is good may be misrepresented, Yet bear malice to none. He has never resented, By word or by deed, the indignities flung By his friend Mr. Bluster's too garrulous tongue, Besmirching his fair name and character freely, As did the opponents of poor Horace Greeley. " The charges of meanness are really too small, Too trifling, to warrant attention at all. You are some of you married — I trust, not a few — • And know what it is to have taxes fall due, 158 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. To have to meet butcher's bills, f^rocer's bills, baker's, In the list that winds up with the grini undertaker's ; And the countless small nothings, that really arc worse, For the man who has these has a leak in his purse. And you know that at times }'our account at the bank Shrinks away, till your book shows deposit page — blank. If then, when }'our mind is distracted with care. Your wife wants to buy some fandangle to wear, Some gimcrack or other to fix on her head, While your mind is bent solely on how to get bread, Is there one of you here who would foster her vanity, And run into debt at the risk of insanity ? No, I venture to say that not one of you would ! And my client had borne it as long as he could. As his dwindling exchequer had caused him alarm, He felt every penny must go to the farm. *' And as to the final charge, is it so awful ? It depends upon whether the kissing was lawful ; For the sensitive plaintiff, on seeing them, fainted, Instead of remaining and getting acquainted. '* Let me now introduce the veiled woman." A pause — Which the audience filled with well-meaning applause. A woman stepped into the box, and all eyes Were turned on the figure with looks of surprise ; For every one saw she was homely and old, A trifle too wrinkled, a trifle too cold. OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 159 To entice the most liquorish roue to kiss her, And the youtlis in the audience started to hiss her. With a wave of his hand and a frown on his face, The judge called out, "Silence! proceed with the case." Miss O'Patrick was brought into court once again, And was forced to admit, though with evident pain. That the woman before her was really the one That had met Mr. Wright—" Why did she not shun All honest folks' presence ? " " You have said quite enough ! " Exclaimed Mr. Trimber, " or more tersely, 'quant, suf.' Gentlemen and your Honor, to save further bother, Let mc tell you this lady is Mr. Wright's mother ! As his wife would not hear of her living with them — A mean course of action I know you condemn — Mr. Wright met his mother in secret. And now I can do nothing better than finish, and bow." The plaintiff at this gave a terrible scream, Rubbed her eyes like a person just roused from a dream, And, throwing her arms round her husband, exclaimed, " O my Georgie ! forgive me, I 'm very ashamed. Very contrite, my darling, but true to the core ; 1 do love you, and won't be so mean any more. And if you will promise to buy what I need, Till death doth us part I will love you indeed." Wright of course said he would, when the cost of the suit i6o OVER THE SUMMER SEA. Had been paid, if she 'd only quit calling him " brute," *' The meanest man living," '* a fool and a knave," And would also assist him in trying to save. And she promised him. MORAL. O husbands and wives, If you quarrel, don't meddle with law, on your lives. There is always a loser as well as a winner, And lawyers grow fatter as your purse grows thinner. If you win, you will very soon find, to your cost, That, all things considered, you really have lost. SCENE VII. THE COURSE OF HUMAN EVENTS. SCENE VII. The Course of Human Events. Clouds broken in fragments by unseen gales, With white foam tossed like bended sails ; Sky of that pale, translucent blue, As if purest light were shining through ; Sea dark with depth, yet blue and bright, As frost-bound skies on a winter's night. The voyage was rapidly nearing its close. And a feeling of unconstrained sadness arose. A ship is a world in itself, and to sever Connection with travellers means good by forever. We have laughed with each other, been excellent friends, It seems like a lifetime. The voyage soon ends. We speak the good-by with a pain at our heart — That is, if we 're young. The older ones part With a nonchalance selfish, but wisest, maybe ; What's the use of a friend whom we never shall see Or hear from again — he, perchance, writes a letter. Ah, well! might he not have employed his time better ? We have drifted apart. It is certainly best To care for one's self — let who will take the rest. 1 64 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. But Christopher Kent and Miss RusseU were young, And, in spite of herself, a conviction had sprung, That somehow, in some way, their hves had so blended, She dreaded to think of the trip being ended. We have said there are moments, in calm or in storm. When the spirit stands out from the bodily form, When spirit knows spirit — a moment of fright, Or it may be a moment of deepest delight. But awful, whichever it chances to be ; And he who stands by, and whose spirit we see, Is a stranger no longer. Thank God ! oh, ye blest. Whose self was revealed to the one }'ou loved best ! God pity the wretches whom crudest fate Leaves naked in presence of those whom they hate ! Since their meeting at midnight, she seemed in a dream. She hated him first, then he gained her esteem By his ready forgiveness, his quickness, his kindness. Most women admire a lover's fond blindness ; It is flattery purer than man can distill, Like all nature's forces 't is bound to fulfil The purpose intended, and always will prove A lover's best weapon in winning his love. Like birds of swift passage the hours flew fast. Scarce aware of their presence before they were past. Yet feeling the shadow that fell from their wing. And dreading the crisis the future must bring. With brain that was dazed and with heart that was numb OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 16; She longed for the terrible something to come. First humming a song, thinking no one was near, She let fall the words in a voice low and clear : " A misty dawn brings a pleasant day, And a golden morning may end in rain, To look on the face of the sky is v^ain ; And what is before us none can say. *' We seek for pleasure, and meet with pain ; We dread an evil that may not be ; Our longed-for future we never see. Though life may not have been lived in vain." She dwelt on the Hnes as a sweet refrain, " And life may not have been lived in vain ; "* Then going back in a pensive way, " What is before us none can say." A shadow — she hastily looked up and blushed ; Thefn back in a moment the life-blood had rushed, And her heart beat so fast it ^'as physical pain, For Christopher Kent had o'erheard the refrain. With intenseness of passion his soft dark eyes shone, As he sat down beside her. Tlie two were alone. The throb of the engines and plash of the sea Seemed far in the distance ; and, unconsciously, His voice scarcely rose from a whisper ; her tone Was gentle, but earnest, and low as his own. She dared not look toward him ; she felt it was wise Not to risk the entreaty that lay in his eyes. i66 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. Like the quivering haze of a midsummer day, Or a waterfall's delicate curtain of spray, A tremulous softness her features o'erspread — The form half- recumbent, the poise of the head, With a background of sky that was pale as a dream, And a sea black with shadow, except where a beam Had strayed from its course and had glinted the tide Close under the vessel, then sank terrified — The scene was as perfect as artist's design, A lover would think it unrivalled, divine. And Kent, when he looked at her beautiful face, Felt thankful that nothing could ever erase From memory's canvas a picture so fair ; Once seen, it was painted indelibly there. And her face — like the beautiful lights in the north, As pale as the star-light, and then flashing forth In hot vivid blushes, she flushed and turned pale As she felt her strong arguments certain to fail. When he told of his filial devotion, she listened, * While beneath the brov\jn lashes the great tear-drops glistened ; She strove to conceal them, by suddenly turning Her face toward the sea, although secretly yearning To look at him, touch him, to offer her hand. But Kent saw the tears, and his passion was fanned Into heat that was seven times heated. He grasped The hand that was nearest to his, while he gasped, *' You know, have known it, for days, that I love you ! By all that is sacred, around or above you. OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 167 I pledge to win what you most value in life, But give me your love as reward. Be my wife ! " She was silent, then turning, she said, ** Mr. Kent," So calmly, he could but suppose that she meant To refuse him entirely. He tightened his hold On the hand that he held, for despair made him bold, And cried, *' No, no, hear me ! I ask you to wait Just a little time for me to battle with fate ; Give me something to work for, a hope that I may Win your love and yourself at no far-distant day ! I am poor, but these hands and this brain can, I trust. Earn riches — if you may be won so, they must. Or should you most long for position, or fame, I promise to win them — to give you a name That " He started. Her hand she withdrew. '' I ask no such promise," she said, ** it is j/' *' So runs the world away ; " our dreams are fled. And with the land come human loves instead. The laziest life one can live is at sea. Save the work done at breakfast, lunch, dinner, and tea, One can really do nothing but lounge, smoke, and play, Flirt a little, talk scandal (the news of the day). Or, failing in these, court the downy god. Sleep, And annihilate ennui and time at one sweep. When the land fades from sight, all the endless to-do Of business and politics fades with it too ; And the round, watery world puts all news on the shelf- Like a querulous patient — save that itself ; But the morning that brings the low margin of hills, With its very first breath the long lethargy kills ; And little is thought of but parting and meeting, And the mind conceives other excitement than eating. Vague fears fill the soul, as we pack our valises. Lest our trunks will be found to be coming to pieces ; 1 82 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. That the bottle of ink, which we rolled in a stocking, Has been broken, or something else equally shocking. And all is confusion, noise, bustle, and hence is Enough to drive any one out of his senses. The circle of friendship contracts. A cold wave Sweeps over the ship ; and most seem to behave As if they are rather ashamed of the past. And hope the acquaintanceship formed will not last. And when silk hats and bonnets break forth into bloom, They seem to bring with them politeness and gloom. The exception in this case — 'exceptions, they say. Prove the rule, although not in a logical way — Was our friend, Mr. Murray, who did not possess A " plug," that civilian abortion of dress. Promenading the deck with the same hat and coat He had daily appeared in on board of the boat. And, of course, the same temper, the same look and bearing. For our characters go with the clothes we are wearing ; He held by the hand Tommy 'Tickler, who tried, By pulling and jerking, to break from his side, To join with some urchins amidship at play, But for once he was doomed not to have his own way. '' Be still for a minute," said Murray. " Come here, Sit down on this stool, Tom, you young mutineer, I 've something to say to you. Here comes Miss Green You 're dirty as poison, not fit to be seen. But we '11 see what she says. Miss Green, take a seat ; Come into the shade here away from the heat." OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 183 Now the shade he referred to was not worth the men- tion — That is, if you take its extent or dimension, Square feet, or however you measure the shade — On the lee-side, and therefore upon the down grade. And the consequence was the stools had to be set So closely together the tops of them met. But the sense of security gained by the fact, In case of a lurch — for the stools were not backed — Was full compensation for crowding, and thus Miss Green took a seat without raising a fuss. Tom would n't sit down, preferring to stand Between Murray's knees, and to look out at the land ; For the vessel was steaming so near to the coast One could make out each cabin and count every post, Distinguish the cattle and wandering sheep. And the boy set to watch them, stretched out fast asleep. The low rolling hills had a welcoming look To the voyagers. Here through a cleft ran a brook. Springing out as it were from the roots of a tree ; It fell in a tiny cascade to the sea. The foam of the breakers lay white on the sand. And sparkled beneath the sun's magical wand ; Black rocks fronting seaward stood guarding the bay. And lashed the green waves into masses of spray. *'Well," said Murray, at length, looking round at Miss Green, "You are glad to be home — that is, near home I moan ? " i84 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. ** Oh, yes," she replied, " I suppose I am glad, And yet, do you know ? I feel foolishly sad. The trip has been pleasant throughout, has it not ? " *' Just delightful," said Murray, ** but fearfully hot ; I have felt like a blue-fish or pickerel frying, And my color has changed like a porpoise in dying ; If I now were at home, ma'am, my dearest relation Would bundle me off to some darned reservation. See here," he went on, stroking Tom's curly hair, A liberty hotly resented. " Wo-wo-ho there! Stand still, you young monkey. What am I to do With this baby, pray tell me, I 'm quite in a stew ; I have n't the heart to abandon the boy, For I love every hair of his head, and enjoy Every trick of the rascal." ** Now don't think me rude," Said Miss Green, interrupting ; " of course you allude To the boy's future prospects. My brother and I Have decided to take him ; and you may rely On my word that we will not neglect him, you know. John has made up his mind not to marry, and so," She laughingly added, " regarding myself, Since I have been long ago put on the shelf. We can" " Stop ! " exclaimed Murray, '' I 'm sure you are kind, But I can't give him up. If I must ' go it blind,' Then I must, and that ends it. Now, Tommy, see here, You are put up at auction, and I 'm auctioneer. Here 's a worthless young rascal " OVER THE SUMMER SEA, 185 '' For shame ! " said Miss Green. "You Ve mistaken your calling, that 's plain to be seen. If he 's worthless who 'd buy him ? " ''Of course that is true," Said Murray. ** Well, Tommy, I 11 leave it to you. With which one of us would you like to live best, With me or Miss Green ? — that 's the critical test. Speak the truth, now, young fellow, with which ? — under oath ? " ** I 'd like to live best," replied Tommy, ** with both.'' " That boy is a genius ! " Murray exclaimed. '' He's enough to make wise heads like us feel ashamed. May I get up alongside of you on the shelf, And chum with the bric-a-brnc china and delf ? " Miss Green made no effort to hide the glad tears, Which rolled down her cheeks, and left visible smears. Mr. Murray continued : " I can't offer much, I have n't the trick of old Midas, whose touch Turned things into gold, but I guess, if we try, We can worry along. I have something put by — Nothing much, but a little, five hundred or so — Come, shall it be both, dear Miss Green ? don't say no ! For answer she bent toward the child and said, "Yes, You shall live with us both ! '' 1 86 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. With a tender caress, Which Tommy returned, she just pressed Murray's hand, ' And left them alone. With " a smile that was bland," Murray caught up the youngster and kissed him. " My lad, He exclaimed, "well, you 've done it. And now you '11 be glad To get upon shore, eh ?" " Oh yes," Tom replied. *' And why ? " looking down on the small boy with pride. *' Because then I can sleep by myself, don't you know ? " Answered Tom, who, from eating cake sodden as dough. Had been troubled with nightmare, and used his small feet Pretty freely on Murray, " and then I can eat What I want to and thrash around all that I choose." ** With pleasure," said Murray. ''I've a terrible bruise Inflicted by you in the small of my back. Where you brought down your fist with a thundering thwack." Here he called to the captain and said, *' I 've a mind To adopt your young stowaway ; somehow, I find That I love him. I 've also engaged him a nurse." OVER THE SUMMER SEA. 187 *' Is that so?" said the captain. ''You might have done worse, You '11 never repent it." " I 'm going," said Murray, " To marry the nurse — it will save me the worry." The captain laughed loudly, " And what is her name ? I hope you 've selected a competent dame." For he thought it a joke. Murray could not feel hurt, And replied with good humor, " That terrible flirt, The charming Miss Green." " Well matched, on my soul ! " Cried the captain with warmth ; but it struck him as droll, So he laughed once again and then said, " I suppose, It will now be \.o yoit that the child's money goes ? " *' The money, what money ? " said Murray, in wonder. " For his passage, of course," cried the captain. *' By thunder ! You did n't imagine one moment, I trust, I intended to keep it ! That would be unjust. I had, for appearance's sake, to pretend, For the good of the others, but meant at the end Of the voyage to give it to Tom, or invest it. Had I dreamed you thought that, I had long since confessed it." Murray flung up his hat in the air, with a shout That attracted those passengers up and about. Who, when they had learned what had caused it, joined in 1 88 OVER THE SUMMER SEA. Till the Empress re-echoed their jovial din. They gave three cheers for both with a hearty good- will, With one cheer thrown in as a brief codicil. '' Once more ! " shouted Murray, "■ one more for Miss Green ! God bless America, and God save the Queen ! " The End. ^m EDUCATION, or at least a very important part of one, is to know liow to get good results with the least labor. In the matter of house- cleaning, scrubbing and in scouring pots and pans, it is im- portant to know that SAPOLIO saves time, strength and patience. GRAND, SQUARE AND UPRIGHT Received First Medal of Merit and Di^ ploma of Honor at the C enten nial ExH^- 'bltTon, 1876. First Prize Diploma of Honor and Hon- orable Mention and a Diploma of Special Excellence f or Baby Grands at the Mon- treal Exhibition, 1881. Are prercri'ocl l>y leivclliig: A-rtlslrs. SOHMER (^ CO-^ Manufacturers, 149 to 155 FOUETIENTH STREET, N. Y. THE BEST EVER INVENTED. No Lady, Married or Single* Rich or Poor^ Housekeeping or Board- ing>, -will be without it after testing its utility. Sold by all first-class Grocers* but beware of worthless imitations. ALTH AND VIGOR FOR THE BRAIN AND NERVES. o H s? n ^ ^ E^ S H H ^ Ph CQ > H O o 5 p^ ^ Ph S P^ O CROSBY'S VITALIZED PHOS»PHITES. This is a standard preparation with all physicians who treat nervous and mental disorders. Crosby' s Vitalized Fhos-pliites should he taken as a Special Brain Food. To BUILD UP worn-out nerves, to banish sleeplessness, neu- ralgia and sick headache. — Dr. Gwyiin. To PROMOTE good digestion. — J)r. Filmore. To " STAMP OUT " consumption. — Dr. Churchill. To *' coMPLETLY cure night sweats." — John B. Quigley, To MAINTAIN the capabilities of the brain and nerves to per- form Jill functions even at the highest tension. — E. L. Kellogg. To RESTORE the energy lost by nervousness, debility, over- exertion or enervated vital powers. — Dr. W. 8. Wells. To REPAIR the nerves that have been enfeebled by worry, de- pression, anxiety or deep grief. — Miss Ma/ry Banhiu. To STRENGTHEN the Intellect so that study and deep mental application may be a pleasure and not a trial. — B. M, Couch. To DEVELOP good teeth, glossy hair, clear skin, handsome nails in the young, so that they may be an inheritance in later years. — Editor School Journal. To ENLARGE the Capabilities for enjoyment. — National Journal of Education, To "make life a pleasure," "not a daily suffering." "I really urge you to put it to the test." — Miss Emily Faithfull. To AMPLIFY bodily and mental power to the present genera- and "prove the survival of the fittest" to the next. — BismarcJs. There is no other Vital Phos-phitEj none that is extracted from living animal and vegetable tissues. — Dr. Casper, To RESTORE lost powers and abilities. — Dr. Bull, Foi' sale by druggists or mail, $1. CO., No. 56 West Twenty-fifth St., New York. itJ)' 17 LOVELUS LIBRARY-CATALOGUE. Mysterious Island, PtII.15 Mysterious Island.Ptlll.is Tom Brown at Oxford, 2 Parts, each 15 Thicker than Water. ...20 In Silk Attire 20 Scottish Chiefs, Part I.. 20 Scottish Chiefs, Part II. 20 Willy Reilly 20 The Nautz Family 20 Great Expectations 20 Hist.of PendennisjPt I.. 20 Hist. of PendennisjPt II 20 (. Widow Bedott Papers ..2c Daniel Deronda,Part I.. 20 Daniel Deronda, Part 1 1. 20 .. Altiora Peto 20 r. By the Gate of the Sea.. 15 5. Tales of a Traveller 20 ). Life and Voyages of Co- lumbus, 2 Parts, each. 20 ,. The Pilgnm's Progress .. 20 [. MartinChuzzlewit,P'rt 1.20 MartinChuzzlewit,P't II, 20 Theophrastus Such 10 ;. Disarmed 15 {. Eugene Aram 20 The Spanish Gypsy, &C.20 Cast up by the Sea 20 7. Mill on the Floss, Part 1. 15 Mil! on the Floss, P'tll.is 3. Brother Jacob, etc 10 J. The Executor 20 3. American Notes 15 The Newcomes, Part I.. 20 The Newcomes, Part II. 20 The Privateersman 20 J. The Three Feathers 20 4. Phantom Fortune 20 5. The Red Eric - ...20 6. Lady Silverdale's Sweet- heart 10 7. The Four Macnicol's ... 10 S.Mr. Pisistratus Brown , M . E i o 9. Dombeyand Son, Part 1. 20 Dombey and Son, Part II. 20 Book of Snobs 10 Fairy Tales, Illustrated. .20 The Disowned 20 3. Little Dorrit, Part 1 20 Little Dorrit, Part II 20 4. Abbotsford and New- stead Abbey 10 5. Oliver Goldsmith, Black 10 6. The Fire Brigade 20 7- Rifle and Hound in Cey- „ Ion 20 8. OurMutualFriend,P'tI.2o OurMutuaiFriend.P't II. 20 9 Paris Sketches 15 0. Belinda 20 1. Nicholas Nickleby,P't 1. 20 NicholasNickleby,P't 11.20 2. Monarch of Mincing Lane 20 3. Eight Years' Wanderings in Ceylon 20 ,4- Pictures from Italy 15 5. Adventures of Philip,Pt I.15 Adventures of Philip, Pt II. 15 6. Knickerbocker History of New York .30 237. The Boy at Mugby 10 238. The Virginians, Part I.. 20 The Virginians, Part II. 20 239. Eriing the Bold 20 240. Kenelm Chillingly 20 241. Deep Down 20 242. Samuel Brohl & Co 20 243. Gautran 20 244. Bleak House, Part I 20 Bleak House, Part 1 1... 20 245. What Will He Do With It ? 2 Parts, each 20 246.SketchesofYoungCouples.10 247. Devereux »2o 248. Life of Webster, Part 1. 15 Life of Webster, Pt. II. 15 249. The Crayon Papers 20 250. The Caxtons, Part I 15 The Caxtons, Part II ... 15 251. Autobiography of An- thony Trollope 20 252. Critical Reviews, etc.... 10 253. Lucretia 20 254. Peter the Whaler 20 255. Last of the Barons. Pt 1. 15 Last of the Barons,Pt.II.i5 256. Eastern Sketches 15 257. All in a Garden Fair. . . .20 258. File No. 113 20 259. The Parisians, Part I... 20 The Parisians, Part II.. 20 260. Mrs. Darling's Letters. ..20 261. Master Humphrey's Clock 10 262. Fatal Boots, etc 10 263. The Alhambra 15 264. The Four Georges 10 265. Plutarch's Lives, 5 Pts. $1. 266. Under the Red Flag 10 267. TheHaunted House, etc. 10 268. When the Ship Comes Home 10 269. One False, both Fair.... 20 270. The Mudfog Papers, etc. 10 271. My Novel, 3 Parts, each.20 272. Conquest of Granada. ..20 273. Sketches by Boz 20 274. A Christmas Carol, etc.. 15 275. lone Stewart 20 276. Harold, 2 Parts, each... 1 5 277. Dora Thorne 20 278. Maid of Athens 20 279. Conquest of Spain 10 280. Fitzboodle Papers, etc .. 1 o 281. Bracebridge Hall 20 282. Uncommercial Traveller.20 283. Roundabout Papers 20 284. Rossmoyne 20 285. A Legend of the Rhine, etc. 4 .... 10 286. Cox's Diary, etc 10 287. Beyond Pardon 20 28S. Somebody'sLuggage,etc.io 289. Godolphin 20 290. Salmagundi 20 291. Famous Funny Fellows. 20 292. Irish Sketches, etc 20 293. The Battle of Life, etc... 10 294. Pilgrims of the Rhine ... 1 5 295. Random Shots 20 296. Men's Wives 10 297. Mystery of Edwin Drood.20 298. Reprinted Pieces ,to 299. Astoria ....20, 300. Novels by Eminent Handsio 301. Companions of Columbus2o 302. No Thoroughfare 10 303. Character Sketches, etc. 10 304. Christmas Books 20 305. A Tour on the Prairies... 10 306. Ballads 15 307. Yellowplush Papers 10 30S. Life of Mahomet, Part I. IS Life of Mahomet, Pt. 11. 15 309. Sketches and Travels in London ic 310. Oliver Goldsmith,Irving.20 3 1 1. Captain Bonneville .... 20 312. Golden Girls 20 313. English Humorists 15 314. Moorish Chronicles 10 315. Winifred Power 20 316. Great HoggartyDiamond ic 317. Pausanias 15 318. The New Abelard 20 319. A Real Queen 20 320. The Rose and the Ring.20 321. Wolfert's Roost and Mis- cellanies, by Irving.... 10 322. Mark Seavvorth 20 323. Life of Paul Jones 20 324. Round the World 20 325. Elbow Room 20 326. The Wizard's Son 25 327. Harry Lorrequer 20 328. How It All Came Round.20 329. Dante Rosetti's Poems. 20 330. The Canon's Ward 20 331. Lucile, by O. Meredith. 20 332. Every Day Cook Book . . 20 333. Lays of Ancient Rome. . 20 334. Life of Burns 20 335. The Young Foresters. .. 20 336. John Bull andHis Island 20 337. Salt Water, byKingston. 20 338. The Midshipman 20 339. Proctor's Poems 20 340. Clayton's Rangers 2c 341. Schiller's Poems -20 342. Goethe's Faust 20 343. Goethe's Poems 20 344. Life of Thackeray 10 345. Dante's Vision of Hell, < Purgatory and Paradise.. 20 346. An Interesting Case.... 20 347. Life of Byron, Nichol. . . 10 348. Life of Bunyan 10 349. Valerie's Fate 10 350. Grandfather Lickshingle. 20 351. Lays of the Scottish Ca- valiers 20 352. Willis' Poems 20 353. Tales of the French Re- volution 15 354. Loom and Lugger ... ...20 355. More Leaves from a Life in the Highlands ij 356. Hygiene of the Brain. ..25 357. Berkeley the Banker 20 358. Homes Abroad 15 359. Scott's Lady of the Lake, with notes.. ^ ac 360. Modem Christianity a civilized Heathenism.. ..15 ;\iTiai\ moral thing;s should be ivillingf to Tecommendf^oiipS I am toI H th at mv coinmenclatiOtl of (|^car£^^^oa^hj^penedjfor_ft, a large sale ia the (gXnitcd ^tatca^ am ■^vIlling to sta.id r>y every word in faror of it that I ever uttered A man must be fastidious jndeed who is .not 6atisfied^^v;th it, /, .wZ — «t ^ A SDecialtr for tie SBii k ComDleiloB. As recommended by the greatest English authority on the Skin ProUIRERASinS WILSON, F.E. 3. ^^___ Pres. of the Eoyal Col. of Surgeons, England. Nothing adds so much to personal appearance as a DBrlgtlt* Clear Complexion and a Soft (Blcin. With these the plainest features become attractive. Without themthehandsomest are but coldly impressive. Many a complexion is marred by impure alkaline and Colored Toilet Soap. PEARS' SOAP Is specially prepared for the delicate skin of ladies and children and other sensitive to tiie weather, winter or summer. In England it is pre-eminently the complexion boap, and is recommended by all the best authorities, as on account of its emollient, non-irritant character, RedLness, Hongliness and. Clian- pmg are pi-evented, and a clear and l^rialit iippeai'ant'O and a solt. >^elvety condition im- parted and maintained, and a good, tuealtlirnl and attx'aetive comple:s:ion en.snred. Its agreeable and lasting perfume, beautiful appearance, and soothing prop- erties commend it as the greatest luxury of the toilet. Its durability and consequent economy is remarkable, 15 JNTERWATaONAL AWARDS. iS f^ r<>. <^ * O K ■' ^' . ^ V . '• ^^0 ^^-^^^ ■h A' ,v ^, ^^ ^ ^^,^^ ^<^> ,^ s- .^^ V '^^ .V ;^ ^-. <■ " A 1-^ <^' -y .f- v^' A^ ^ V ,0 -^ --s^, ,.' 79 ST. AUGUSTINE ■->iJ , i^'^^ ^ b1 • / 1 ■*/ .^ .>>%^^^■