THE GIRL’S OWN PAPER

THE GLEANER.

From the Painting in the Salon by Jules Breton

Vol. XX.—No. 1018.]

[Price One Penny.

JULY 1, 1899.

[Transcriber’s Note: This Table of Contents was not present in the original.]

[THE SECRET OF THE SEA.]

By EDWARD OXENFORD.

They stand at twilight by the rippling ocean,

A youth and maiden, as they plight their troth,

And perfect faith and infinite devotion

Have made their dwelling in the hearts of both.

They will be wedded when his cruise is ended,

“And that will not be long, love!” murmurs he;

But whether lives shall be hereafter blended

As yet remains a secret of the sea!

Across the waters now his ship is sailing

Erect and stately, for the wind is fair,

And she who watches knows that love unfailing

Is ever present with her dear one there!

When from her sight his form at last is hidden,

“It will not be for long, love!” murmurs she;

But whether meeting hence shall be forbidden

As yet remains a secret of the sea!

The years pass onward, but no tidings reach her

Of him who still is to her brave heart dear;

But, hoping still, she prays that Hope may teach her

To bear the burthen of her growing fear.

She trusts to his last words, despairing never,

“Your promise, love, you yet will keep to me!”

But whether now his lips are hushed for ever

Remains, untold, a secret of the sea!

By ISABELLA FYVIE MAYO, Author of “Other People’s Stairs,” “Her Object in Life,” etc.