Debby softly began to sing, "Oh, come unto
the yellow sands! " but stopped in the middle of
a line, to say,--
"Shall I tell you why I did what Aunt Pen
would call a very unladylike and improper thing,
Mr. Evans? "
"If you will be so kind;" and her companion
looked delighted at the confidence about to be
reposed in him.
"Somewhere across this great wide sea I hope
I have a brother," Debby said, with softened voice
and a wistful look into the dim horizon." Five
years ago he left us, and we have never heard
from him since, except to know that he landed
safely in Australia. People tell us he is dead; but
I believe he will yet come home; and so I love to
help and pity any man who needs it, rich or poor,
young or old, hoping that as I do by them some
tender-hearted woman far away will do by Brother
Will."
As Debby spoke, across Frank Evan's face
there passed the look that seldom comes but once
to any young man's countenance; for suddenly
the moment dawned when love asserted its supremacy,
and putting pride, doubt, and fear underneath
its feet, ruled the strong heart royally and bent it
to its will.
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