The cottage by the sea

Front matter

O't o,

, O \ o

' CL ^ h V : ^

Chapter II

S Nelly came down from the porch, her brother entered a gate leading from the sands, with a string of unusually fine mackerel, trout and other fish, so fresh and alive that it seemed a pity, almost, to remove their beautiful scales. She called out to him : How glad I am, and how lucky it is, that you caught such good kinds this time, as Miss Agnes is coming to-day to dine here. She says she always gets the freshest and better fish here than elsewhere.^^

^^I am truly pleased, Nelly, when I can serve Miss Agnes in any way, but you know all about that. She is what I call a lady, and a perfect woman too. Why, Nell, I would be glad to risk my life for Miss Agncs.^^

Agnes and Rob were nursed together by Rob^s mother. Mrs. Sonirnerville, mother to Agnes, was born in England, and had lived there until she was married. She brought over to primitive Maine her ideas of raising infants. We are now going back some years in our story, when Rob and Agnes and Nelly were all children. Mrs. Sommerville, being

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a delicate woman, decided that Mary Grant would prove a healthier nurse to her fragile little daughter than she herself would. Although it was a great trial to her, she resigned the vocation of feeding her child to another, and was doubtless wise in so doing. As little Agnes lived altogether in the cottage, and was in the open air nearly all the time when the weather was suitable, a marked improvement in the child was observed, which rewarded her mother for her great self-denial. Asleep or awake, Mary Grant was devoted to her charge. She was faithful by nature, and was a good wife and attentive mother, and of a bright, cheerful disposition. Little Rob was let run as soon as he was able to stand on his sturdy legs, and Sukey, the cow, served as his source — from that time — for nutriment. This cow was rescued from a herd of Jerseys that had been wrecked from a vessel, by Rob’s father. Nelly loved the bonny beast, and did her justice in milking her when only a dozen years old, for her hands were strong and supple, and she could milk as well as could Lolly, the maid. Sukey was not the only cow owned by the family, for there were others of less repute, and many prints of sweet, golden butter were made from the cream and

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sought for by the neighborhood, Mrs. Sommerville taking the greater part.

After several years more, Nelly aspired to have a hen-house of her own, which she made a model of cleanliness. She would not let little Miss Agnes go into a place that was not sweet and clean, and the little girl, who was a year older than Nelly, loved to see the white ducks, speckled fowls and lazy turkeys, especially when Nelly fed them. The latter were the plague of the poor girPs life. The hen birds are inefficient mothers; they prefer to roost in high trees, and let the young ones look out for themselves. Comparatively few turkeys would be raised if the trusty common hens were not available. When they outgrew them, it was Nellyas charge to look after the half-grown turkeys. She used to say that the turkey mothers were like some ladies she had heard of, who were very fine, but wished to be above all others, and even, their own children. But they had to come down at last, and be fed to repletion, to make them ready for market, an^hen they were as often eaten by the common sort as any other.

Nelly was feeding her fowls, who were cackling and fighting, but notwithstanding the noise, she

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heard wheels on the gravel, and turned and saw Miss Agnes alighting from her phaeton, and the ponies standing quietly by. Agnes seldom forgot to pluck a handful of grass for Fancy and Fun, and they were evidently expecting it now. She remembered them, and then told the boy in the rumble to feed them well at home, and so dismissed him, with the assurance that Miss Nelly would bring her home in time, so that he need not wait.

The two girls kissed each other, and now began the day of all the week to each of them. It was the one in which they were the happiest. It seemed as if they could not do enough for each other. The benefit of this friendship was mutual, for the refinement of ideas which one imparted was received by the other, and it did not have the effect of lifting her out of the sphere in which she had been placed, and in which she was contented, because she was good and happy. Nelly gave such true affection to her friends that it was a benefit to them on both sides. A true loving nature does bestow happiness to those, who have that in them, that is able to receive and appreciate kindness. The minds of some unfortunate people being so filled with either envy or jealousy, or both, there is no room for a better feeling.

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CHAPTER III. HILE Agnes and Nelly were picking berries

» » in the little garden, a young man sauntered by, and his practiced eye being struck by the contrast between the two girls, he stopped and addressing Nell, said : Can you tell me, my pretty girl, where the inn, or tavern as you call it down here, may be situated ?

Yes,’’ said Nell, I can tell you where what you call the inn up there is, but I am to be spoken to with respect, and not told I am pretty.”

A smile dimpled the smooth cheek of Miss Agnes at Nell’s retort, and the stranger asked pardon of the spunky maid.

She went out of the garden, and approaching the stranger, said : Do you see down there under those willows ? ”

Certainly, I do,” replied he.

There is the house of entertainment for man and beast, sir, and is right on the stream, for the convenient of those lazy swells, who come down from Boston to fish about here in these rivers. Why, some of them fish right out of the very

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windows and off the porches. Those shallows contain only small fry, but good enough for such as they. ^ Little fish must keep near shore, but larger ones may venture more,^ said Nell with a toss of her head.

After the stranger had left, Rob, who had met him, came in and said ; Nell, who is that chap ?

I cannot say, except that there is his card which reads, ^ Guy Huntington, Artist, Toronto.^

thought he was one of those John Bulls,^^ said her brother, who had no especial love for the people of our mother country. Nell, have nothing to say to artists. They are generally worthless, I believe.^^

Oh, how churlish you are, Rob ; but I am sure that Miss Agnes can tell what a man is.’^

Just then Agnes, who was rocking on the flowery porch, called out: ^^Do not be too sure, Nelly. It takes a much wiser head than mine to read a man.”

Oh, Miss Agnes ! he could scarcely keep his eyes off you. I said to myself, * He has an eye in his head. He has never seen anyone to compare to her.’”

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Why, Nelly, you are a goose, if you will excuse me for saying so, for an artist sees real beauty constantly. He was only studying me artistically.^^ That may be, for if he caught the likeness, he would sell his picture better than any he had ever done in his life before. I would lay a wager on that.^^

A dog, now running up and barking joyously, was the precursor of his master, who had gone off a few moments before, and now returned to ask Miss Agnes if she would allow him to row her to her home, and remarked : There is a full moon to-

night, which will make it more pleasant. You know, Nelly, Stephen Green has been playing his flute now a good deal, and would join us if you ask him.’^ Turning to Miss Agnes, he remarked :

Whilst Stephen plays, Nell will take an oar, if she wishes ; but I can row four people as well as two any day.^^

They soon embarked, and started for the willows. The artist hailed them and asked for a seat.

am sorry to say we are fuiy^ replied Eob, so cannot^lige you.^^

When Agnes was landed, Nell and Stephen waited — not at all against their will — at the pier

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until Rob delivered Agnes safely at her home. When he was again seated in the boat, and before they had gone any distance, their voices and the flute rang out on the moonlit air in a pretty boating song. The artist heard the music, and when they reached the willows, he was there ready to go on board. When he was seated, he at once, in a beautiful tenor voice, sang a familiar air in which Nell and Rob joined ; but the flutist held his breath to hear, as he thought, the stranger^s wonderful tones.

Although Nelly had naturally a good sweet voice, it was entirely untrained ; but as she and her brother were in the habit of singing together, their voices accorded, and with that of the artist made a melody which awoke the echoes along the hills. Stephen Green began to feel the difference between an experienced man of the world and society and a young fisherman, though not an ordinary fellow. His having been Rob’s friend, he had, by association with him and his sister, imbibed considerable refinement of ideas and habits. Nelly had taken pains with him to encourage him in his improvement, and consequently he had become much attached to her.

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Mr. Huntington had now ceased singing, and began to entertain them by interesting talk of his experiences in many ways. As Nelly always wished to acquire knowledge, she listened very attentively and lost none of his conversation, and by her intelligent questions and remarks arrested the interest of the artist. This girl was not formed in an ordinary mould. Her father’s mother and other relatives had seen better days, and were people of some refinement and good education ; but reverses had come and her grandmother had married a worthy, but plain man. Nell resembled her in many respects, and as she was rather remarkable both in her appearance and a certain attraction, Nell had inherited that from her, which amounted to magnetism in the granddaughter.

Rob, though glad to hear pleasant things, was more suspicious than his sister was, of strangers. But he had faith in Nelly’s prudence and in her spirit. She was undergoing not only a revelation of another’s mind, but a revolution of her own whole being. She never had had the privilege of talking to a man of such manners and education until now. Although the father of her friend Miss Agnes, Mr. Sommerville, had always noticed her, yet he treated

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her as a mere child, as he did his own little daughter. The artist had not only mingled with people of cultivation at home and abroad, but had also gone for artistic purposes among all classes. Therefore, he could suit himself to those whom he considered beneath him as well as to his equals, and to those of even higher rank than himself. Nell had points that attracted his curiosity. Her features were clearly cut, though not at all sharp, intimating better race or blood than her present condition would justify. It was a suggestion to the artist of some romance in the lives of her forefathers, and a question, where did these fine features originate Perhaps in a wilder and more talented race of people, now amalgamated with inferior ones. He admired her abundant waving hair, her form, graceful from its freedom, and her quick vivacity. But he knew from the flash of her eyes that he dared not trespass. Before the row was over he had made up his mind to aim for higher game, and to let good, honest Nelly alone. It was well for him that he had done so, for Rob was now on the watch, and heavy would the penalty have been, to be paid, for even trying to injure his sister. Young Green went home disconsolate; but it must be admitted that 2

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Nelly felt elated by the attention which her attractions generally, and her intelligence particularly, had elicited from this knight of the pencil.

CHAPTER IV. ‘HE following day, the skies being slightly

^ overcast, Rob supposed it would be the right time for him to take a holiday — which this energetic and industrious worker scarcely ever allowed himself to do — and redeem his promise to his sister that he would take Miss Agnes and her for a day^s boating and fishing. Nelly proposed, on account of her friend, that her brother should invite the artist to join the expedition. Little did she know what the acceptance of this invitation involved to all, but especially to herself. So they rowed under the willows again, and found the artist busily sketching female figures; one resembling Miss Agnes, and several evidently drawn for Nelly. They all entered the-trig boat, and Guy Huntington, who was in the brightest spirits, was laughing and talking in the most jolly way. Putting up a small sail, they

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were soon at the pier ; and Young Grant springing up the bank quickly, was absent only a short time, and reappearing, said that Miss Agnes accepted the invitation most gladly, and would join them immediately. In a half hour, during which time even Rob was absorbed by the conversation between Nell and Mr. Huntington, Agnes appeared in a pretty boating rig, with fishing tackle of the most approved sort, and accompanied by her father. Mr. Somrnerville congratulated them on their pleasant expectations for the day, and offered to send his boatman in case the wind should lull so much that it would be necessary to row. Rob said : Oh, no danger of that to-day, Mr. Sommerville, but we may have to use the oars on account of too much wind for sails in so small a boat.^^ Rob Grant had had experience as a fisherman, and of course knew the signs of the weather well. However,^’ said he, ‘Hwo men and Nell can manage this boat, even should there be a squall, so we will decline your kind offer, though I am sure, sir, with many thanks.^^ Grant^s surmise was sooner realized than they anticipated ; for before long it began to blow rather fresh for a sail, as was said, in so small a craft. Rob and Nell each took an oar, and though she

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was not really so strong, yet she could second him remarkably well, as she was practiced and skilful.

Nelly Grant loved Agnes, and she tried not to listen to what Guy was saying with so much animation to her ; but her frequent ripples of laughter evinced her enjoyment of his talk, for, indeed, few could surpass him in conversational powers, when aroused as they were now, by the appreciation of his wit, and the response from the pretty Agnes, who was looking unusually well. She had a becoming hat, which just gave her what she needed in height and finish to her rather petite features.

Nelly, who had turned round in the boat, called out : Oh, look ! look behind ! A cloud was coming rapidly, and soon as rapidly spread, and the wind, which had freshened very much, was fast changing to a gale. The smallest sail was raised on the boat, for it was now altogether too rough to row. Under this they sped before the wind, and all seemed rather to enjoy it, except Guy Huntington. He began to feel sick, and turned deathly pale. His delic^e constitution had always made him fear high or rough winds. Eob, who was not accustomed to men of this sort, could not help indicating surprise, as he thought the artist was decidedly showing

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the white feather. At this time the wind changed so suddenly, that the boat was careened, and before it could be recovered, was capsized. Nelly, who was an expert swimmer, and almost as strong as her brother, in the water, struck out, and Kob, seizing Agnes, whose light weight did not impede him much, although encumbered with his clothes, began to make off towards the land. The artist, after clinging to the boat, lost his hold and his head at the same time, threw his arms around Nell, who was now, in the gale and the rough waves, struggling almost for life. Let go,^^ shouted her brother to Huntington, ^^or I will kill you. If not now, hereafter.^^

The artist, beside himself with terror, only held the girl more tightly. Nell, knowing that they would both be drowned if he did not let go, with a superhuman effort shook herself free, and catching a plank that was passing, swam with it to Guy, who was almost faint. She made him hold to the plank, and went on as fast as she could, and kept him from falling off by calling to him, and rousing him, until she reached the nearest boat, which was coming to their assistance. With the help of the boatman they succeeded in getting the artist in.

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who was now completely exhausted, Rob following, bearing Agnes on one arm, and swimming with the other. He was obliged to go slowly, but at last reached the cliff. As he stepped ashore and put her under the care of a woman standing near, she cast on him a look of gratitude which Rob could never forget. Oh, Miss Agnes ! Miss Agnes ! What will your father say to all of us ?

What can he say to you,^^ replied she, except testify his lifelong gratitude, for saving the life of his daughter ?

Nelly was much concerned about the artist. He had somewhat revived, but was looking terribly upset; but Agnes was as yet even dearer to her than he was. Rob, seeing how woe-begone he looked, rubbed him down ; and this kindness did both of them good, as the exertion brought his circulation in play also. One of our finest poets says : Mercy is twice blessed, both to the giver

and to the receiver.^^

Hailing a passing seaman, he borrowed his flask of spirits, as his had been washed away, and induced Miss Somtnerville to swallow a little of its contents. He also not only insisted upon Nell following the example of Agnes but gave the artist some also.

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and then wound up by taking a small quantity himself. So, warmed and somewhat cheered by the draught of spirits, Rob ran to the village, all wet as he was, and obtained a horse on which he rode without saddle — so great was his haste — to the house of Mr. Sommerville, and soon returned with the good news that, although her father was from home, a vehicle with fresh clothes and wraps would be on hand as soon as possible. When the carriage arrived, in a short time, Agnes insisted upon Nelly’s sharing some of the garments, although the most of them were not large enough for her well developed frame. They had repaired to a cottage, when Rob had left them, and had been steaming by the fire, so now they were ready for the changes which were rapidly made ; and Agnes despatched, with the faithful Rob on her carriage box, to see her actually delivered in safety to her home.

After her friend was in the way of being made more comfortable, Nelly began to turn her thoughts to the man whose life she had saved. She ran along the sands, and there saw the print of slender bare feet. How sorry I am for him,” she thought. ^^He is so delicately formed that he cannot help being more nervous than a working man would be.”

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She followed swiftly, and saw him from a distance enter the door of the inn. She knew that she could do nothing more for him, so began to think at last of herself. She knew also that Agnes would attend to Eob’s getting dry garments from some of the men at her house, and see that he was properly cared for ; so now, she was at liberty to wend her way home, and being much beloved by her little maiden who helped her with her every-day tasks and employments, hot blankets and tea, and all things necessary, were furnished for her comfort as soon as possible. She had scarcely time to take a slight nap, when there was a whistle which woke her from her sleep of exhaustion. But as Rob came in, he cried out : Keep your bed, dear Nelly, and do not think of rising ; and approaching her bedside, gave her a kiss, saying : If anyone deserved rest, you do, my brave, good girl.^^

This voluntary caress pleased his affectionate sister more than anything Rob could have given her. She often asked him to kiss her by way of cultivating his affectional nature. He had been in the habit of saluting his mother, of whom he was very fond, and who idolized him. ‘^Oh, dear Rob,^^ she said, ^^how have you stood all this

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excitement and exertion ? You look so wonderfully well ; but you must be very tired, and why not lie down and take a sleep ?

Kob, with a merry laugh, said : Why, sister dear, did you ever know me guilty of such a thing as being in bed in the daytime ? I could not sleep ; I should feel out of my element, as a fish out of the water does.^^

How happy they were together, these two young people, and partly on account of their mutual respect for the kind and unselfish qualities, which each possessed. Such affection is all enduring, and is founded on what cannot be shaken. Good temper, forbearance and industry, are what make happiness and real homes.

O, brother ! said Nelly, if you are not worn out, will you do me a favor ? ’’

Ask it, sister, and it is done.’^

Will you go to the inn and see after poor Mr. Huntington ?

Pshaw, Nell, what does it matter what becomes of such a cowardly man ? ’’

^^Oh, no! Not cowardly, but only the natural feeling of a man very delicately organized. Do,

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dear Rob, for my sake, go and see him, and come and tell me how he fares.^^

^^Now, Nell, because you saved his life, there is no need of your giving him anything. He ought to bestow upon you an independent fortune, if your father’s daughter, or your brother’s sister, would accept such gifts, which '1 think will not be, in this case at any rate.”

So Rob rather unwillingly, though not sullenly, took his way to the inn and found the artist in his bed, with a flushed face, and a doctor from Buxton standing beside him. Guy had requested that a physician should be brought from the nearest large town.

So, Rob,” said the doctor, moving to the other side of the room and speaking in a low tone, this young man has a very high fever, and I must have a nurse for him for the night. From where can I get one ? I cannot have one sent from the Buxton hospital before to-morrow ; but he will need much attention at once, and during the night. I remain in the inn until to-morrow myself,” said the pompous, tbbugh small man, ‘^but I must have a nurse. What shall I do ? What do you advise. Grant?”

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will come myself, doctor, and bring one of our maids, who is somewhat a hand in nursing.’’

^^Good for you,” said Dr. Bell, for he feared much that he would have to sit up all night himself.

Rob had a kind heart under his jacket, and he had his reward in the future for this very act.

Well, doctor, I hope it is not a serious matter,” said Rob.

Well, well, we will see,” replied the cautious doctor.

I shall,” said Rob to himself, give him all the ice and ice water that he wants, no matter what the doctor says about that. One’s common sense dictates that at any rate, and I believe in common sense.” So the kind Rob carried out his good intentions with zeal ; and it was principally owing to his judgment and his watchfulness, that the fever was much quelled by morning.

The doctor seemed much surprised, and apparently disappointed, when he felt his patient’s pulse. The little man had hoped to turn a good many honest pennies, in this case of illness, and although he wished his patient to get well eventually, he did not wish too rapid an end to the case. So Mr. Huntington was in for a tedious spell ; but

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from Rob’s intelligent care, aided by a trained young woman as nurse, from a hospital in one of the neighboring towns, he stood a much better chance of recovering less slowly, than if he had been left to the old time ideas of the doctor.

Chapter V

FTER a couple of weeks had elapsed, the artist, leaning on Rob’s stout arm, the nurse, bringing easy chair and cushions to the veranda, soon had him comfortably seated. He was delighted to get out once more into the warm sunshine and pleasant air, scented with the sweet perfume of roses and honeysuckles which grew profusely around the porch of the inn. The following day Rob took Nelly to sit with him, and she was pleased to be of service to him and he more than pleased to have her read to him, and in a few days to bring him delicacies made by herself, in the most approved fashion. ^

During these days of convalescence, in entertaining each other, Nelly would sing to him her simple

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songs and he narrated stories, original and otherwise, quoted poetry and then, when he grew strong enough, read to her parts that he thought would suit her taste, of Shakespeare^s plays. All this was to the girl the seventh heaven of enjoyment ; and when, after he had begun to grow much better, though his voice was not yet very strong but sweet and sympathetic, he sang to her, and her soul melted within her. Can any one wonder, that she lost her heart completely? He sent to one of the larger towns for a guitar and a violin, and accompanied himself with one in singing, and played the other, in Nellyas opinion, most divinely, which gave the poor girl great delight.

Guy, seeing her twice every day, grew so accustomed to her pleasant company that when, as he grew stronger, she ceased coming constantly, he asked her why she absented herself.

have been lazy lately,^^ she replied, ^^and I must not leave all my work for our good Martha to do any longer.^^

NelPs image had effaced entirely that of Miss Agnes in the mind of the artist.

^^No, Nellie, you must never soil your hands again with work. See how white and soft they are,

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now that you have ceased toiling. Nelly, look at me. Do you comprehend me — that I want you for myself ; that I cannot do without you two hours together? How can I win you, dearest of women, to go with me to Paris as my beloved, respected wife ?

NelPs pretty eyes opened wide, and then a flood of tears dimmed them, so that Guy arose and sat beside her, holding her hand and pillowing her curly head upon his shoulder.

Oh, Guy ! how have I deserved this of God^s ^ mercy and of you? Are you certain that you love poor Nelly, and that you will not tire of her? I am not worthy to become your wife. I need education, cultivation, accomplishments and other things to be worthy of that high position.’’

^‘You have both mental capacity and ability, my dear girl, and that will be all right. I do love you — so devotedly that I cannot spare you to anyone else. How can I help loving so sweet, so lovely and so loving a person? I will be true to you until death, if you will take me.”

Her brother, coming soon after to relieve her, saw that she had undergone much emotion from some cause, and he, suspecting what it was, sent

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her home, and then Guy asked young Grant for his sister in marriage.

‘‘ What Nelly says, I suppose, I must say, and if she accepts you, you are aware that you will deprive me, Mr. Huntington, of my greatest treasure. There are few men whom I know, who are worthy of her, and God grant that you may prove to be so.^^