Class __^'lZ___ 
 
 GopyrightN". 
 
 // //. 
 
 COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 
 
^ I^J^^^-^*^^ 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 BY 
 
 EMMA ELLIS CONWAY 
 
 RIDGEWOOD, N. J. 
 
 THE EDITOR COMPANY 
 
 1910 
 

 Copyright, 19 io 
 
 BY 
 
 EMMA ELLIS CONWAY 
 
 ©GIA3617 
 
 on 
 

 TO 
 
 i most affectionately 
 
 this little volume 
 
 Emma Ellis Conway. 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 in 2011 with funding from 
 The Library of Congress 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/toportsbeyondOOconw 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 PART I 
 
 *A flower grew in a lonely place, 
 A knight came riding by apace, 
 Said he, ^This flower my plume shall grace! ' " 
 
 'Twas evening in Summer. Adown a green 
 
 lane, 
 Where brown thrushes carolled a merry 
 
 refrain, 
 A horseman was leisurely wending his way, 
 And whirling a bar he had heard at the play. 
 Twas a blithe little snatch of a bright catchy 
 
 tune. 
 It had run through his mind for the whole 
 
 afternoon. 
 And now he would whistle it, then he would 
 
 sing: 
 
6 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 ''My love's like a flower that blooms in the 
 
 Spring/' 
 Around him, above him, the world seemed in 
 
 tune 
 With all things suggestive of beauteous June. 
 The men in the meadows were tossing the 
 
 hay; 
 Shy 'mid the grass the anemones lay. 
 A light summer breeze brought the sweet 
 
 scent of clover. 
 Beneath were wild blossoms, the smiling 
 
 skies over. 
 At length he drew rein at the foot of the hill, 
 While his horse slaked his thirst at a soft- 
 flowing rill 
 That splashed through the meadow, and 
 
 slipped by the lane, 
 Then wound by the woodland and crept on 
 
 again. 
 The pony, of water, had taken his fill. 
 And wandered on, cropping the cowslips at 
 
 will. 
 The cowslips that bordered the brooklet like 
 
 fringe. 
 And lent to the waters a soft yellow tinge. 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 7 
 
 His rider approved with a sanctioning air, 
 And plucked a wild rose from a bush that 
 
 grew near. 
 While pensively puflfing the blue rings of 
 
 smoke 
 That rose in the air and then gracefully 
 
 broke 
 Into eddying wreaths, that soon circled away, 
 He languidly fell into this revery: 
 ''Dame Nature is beaming! I wonder if she. 
 As well as Miss Durant, was looking for me? 
 I wrote rd be down on the evening express — 
 But that wreck was on hand — 'Twas ill luck, 
 
 I confess. 
 So, to foreclose that wager I made with Phil 
 
 Dane, 
 That rd see her this eve, be it sunshine or 
 
 rain, 
 I hired this beast, and I galloped on over. 
 'Tis twenty long miles, if it's one, back to 
 
 Dover! 
 But heigh-ho! That's not far, when the 
 
 object in view 
 Is the girl whom one thinks of, and dreams 
 
 of — then, too. 
 
8 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 There's Dane and his wager. Hang me, but 
 
 IVe won! 
 This makes me possessor of Phil's handsome 
 
 gun. 
 I've won against Kght odds, — they might 
 
 have been fewer. 
 What a laugh I will have at his discomfiture! 
 I've shown that old boy what he's failed to 
 
 discover: 
 That I am not always 'the recreant lover!' 
 Miss Durant is not like the girls that I know — 
 Gay fire-flies! resembling tenpins in a row! 
 She's charming and bright as the evening 
 
 star; 
 Her style! She surpasses all others by far! 
 As for beauty " His face wore a smile of 
 
 conviction, 
 Excluding all chance of adverse contradiction. 
 Thus musing and smoking, the moments 
 
 slip by. 
 Soft clouds in the west gild the evening sky 
 As our rider and steed, with a grace debonair. 
 Gallop on and just over the hill disappear. 
 
II 
 
 " Oh lad and lass, and orchard pass 
 And briared lane and daisied grass, 
 Oh gleam and gloom, and woodland bloom, 
 And breezy breaths of all perfume!'' 
 
 Riley 
 
 Just over the hill lay the sweet country home 
 Of Eileen Durant. 'Twas a pleasure to 
 
 roam 
 The paths through the woodland, or search 
 
 the cool dells 
 O'er run with wild fern and the dainty blue 
 
 bells. 
 Not far in the background, and flowing for- 
 ever, 
 One catches a glimpse of a picturesque river. 
 And under the brow of a vine-covered cliff, 
 Now rising, now falling, a light little skiff 
 Is topping the waves as it lies at its mooring — 
 Seems beckoning to haunts and to trystings 
 
 alluring. 
 And winding around at the foot of the hill, 
 
10 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 The path leads you down by an old water- 
 mill. 
 Now here, one is tempted to dreamily loiter, 
 But is tempted again to a full reconnoitre 
 Of the deep sylvan haunts and of leafy 
 
 retreats, 
 Up the walk to the orchard, where old rustic 
 
 seats 
 Most inviiingly say: ''Will you enter?'' 
 
 Eileen — 
 So winsome a maid you will seek long in 
 
 vain — 
 Spent many bright hours 'mong the blossoms 
 
 and trees; 
 She loved the south wind and the birds, and 
 
 'twas these 
 That tempted her thither this fair summer's 
 
 eve 
 To dream in the arbor, and wait to receive 
 A friend she had met while at school in the 
 
 city. 
 She had forthwith enlisted his heart. What 
 
 a pity! 
 When so many city-bred girls had been 
 
 trying. 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 11 
 
 And each with the other her best efforts 
 vieing, 
 
 To gain but a smile from young Clayton 
 McVey, 
 
 A modern Beau Brummel and toast of the 
 day. 
 
 So dreaming, Eileen 'neath the blossoming 
 bowers, 
 
 Reclined in the arbor, her lap filled with 
 flowers. 
 
 Not long had she been there, when o'er the 
 rock wall 
 
 Encircling the orchard, there sprang a young, 
 tall, 
 
 Handsome youth. 
 
 ' ' Delighted, fair lady, to meet 
 
 The person for whom I was looking. Com- 
 plete 
 
 Therefore is my pleasure. Tve brought a 
 new book. 
 
 Tm sure my decision you will not re- 
 voke. 
 
 When I say 'tis as fine as I ever perused." 
 
 And forth from his pocket the book he pro- 
 duced. 
 
12 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 / 
 
 The sun toward the west had dropped low 
 
 and still lower, 
 And still Eileen lingered, caressing a flower. 
 While still at her feet, in the role of a lover. 
 Lay the Saxon-haired youth, sipping sweet 
 
 heads of clover. 
 Near by on the grass lay a pocket edition 
 Of a new poem story, an old-time tradi- 
 tion 
 Brought out by the author, and daintily 
 
 woven 
 Into classical meter. The theme was well 
 
 chosen. 
 The plot was pathetic and quaintly devised. 
 Had you read it yourself, you would be much 
 
 surprised. 
 That the book, once begun, could be lightly 
 
 laid down; 
 Yet neglected and open, it lay on the ground. 
 ''So you look for McVey?" the young fellow 
 
 was saying, 
 ''And he's coming to-day! Well, I'll shortly 
 
 be paying. 
 My hasty adieux, — or would you face the 
 
 foe? 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 13 
 
 Which shall it be, Eileen, you'll tell me, I 
 
 know! 
 When a fellow discovers a rival at hand. 
 And having no weapon his foe to withstand, 
 A retreat is in order. Pray tell me, machere^ 
 Will retreat be your verdict, or dare I stay 
 
 here?'' 
 He paused for her answer; it came low and 
 
 sweet, 
 ''I think you may stay, Paul, Fm sure you 
 
 must meet 
 My new friend. I expected him early — 
 
 'tis late — 
 Something must have occurred." 
 
 A sharp click at the gate 
 Which led to the highway that ran by the 
 
 farm. 
 Caused the couple to turn. Paul Grey 
 
 feigned alarm. 
 With a faint little flush, the girl rose to her 
 
 feet ; 
 *'He has come; won't you stay?" But the 
 
 youth chose retreat, 
 Just lifting his cap as he passed through the 
 
 bower. 
 
14 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 And back on the breeze came a low ''Au 
 revoir; 
 
 I'll make my escape, my dear friend, 'tis 
 befitting. 
 
 I'll see you to-morrow — McVey but per- 
 mitting." 
 
 McVey had arrived, left his horse at the gate, 
 
 Had discovered Eileen by a mere chance of 
 fate; 
 
 And looking his pleasure, and quickly ad- 
 vancing. 
 
 Clasped one of her hands in his own, his eyes 
 dancing 
 
 With the pleasure he felt, at this much- 
 desired meeting. 
 
 Now Eileen was cordial, but yet in her greet- 
 ing 
 
 There was lacking that fervor, meant only 
 for him. 
 
 That other maids gave him. It brought 
 him a dim 
 
 Foreboding of something so subtly sug- 
 gestive, 
 
 A feeling so new, he grew inwardly restive. 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 15 
 
 This girl was a problem. The thought that 
 
 perchance he 
 Imagined a much firmer hold on her fancy 
 Than conditions might warrant, disturbed — 
 
 nay, it vexed him, 
 The cool, quiet grace of her manner per- 
 plexed him; 
 And yet, with an ardor he scarcely desired, 
 'Twas this innate reserve of the girl he 
 
 admired. 
 But a score of fair maidens, in Vanity Fair, 
 Had toasted and flattered this young cavalier 
 Until life — for the most — had been much 
 
 as he willed. 
 And ease and soft manners, and coffers well 
 
 filled. 
 Had gained for McVey a strong social pre- 
 ferment 
 Had proven a passport wherever he went. 
 So, if by a chance this applause be withheld, — 
 'Tis scarcely desired if applause be com- 
 pelled, — 
 ' Twas a new revelation . T m sure you' 11 surmise 
 That it came to McVey in an unpleasant 
 guise. 
 
16 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 MCVEY: 
 
 What, am I not welcome? my train was 
 
 delayed 
 By a wreck up near Dover. I felt quite 
 
 dismayed 
 Till I found that the trip could be easily 
 
 finished 
 By coming on horse-back; my fears soon 
 
 diminished. 
 Besides, IVe convinced you beyond argument, 
 That e'en mighty obstacles can not prevent 
 My keeping a promise, when given to you, — 
 A pleasure I willingly would not forego. 
 
 MISS DURANT: 
 
 'Tis a trait most desirable, one I admire. 
 And one, in a friend, that I chiefly desire — 
 This keeping of promises. As for myself, 
 A promise is not lightly laid on the shelf; 
 Is not lightly given, but held in esteem. 
 One really could not say too much on this 
 theme. 
 
 So, merrily talked they, unceasingly gay. 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 17 
 
 They had strolled to the house, and the 
 
 bright tete-d-tete 
 Bade fair to continue, when supper was 
 
 served; 
 After which the free discourse went on, 
 
 unreserved. 
 Unobserved by the young folks the hour 
 
 had grown late. 
 Were ever the aeons of time adequate, 
 When young hearts were beating a lively 
 
 tattoo. 
 Not knowing nor caring, how fast the hours 
 
 flew? 
 A clock from the hall chimed the hour — 
 
 'twas eleven; 
 And Eileen exclaimed: ''To remorse I am 
 
 driven! 
 I'm but a poor hostess; how tired you must 
 
 be! 
 The moments seem winged, so quickly they 
 
 flee!" 
 '"Tis I," declared Clayton, ''your pardon 
 
 entreat. 
 When moments are happy the hours are 
 
 most fleet. 
 
18 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 Sometimes one's existence but seems a de- 
 light; 
 
 The time has passed thus to me, Eileen, 
 to-night. 
 
 You may dream of me then, as your very 
 best friend/' 
 
 And the glance he stole softly implied a 
 command, 
 
 Which gave to Eileen of his meaning the 
 trend. 
 
 As of one who desired to be more, in the 
 end. 
 
 Thus he sought with intentional, oft-prac- 
 ticed skill. 
 
 To obtain from Eileen but a hint, if you will. 
 
 Of the state of her feelings. 
 
 Endeavor was vain. 
 
 Now take tact, that resistless, unrivalled, 
 serene 
 
 Woman's charming attraction, take this gift, 
 I say. 
 
 And you've taken her mightiest weapon 
 away. 
 
 For great is the man at whose enforced 
 command 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 19 
 
 A thousand knees bend, or a thousand men 
 stand; 
 
 But greater by far, is the power to win 
 
 A willing compliance, from motives within. 
 
 Eileen waived the question, the subject 
 ignored. 
 
 She talked of impersonal themes, and de- 
 plored 
 
 The lateness again; then she ordered a light, 
 
 And, smiling bewitchingly, bade him good- 
 night. 
 
III. 
 
 * ^ Charm is the measure of attraction's power, 
 To chain the fleeting fancy of the hour, 
 A quick responsiveness in word and deed, 
 The will to follow, and the art to lead/' 
 
 Well born, gently reared, with a high sense 
 
 of honor 
 Directing her life, and thus moulding its 
 
 tenor, 
 Eileen had a nature you'd never discern 
 At a casual meeting. One had yet to learn 
 Of depths all undreamed of, and qualities 
 
 rare. 
 That dawn on one tardily, quite unaware. 
 'Tis truth fitly Spoken, ''Like parent, like 
 
 child." 
 Her mother, a woman of character mild. 
 Possessed a warm heart and a genial spirit, 
 That left its sweet impress on all who came 
 
 near it. 
 Her father, a host of deserved reputation. 
 Commanded at once all his friends' admira- 
 tion, 
 
 20 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 21 
 
 As nature's own nobleman; one of the sort 
 Whose purpose, more clearly defined was, 
 
 in short, 
 To live for his friends; but mere outward 
 
 impression 
 Was never allowed to overcome his discretion, 
 In choosing those friends; 'twas an inward 
 
 conviction, 
 Of something more lasting than mere style 
 
 or diction. 
 A judgment, though born of a swift intuition. 
 That rarely fell short of its mark; a condition 
 That argued rebuke to unworthy designs. 
 And unbarred the way to the friendship 
 
 that binds. 
 
 ^Ig H^ W^ %^ ^§0 ^0 
 
 Oh, day of all days, set to rhythmical tune! 
 There is none to compare to a rare day in 
 
 June! 
 At dawn, 'mid 'green archways, the wanton 
 
 winds play. 
 The birds trill their matins and love lyrics 
 
 gay. 
 
 The roses unfold, and all nature is waking; 
 
22 TO ^ PORTS BEYOND 
 
 Unspeakable charm o'er the landscape is 
 
 breaking. 
 Such a morn greeted Clayton. A beautiful 
 
 scene 
 He viewed from his window. The wide 
 
 fields of green 
 Stretching down to the river, extending 
 
 beyond, 
 Seemed an emerald sea. 
 
 Who can fail to r espond 
 To so gracious a welcome as nature assures? 
 The melody, fragance, and zephyrs are yours. 
 The sight is at once a divine inspiration; 
 An artistic, poetic, bewildering creation 
 Of all that is glorious, gladsome, and free; 
 And the happy thought comes: ''This, all 
 
 this, is for me!'' 
 To Clayton the prospect was new and en- 
 chanting. 
 The picture was perfect, no color was wanting; 
 And long ere the family within was astir. 
 He arose and strolled forth with his usual 
 
 cigar. 
 He had take the path leading down by the 
 
 river. 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 23 
 
 And was building those castles of whither- 
 soever^ 
 Those castles of airy fantastical lore, 
 Untenanted — (ah, but we rear them galore) — 
 By aught save the fancies we magic' ly weave 
 Of future successes we hope to achieve. 
 By nature not bad, the reverse had been 
 
 true, 
 Had training, with mother-love, fallen like 
 
 dew 
 On McVey's boyish pathway, and moulded 
 
 his youth, 
 And pointed him up to the lode-star of truth. 
 One day the fond mother who gave to him 
 
 birth 
 Had kissed him and bidden farewell to this 
 
 earth. 
 His father, whom death had so sadly bereft, 
 Engrossed in his business, his little son left 
 To the care of an aunt, whose mistaken 
 
 endeavor 
 To supply the demands of this youngster so 
 
 clever 
 Had wrought in the boy an inflexible will; 
 Had striven so long every wish to fulfil, 
 
24 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 Until now, as he stood on the threshold of 
 hfe, 
 
 Unused to its turmoils, its struggles and 
 strife, 
 
 The future rose up as it ne'er rose before, 
 
 And the more that he pondered the question 
 the more 
 
 He discerned that success to no standard 
 complies. 
 
 For she sets her own pace — 
 
 Yet ambition defies 
 
 Frustration, when tempered with firmness 
 and daring. 
 
 Combined with a will in subjection, — not 
 sparing 
 
 Her gifts to the hero, whose inmost convic- 
 tion 
 
 Has laid on his conduct a strict self-restric- 
 tion. 
 
 This last was a lesson McVey had not learned, 
 
 A noteworthy precept he'd hitherto spurned. 
 
 But alas, for McVey! And alas, for the man 
 
 Who enters life's field with no definite plan. 
 
 Save the quest after Pleasure, that versatile 
 maid 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 25 
 
 Who lures to destruction and makes them 
 
 afraid, 
 Those mortals who fear the comment of the 
 
 world, 
 Have bowed at her shrine and her banner 
 
 unfurled, 
 Whose barks are adrift on the treacherous 
 
 main, 
 And having no compass, return not again. 
 
 McVey had strolled on, he had wandered at 
 
 will. 
 Was pursuing the path round a fold of the 
 
 hill. 
 When suddenly, rapidly, rounding the curve 
 A wheelman dashed by. 
 
 By a deft little swerve 
 He averted what might have been quite a 
 
 disaster, 
 And had proven himself, as a wheelman, 
 
 a master. 
 Surprised unawares, McVey sprang to one 
 
 side. 
 
26 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 MCVEY: 
 
 The deuce take you, boy! Is it thus that you 
 
 ride? 
 A man would infer that you went without 
 
 seeing. 
 'Twas an unfair advantage! 
 
 (Illogical being!) 
 With a swift, easy movement the rider drew 
 
 near. 
 McVey viewed the youth with a critical stare. 
 
 WHEELMAN: 
 
 Now I beg, sir, your pardon. That con- 
 founded turn 
 Is a signal for danger. I never will learn 
 The thing unexpected is surest to happen! 
 I must put on the breaks when I come down 
 
 that glen. 
 Well, a miss is as good as a mile, so they say, 
 I trust you're in no wise impaired. Do you 
 stay 
 
 MCVEY: 
 
 I stop, for the present, at Edge wood; and 
 you? 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 27 
 
 WHEELMAN: 
 
 Ah-h, at Edge wood! Oh^ I am a native! 
 
 MCVEY: 
 
 Pray who, 
 Of the neighboring swains is the most fav- 
 ored guest? 
 Do you claim an acquaintance? If so, I'm 
 
 impressed 
 You're in love with Miss Durant. 
 
 The wheelman looked bored, 
 The attack unexpected; his countenance 
 lowered. 
 
 WHEELMAN: 
 
 You jump at conclusions — Miss Durant is 
 my friend. 
 
 MCVEY: 
 
 You resent the allusion! Now I apprehend 
 That, granted of course there is really a 
 
 friendship. 
 Why, you're no doubt in love! 
 
28 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 WHEELMAN: 
 
 Well, I don't care a flip 
 What you think, or you don't think! Bless 
 you for a churl! — 
 
 And, remounting his wheel, with a bold 
 
 rapid whirl 
 The wheelman sped on, and was soon lost 
 
 to view. 
 
 MCVEY : 
 
 Well, hang me, a tiff! Here's a pretty to do! 
 That fellow was game. Now I really regret 
 That I got out of humor; I'm sorry I met 
 That confounded wheelman, a nice-looking 
 
 chap. 
 And a friend of Miss Durant's! Oh, well 
 
 now, mayhap 
 I'll never encounter the youth or his wheel; 
 But somehow or other — I'm sorry. I feel 
 That I spoke rather testily. 
 
 Musing, McVey 
 Retracing his footsteps continued his way. 
 
 ^ ^ 9fC ^ ^ «]« 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 29 
 
 Miss Durant had planned a surprise for her 
 
 guest, 
 In the shape of a small boating party; and 
 
 so 
 Twas a gay little coterie, met by request, 
 At Edgewood next morning. A most apropos 
 And delightful procedure, and one that por- 
 tends 
 A jubilant outing without further warning. 
 When Nature's allurement so readily blends 
 With hearts that beat free, on a charming 
 
 June morning. 
 Eileen flitted hither and thither, the while 
 Introducing her friend; her bright face was 
 
 glowing 
 As she greeted each one with a radiant smile, 
 Or offered suggestions that all might be going 
 To start on the jaunt down the cool valley 
 
 road. 
 That wound round the hill in an odd in- 
 decision, 
 And ended at last where the old boat-house 
 
 stood. 
 McVey, as a matter of course, sought per- 
 mission 
 
30 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 To linger near Eileen. 
 
 The truth was, McVey 
 
 Could never appear at his best in a crowd; 
 
 He rather preferred, if he had his own way, 
 
 One girl at a time; then his eloquence flowed. 
 
 The boat-house was reached, and with jest- 
 ing and laughter. 
 
 Gay couples paired off, and the boats were 
 unloosed 
 
 And sped from their moorings. 'Twas not 
 until after 
 
 Blithe Mildred Medill, in a tone much abused. 
 
 Sought Eileen to ask why she left out Paul 
 Grey, 
 
 That she, with regret, was surprised to dis- 
 cover 
 
 That Paul was not there. 
 
 MISS DURANT: 
 
 I saw Paul yesterday. 
 He said without fail, he would surely be over. 
 Pm sorry, dear Millie, for your sake; Pm sure 
 That something unlooked for prevented his 
 
 coming. 
 Cheer up, dear! I know it is hard to endure, 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 31 
 
 For Paul is a boy I consider most charming. 
 But there is Rob Dunbar, or Warren Monroe — 
 Rob's boat is the fleetest that skims o'er 
 
 the water. 
 Ah, Milhe, you've more than one string to 
 
 your bow, 
 And you manage somehow to keep all in a 
 
 flutter! 
 So, under the spell of the soft vagrant breezes, 
 The boats drifted out. 
 
 When the current runs free 
 And joy all her pennons of freedom releases, 
 Then young blood responds with a glad 
 
 jubilee. 
 So, when 'twas suggested, as might be ex- 
 pected, 
 ''A race!" 'Twas decided that all should 
 
 take part. 
 And after some comment the boats, as 
 
 directed. 
 Lined up at the point in debate for the start. 
 The Robin, so named for her breast like a 
 
 cherry. 
 As jaunty a craft as the waters e'er bore, 
 Belonged to the Durants; she'd easily carry 
 
32 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 Four people; to-day she had taken two more. 
 
 McVey held the oars at the helm, while 
 Eileen, 
 
 Near by, was expressing her full approbation 
 
 At any advantage the light craft might gain, 
 
 Or ceased her gay laughter in sheer trepida- 
 tion, 
 
 When some young enthusiast, spurred by 
 ambition. 
 
 Bore down on the Robin with hazardous 
 stroke. 
 
 Allowing impatience to overcome discretion, 
 
 And thereby reproof from the whole crowd 
 invoke. 
 
 Excitement ran high, and with no premoni- 
 tion 
 
 Of peril, the oarsmen rowed eagerly on. 
 
 With only the thought of successful com- 
 pletion. 
 
 Of strenuous valor, and victory won. 
 
 It came like a bolt from a clear, cloudless 
 heaven. 
 
 The tangle, the outcries, and later the clash 
 
 That overturned The Robin, and left her all 
 riven. 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 33 
 
 And spilled all the occupants out in a flash. 
 One terrified moment of horror appalling, 
 And Eileen was conscious of — what — was it 
 
 night? 
 "'Dear God/' she was praying, ''your hand, 
 
 I am falling, 
 Give ear, I implore Thee, and save in Thy 
 
 might! '' 
 Down, down! The abyss of dark waters 
 
 closed o'er her. 
 Relentless, resistless, deep currents swept by. 
 Will God in His Infinite mercy restore her? 
 Take courage, dear heart, for assistance is 
 
 nigh! 
 She rose; for a moment her eye swept the 
 
 valley 
 Where peacefully nestled a little gray town. 
 What is this strange feeling? The waters, 
 
 how chilly! 
 Is this, then, the way people feel when they 
 
 drown? 
 ''Take courage!'' The words like a fond 
 
 benediction 
 Came faintly, but clear, to her fast-failing 
 
 ear, 
 
34 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 Dispelling the thought of complete derelic- 
 tion. 
 Ah Life! at eighteen how we hold thee most 
 
 dear! 
 She first thought of Clayton, and then of 
 
 the others, 
 Her eyesight was dimming, she seemed to 
 
 forget. 
 Was that boat The Robin, or was it another's. 
 Standing out 'gainst the sky like a dark 
 
 silhouette? 
 ''Be fearless, my sweet! for no wave shall 
 
 engulf thee. 
 No power shall wrest you again from my 
 
 heart. 
 The future holds naught, that from you can 
 
 constrain me. 
 No joy could be joy if from you, dear, apart!" 
 Eileen was scarce conscious of being up- 
 
 hfted 
 And held in strong arms, to a brave, manly 
 
 breast. 
 Hope thrilled in her soul, and in fancy she 
 
 drifted 
 To memory's fair shore, to her haven of rest. 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 35 
 
 To Clayton her fancies went longingly stray- 
 ing; 
 
 She thought 'twas his dear arm encircled 
 her form^ 
 
 From his lips the words all her terrors allaying, 
 
 Spoke peace to her soul, and stilled all her 
 alarm. 
 
 ''Speak, Eileen! but speak to the one who 
 will ever 
 
 Hold life but a waste, if it holdeth not thee. 
 
 Ah! cruel the fate that for aye could dissever 
 
 My fond heart from thine, with so harsh a 
 decree!'' 
 
 The words so impassioned, the fond intona- 
 tion 
 
 Stirred Eileen's whole being, and served to 
 recall 
 
 Her vague, shifting fancies to full restora- 
 tion. 
 
 She opened her eyes, saw the white face of — 
 Paul. 
 
 'Twas but for an instant; she then had been 
 dreaming. 
 
 And Paul's were the accents so strangely 
 distressed. 
 
36 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 'Twas Paul who so ardently still was pro- 
 claiming 
 
 A love she had hitherto only half guessed. 
 
 A most gracious friendship had ever existed; 
 
 His nature, responsive to all that was best, 
 
 Appealed to her strongly, and now had been 
 tested 
 
 By actions and words by his own lips con- 
 fessed. 
 
 The knowledge, to Eileen, brought nothing 
 but sorrow; 
 
 As neighbor and friend she was loyally true. 
 
 But Paul's fond avowal served only to har- 
 row. 
 
 As recent events swiftly passed in review. 
 
 ^Tm — better — dear Paul. Oh, how came 
 you to reach me? 
 
 There! wrap me up closer; your coat feels 
 so warm! 
 
 Oh heavens, the others! Oh, Paul, I beseech 
 thee 
 
 Do try to find Clayton and save him from 
 harm! " 
 
 Possessed of swift insight, with keen per- 
 turbation. 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 37 
 
 Paul foresaw his answer. By no sign or 
 
 word, 
 Had Eileen referred to his frank declaration, 
 Or evidenced aught save a kindly regard. 
 'Twas no time for wooing; with resolute 
 
 features, 
 Paul steadily turned to the scene of the 
 
 wreck 
 Where ''all of the other unfortunate 
 
 creatures/' 
 As Dunbar expressed it, ''were once more 
 
 on deck.'' 
 "Hello, Paul, old fellow! Is that you or 
 
 not you? 
 You rise from the waters like old Banquo's 
 
 ghost! 
 Miss Durant may rise and explain where 
 
 she got you. 
 At roll call this morn they reported you 
 
 lost." 
 Rob's merry, exuberant spirit of frolic 
 Lent wings to the gloom of the grave atmos- 
 phere. 
 "The girls," he declared, "had behaved 
 
 most angelic; 
 
38 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 The boys all Sir Galahads, found not else- 
 where/' 
 
 With outward composure, but inward emo- 
 tion, 
 
 Paul presently told of some sudden delay 
 
 That brought him in time to survey the 
 collision. 
 
 DUNBAR: 
 
 Which gave you, of course, a good chance to 
 
 display 
 Your valor and daring. 
 
 PAUL: 
 
 A most inopportune 
 And adverse occasion. 
 
 DUNBAR: 
 
 But one that is fraught 
 With great possibilities. That's quite a boon 
 Which beneficent fate has bestowed all un- 
 sought. 
 
 Rob glanced at Eileen with significant mean- 
 ing, 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 39 
 
 But Eileen was talking to Clayton McVey, 
 Who seemed all unconscious of any designing, 
 And devoted himself in a lover-like way 
 To Eileen^ who now that kind fate was 
 
 propitious, 
 Was rapidly gaining her former good spirits 
 And stoutly announced, though it sounded 
 
 facetious, 
 That ^^ The Robin, though bested, deserved all 
 
 the merits/' 
 The mishap was voted a grievous occurrence, 
 But Youth in her ardor will brook no delay; 
 All bars are surmounted with utmost as- 
 surance. 
 Youth strikes hands with Joy, in a glad 
 
 roundelay. 
 Then blow from the Southland, North, East, 
 
 or the West — 
 Ye winds, from the Mountains of Youthful 
 
 Dehght, 
 The breeze that is blowing, that breeze is 
 
 the best. 
 And wafts us along in its rapturous flight. 
 
IV. 
 
 But yesterday I looked away, 
 O'er happy lands where sunshine lay, 
 In golden blots inlaid with spots, 
 Of shade and wild forget-me-nots. 
 
 Riley 
 
 New plans were constructed, the party, un- 
 daunted, 
 
 To Edgewood ''repaired," as Rob said, ''for 
 repairs''; 
 
 And soon happy voices and music enchanted 
 
 Rang out on the wings of the soft Summer 
 airs. 
 
 Ah, memories born of the days adolescent! 
 
 Oh, wonderful moments, the gone yester- 
 days! 
 
 Youth's fond rosaries — filled with joys evanes- 
 cent, 
 
 Where echoing strains thrill to glad sym- 
 phonies. 
 
 Paul Grey was a youth on that fateful June 
 morning, 
 
 40 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 41 
 
 With all a youth's heart, with no well-de- 
 fined plan 
 
 For manhood's achievement, save infinite 
 scorning 
 
 Of aught that debases. The eve found a 
 man 
 
 With all a man's purposes, thoughtful, dis- 
 traught. 
 
 And fully determined that bring what they 
 may, 
 
 The years in the future should bring what he 
 sought : 
 
 Distinction, their measure of eminence, aye, 
 
 He would climb the far heights of fame's 
 temple and send 
 
 His argosies fair to the Port of Success. 
 
 Phantom sails drifted by, through the vistas 
 that blend 
 
 When we challenge the trophies of years as 
 they pass. 
 
 At the eventide hour a repast had been 
 spread 
 
 'Neath the sheltering maples that dotted the 
 lawn. 
 
 And later, when arrows of sunset had sped. 
 
42 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 The tremulous stars had appeared one by 
 
 one. 
 High over the river the silver moon, creep- 
 ing, 
 Smiled mockingly down from her aerie above, 
 While winding in silence, and tranquilly 
 
 sweeping, 
 The river sang low, and it murmured of love. 
 To Paul, who sought solitude, silence, and 
 
 thought. 
 The river's low surge seemed proclaiming 
 
 a ban 
 To all the fond dreams with his memory 
 
 fraught. 
 The swish of its current seemed saying, 
 
 ''amen/' 
 Eluding the crowd, he had wandered alone 
 The path to the orchard, a cherished retreat. 
 How the splendor of unclouded days now 
 
 agone 
 Returned as a spectre, to mock his defeat! 
 A vague apprehensible something kept rising, 
 That presaged an untoward fate to Eileen; 
 With unquiet thoughts he had wandered, 
 
 devising 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 43 
 
 Some tangible project — he scarce could ex- 
 plain 
 
 The stress of his feelings. He disliked McVey; 
 
 Their first casual meeting had called forth 
 his ire, 
 
 The second had served to announce a de- 
 cree: 
 
 That henceforth in meeting, these two should 
 strike fire. 
 
 Aside from the feeling of loss in his heart, 
 
 A greater arose, that could not be allayed; 
 
 This distrust of Clayton he longed to impart 
 
 To Eileen. His forethought for Eileen out- 
 weighed 
 
 All regard for himself. 
 
 He was nearing the bower 
 
 That o'erhung the arbor, but paused as the 
 sound 
 
 Of voices within had grown suddenly lower. 
 
 And shrank 'neath the shadow that formed 
 the background. 
 
 The motive unstudied, with no thought of 
 playing 
 
 A listener's part, he had silently stood 
 
 Irresolute, glooming, instinctively weighing 
 
44 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 His chances for flight. 
 
 With no wish to intrude. 
 
 He had turned from the spot with the primal 
 intention 
 
 Of slipping away, when a voice from within 
 
 Continued in converse and caused his deten- 
 tion; 
 
 The impulse overwhelming he could not 
 refrain. 
 
 The voice was McVey's, and though fervently 
 scorning 
 
 An action so culpable, Paul had remained 
 
 To discover if Eileen was there before turn- 
 ing, 
 
 A fact he regretfully soon ascertained. 
 
 McVey had talked on, and the night wind 
 had stirred 
 
 And wafted to Paul, but a fragment, a word, 
 
 Of what he was saying, sufficient to prove 
 
 The subject discussed was — alas! it was 
 love. 
 
 Swift-changing emotions within were astir, 
 
 As he caught the light lilt of her voice, as 
 Eileen 
 
 Had softly made answer. 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 45 
 
 PAUL: 
 
 Too late then! Tis o'er! 
 And thus mine inheritance henceforth of pain, 
 Has come to her own. 
 
 Paul recoiled from the place, 
 His mind still a chaos of turbulent thought, 
 While the outgoing breeze strove in vain to 
 
 efface 
 The remembrance of all the incoming had 
 
 brought. 
 The faint sound of music, the dream-haunted 
 
 hour. 
 The troops of bright stars and the spell of 
 
 the night, 
 Smote harsh on his senses. Each slumbrous 
 
 flower 
 Shed fragrance proclaiming his dear dead 
 
 delight. 
 Through dim, winding paths 'mid the fair sol- 
 itudes, 
 Paul Grey disappeared in the June-scented 
 
 woods. 
 
 ^0 ^g ^0 %t» •J^ m^ 
 
46 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 Since that day fair in June, three days have 
 
 gone by, 
 Rosy morns and bland noontides, and moon- 
 
 Hghted sky, 
 And still McVey lingers. 
 
 His pardon we'll feign, 
 While we read o'er his shoulder a line to 
 
 Phil Dane: 
 ^'Well, Old Boy:" (so it ran) 
 
 ''Say, Phil, lend me your ears 
 And take me at once from your list 'in 
 
 arrears!' 
 On leaving the city a promise I made 
 To keep you informed on events. I'm 
 
 afraid- 
 Hang it all! I well know that Fate bungles 
 
 at times; 
 I confess that the outcome of some of my 
 
 claims 
 Is, just at the present, a trifle uncertain. 
 Though latest developments plainly pertain 
 To an ultimate triumph. 
 
 Old boy, I am caught. 
 Eileen's the one girl in the world! There is 
 
 naught 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 47 
 
 In 'our set' that can touch her! 
 
 I find things so free 
 From narrowing conventions at Edgewood. 
 
 You see, 
 There are jaunts on the river, and strolls by 
 
 the shore, 
 And rides o'er the hillside. But, Phil, one 
 
 thing more — 
 She's a perfect enigma; I cannot find out 
 Just what the girl thinks of Yours Truly. 
 
 I doubt 
 If a chap of my rank ever entered this region; 
 And yet she's as calm as though lovers were 
 
 legion. 
 I'm safe though to win; did I ever say 'die'? 
 There's much to encourage. I will not deny 
 Her father, the Colonel, seems rather — er — 
 
 well. 
 Rather formal, you know; but truth, Phil, 
 
 to tell, 
 I am rather obtuse; so of course not aware 
 Of aught that suggests a disfavor. You 
 
 share 
 My position on this, do you not? 
 
 I am done. 
 
48 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 By the way! Say, that wager! Now, Phil, 
 
 get your gun 
 And take to the club room. The tenth is 
 
 the date. 
 May Angels defend us! 
 
 '' 'So long,' Phil. 
 Yours, 
 
 Clayte." 
 
For surer and surer I daily grow, 
 That God has made nothing beyond my reach. 
 That all things are mine, if I make them so, 
 By reading a truth they were meant to teach. 
 
 Stockton 
 
 In a day long gone by, on a fair Western 
 
 shore, 
 A handful of men — freedom's sons ever more — 
 Waged a warfare with toil and privation, and 
 
 made 
 For themselves and descendants, a name. 
 
 'Twill not fade 
 While history records deeds of valor and 
 
 daring. 
 Of heroes and martyrs, not even life sparing. 
 Paul Grey was a scion of warriors like these; 
 He had read of their virtues, and long heard 
 
 their praise 
 From his mother, a stately Colonial Dame, 
 Who had fostered ideas that came down with 
 
 the name, 
 
 49 
 
50 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 Of old-fashioned courtesy, courage, true 
 
 worth, 
 And chivalrous honor, all heir-looms by 
 
 birth. 
 Handed down by that statesman of old — 
 
 Everett, 
 Renowned for his wisdom. In hist'ry youVe 
 
 met. 
 Paul's father, an Englishman many years 
 
 dead. 
 More famed for his learning and travels, 
 
 'twas said. 
 Than for any judicious amassment of wealth, 
 Had cherished great plans for his son, when 
 
 his health 
 Had failed unexpectedly. 
 
 When toward the last 
 Affairs were adjusted, — no difficult task, — 
 'Twas found that expenditures henceforth 
 
 must be. 
 On a rather more limited scale. Finally, 
 'Twas agreed, 'mong the Greys, to abide the 
 
 result 
 Of Fortune's capricious decree (the tumult 
 Of over much travel had quite lost its charm). 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 51 
 
 And establish a home on their riverside 
 farm, 
 
 An ancient, but picturesque, entailed estate 
 
 Bequeathed by the Everetts. A fine old 
 retreat; 
 
 A structure erected in days long gone by, 
 
 Which had suffered neglect until recently. 
 
 When workmen had wrought an agreeable 
 change. 
 
 With Paul the young master to plan and 
 arrange 
 
 Each comfort and pleasure, for mother and 
 sister; 
 
 A trust that he ever was loth to defer. 
 
 Young Grey's college course had perforce 
 been omitted. 
 
 But he had, in a measure, been justly re- 
 quited 
 
 By the far-reaching, widening power of books, 
 
 Perused 'neath the trees and by whispering 
 brooks. 
 
 And thus Paul had gained by his birth and 
 his rearing, 
 
 A stable foundation, and unconstrained bear- 
 ing; 
 
52 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 Had attained what McVey had, unluckily, 
 
 missed: 
 Inclination to serve, and the zeal to persist 
 In pursuit of ambition's most laudable meed, 
 The substance and sum of which great men 
 
 are made. 
 
PART II 
 
 VI 
 
 ''Nay, there's a charm beyond what nature shows^ 
 The bloom is softer, and more sweetly glows. 
 All, now, are present, 'tis a moment's gleam 
 Of former sunshine. Stay, delightful dream! " 
 
 Again it is Summer^ again it is June, 
 
 And time has slipped by until eight years 
 
 have flown 
 Since that bright Summer's day when at 
 
 Edgewood we met, 
 When life was athrill, and with roses beset. 
 But much in their flight must they bring 
 
 ere they wane, 
 That savors of life, or else years are in vain. 
 And, naturally, much do they bring us of 
 
 change 
 Insistent with progress, and things that 
 
 estrange 
 Ones thoughts from the fanciful days of the 
 
 past, 
 
 53 
 
54 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 Unveiling an era of things new and vast. 
 The scene too, has shifted; beneath the bright 
 
 glow 
 Of bulbs incandescent, there moves to and 
 
 fro 
 A pageant of beauty, a glittering throng 
 Abounding in genius and wealth; and among 
 The full tide of people but recently come, 
 A man past the heydey of youth, but on 
 
 whom 
 The years have sat lightly, passed by; on his 
 
 arm 
 Was a richly dressed girl; one whose presence 
 
 lent charm 
 To this artistic concourse. 'Tis our old 
 
 friend, McVey, 
 In full evening costume, and seeming as gay 
 And as suave as of yore. 
 
 Looking closer, we see 
 A look in is face that betokens ennui. 
 A faithful portrayal of nature's bequest 
 To one, made the sport of each fugitive gust. 
 Pursuing their way through the exclusive 
 
 throng. 
 Evoking much notice, the pair passed along 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 55 
 
 And sought out the hostess. 
 
 Dehghted was she, 
 That her friend Miss Van Courtland, and 
 
 Mr. McVey 
 Had arranged to be present. Indeed, such 
 
 a treat 
 Was in store for her guests that she scarcely 
 
 could wait 
 To present her new protegee, Eileen Durant, 
 The fair guest of honor; she longed to 
 
 acquaint 
 Her friends with this clever, and talented 
 
 star 
 Undimmed by the stage, and discovered 
 
 by her; 
 Who looked like a goddess, and played Hke 
 
 a dream. 
 
 The hostess a connoisseur — music her theme. 
 
 Was classed as a critic of cleverness rare. 
 
 No function more sought than this latest 
 
 affair 
 Of the Beverly Northrups, whose patronage 
 
 gave 
 An a-la-mode crest to society's wave. 
 
56 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 McVey, at the sound of that long unheard 
 
 name, 
 Had visibly winced; she could not be the 
 
 same, 
 So he thought, that he knew in the days 
 
 long ago — 
 Those days that came back with the freshness 
 
 of dew, 
 Through the years all uncalendered, years 
 
 spent abroad, 
 Pursuing the bent of his whimsical mood. 
 When last he had parted from Eileen Durant, 
 His vows of devotion had not been a feint. 
 The Countess of Fairfax appearing just then 
 On the Western horizon, the brains of the 
 
 men 
 Had turned as by magic. 
 
 Unresisting, McVey 
 Succumbed to the glamour, and entered the 
 
 fray. 
 Through alternate seasons, through England, 
 
 through France, 
 Through the Alps, she had led him a fanciful 
 
 dance — 
 A Will-o-the-wisp, he had rightly concluded, 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 57 
 
 That sought to allure, while it always eluded. 
 
 At times, through the mist of the vanishing 
 past 
 
 The old days returned over memory's waste, 
 
 But were promptly effaced by the incoming 
 tide; 
 
 Mere flotsam to drift with waves far and wide. 
 
 And Eileen! Ah, back where those happier 
 hills 
 
 Lay wrapped in the odor which Junetime 
 distils. 
 
 There lay, too, her past, wind-swept, splendor- 
 dimmed. 
 
 Groping blindly for faith, she had finally 
 stemmed 
 
 The flood-tide of shadows that threatened 
 to cast 
 
 A gloom on her life. But the shadows had 
 passed. 
 
 The heart of a woman! Ah, oft is its po- 
 tion. 
 
 To run the whole gamut of human emotion! 
 
 Miss Durant's recitals had won an ovation, 
 
 Had met with Smart Gotham's entire appro- 
 bation. 
 
58 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 Now when Gotham applauds, why, it goes 
 
 without saying 
 That Genius has scored a new hit. 
 
 Eileen's playing 
 Had taken the musical circles by storm. 
 Spontaneous, lucid, emotional, warm. 
 The blossoms of melody fell at one's feet. 
 And yielded a fragrance so subtile, so sweet — 
 First voilets, lilies, and then roses gleamed, 
 A mosaic garden of incense it seemed. 
 Redolent with harmony, glowing with light, 
 Then changing to fanciful contrast, delight 
 Merging into andante. Then tulips shone red. 
 The tone-poet's soul shining through, it was 
 
 said. 
 Through valleys of cactus, the listener at 
 
 times. 
 Followed on through a jangle of chaotic chimes 
 Staccato in movement; now the wind's fitful 
 
 moan 
 Sighed a low miserere in soft minor tone. 
 Then, suddenly feeling the answering thrill. 
 In touch with her hearers, she varied at will 
 Into thrilling crescendo, the rare orchid's glow 
 Flashing out through the final, superb allegro. 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 59 
 
 No least liquid note did the audience lose, 
 No sound, not a whisper had followed the 
 
 close 
 Of this latest achievement — a silence deep 
 
 fraught 
 With something, transcending all language, 
 
 all thought, 
 And drifting afar on a limitless sea, 
 The listeners, hushed to a deep phantasy. 
 Continued en rapport. 
 
 Impelled by the charm, 
 McVey had pressed near to the player. A 
 
 storm 
 Of shifting emotions long pent in his breast, 
 Was giving his indolent conscience a test, 
 As he eagerly sought for some likeness to 
 
 prove 
 This magnetic woman the same one, whose 
 
 love 
 He had once sought and won. 
 
 When Miss Durant arose 
 With that gracious, and unrivalled air of 
 
 repose. 
 Which had cast o'er McVey in the past such 
 
 a spell. 
 
60 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 McVey was aware that his heart's citadel 
 
 Had again been invaded — ah no, had been 
 shattered! 
 
 'Twas the Eileen Durant he once loved. 
 Nothing mattered; 
 
 The past should be reckoned as though it was 
 not; 
 
 No thought of his folly should swerve him, 
 no thought 
 
 Should deter him from winning this fair, 
 queenly woman, 
 
 So strangely divine, yet so charmingly hu- 
 man. 
 
 A flood, half forgotten, of memories stirred 
 
 And escaped like a freshet; he saw and he 
 heard 
 
 The free adulation Miss Durant evoked; 
 
 From this circle of critical friends. 
 
 He had looked 
 
 On the same sunny face, it had grown more 
 demure; 
 
 In the same peerless eyes with their light 
 still as pure 
 
 As the blossoms that drifted with each stray- 
 ing breeze. 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 61 
 
 At Edgewood, in spring 'neath the old 
 orchard trees. 
 
 McVey, undetermined, seemed chained to 
 the spot, 
 
 As each heightened charm on his memory 
 smote. 
 
 ''What a consummate fool!'' conscience clam- 
 ored. ''Begin 
 
 Restitution at once.'' Hope had whispered 
 within. 
 
 "This wonderful woman un wedded, per- 
 chance, 
 
 Has cherished some dream of that summer's 
 romance. 
 
 That has echoed far down the dim valley 
 of years." 
 
 Ignoring remorse, he had thrown off his 
 fears. 
 
 As the shallower part of his nature prevailed, 
 
 And the versatile tendency promptly re- 
 vealed. 
 
 McVey, when the issue had once been de- 
 cided. 
 
 Had spied out the hostess, and to her con- 
 fided 
 
62 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 His eager desire to at once meet her guest. 
 There were social conventions; could she 
 
 not suggest 
 Some pleasing contrivance, by which he 
 
 could be 
 Presented alone, and informally? 
 
 MRS. NORTHRUP: 
 
 A futile request, my dear sir, I assure you 
 
 The masculine sex would protest. I im- 
 plore you 
 
 To bide undismayed, a more auspicious time. 
 
 Already my romantic brain has a scheme, 
 
 To amalgamate genius with wealth. Not 
 a word! — 
 
 With a shake of her finger — I know; I have 
 heard! 
 
 The ''afflatus divine'' has at last touched 
 your heart. 
 
 Impervious all of these years to her dart. 
 
 This gifted young artist has genuis and 
 health, 
 
 Both splendid endowments; and you have 
 the wealth. 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 63 
 
 A grand consummation! 'Tis settled, be 
 gone! 
 
 But pray take a cup of the punch or bouillon; 
 
 To hold you in trim, for your ''Coup mil- 
 itant/' 
 
 I'm watching the very first chance to pre- 
 sent 
 
 This charming celebrity. — 
 
 Clayton McVey, 
 
 Through a wearisome hour of vexing delay. 
 
 Had traversed the rooms in an unquiet state, 
 
 Arraigning himself as the foot-ball of Fate, 
 
 'Til the crowd had thinned out; then with 
 feminine tact, 
 
 Mrs. Beverly Northrup fulfilled her compact 
 
 To grant him a moment with Eileen alone. 
 
 ''My dear, you're in need of a cup of bouil- 
 lon," 
 
 She had said to Miss Durant. "Your friends, 
 I dare say, 
 
 Will spare you so long. Mr. Clayton McVey 
 
 Seeks the pleasure of seeing you waited 
 upon. 
 
 He is recently home from abroad, and has 
 grown 
 
64 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 Quite fond of the Orient/' 
 
 Eileen had swept 
 A swift searching glance from her lashes, 
 
 and stepped 
 To her place on his arm and in triumph, McVey, 
 With unconcealed pleasure, had borne her 
 
 away. 
 Ah, well! To the lives of most people there 
 
 falls 
 A moment so vital, that nothing avails 
 To impress on another the thoughts in the heart, 
 So much as a wordless appeal. 
 
 To impart 
 To Miss Durant the state of his feelings had 
 
 seemed 
 No difficult matter. McVey scarcely dreamed 
 That his sinuous, easy, and indolent grace. 
 Could ever be made to appear out of place. 
 Yet back through the rifts of the echoing years, 
 A fleeting impression came back. There 
 
 were fears 
 In the days that were gone, that harassed 
 
 and perplexed him. 
 The same profound charm had once puzzled, 
 
 and vexed him. 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 65 
 
 So to-night^ as he sat in the Hght of her eyes, 
 And felt that his presence had caused no 
 
 surprise, 
 That only the ethical laws of convention, 
 Had prompted a graceful and well-bred 
 
 attention. 
 His usual self-contained manner had left him; 
 Eileen's artless, untrammeled manner bereft 
 
 him 
 Of language to voice his wild impulse to hold 
 The place in her heart he had held, as of old. 
 A remote cozy-corner had tempted them 
 
 thither. 
 To sip the refreshments. They mentioned 
 
 the weather; 
 He spoke of her talent; he surely had heard 
 No one who surpassed her while traveling 
 
 abroad. 
 No word of the unspoken knowledge they 
 
 shared. 
 Not a sign that she ever had loved him, or 
 
 cared 
 If that love had been wantonly tossed to 
 
 one side. 
 No stifled emotion she struggled to hide. 
 
66 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 McVey, in no mood to dissemble or ponder, 
 Was thrilling with sheer admiration and 
 
 wonder, 
 As he eagerly bent, would have taken her 
 
 hand, 
 Distraught with the longing he could not 
 
 withstand. 
 To know if one spark of that love was alive. 
 ^'Miss Durant," he murmured, ''Eileen, — 
 
 Oh forgive — 
 Forgive all the past! Is it folly to say. 
 That life has been dull, since I last turned 
 
 away 
 From the light of your love?" 
 
 At his nearer approach. 
 Miss Durant drew back, had evaded his 
 
 touch. 
 And held him aloof, with disdain in her eye. 
 A look which McVey promptly sought to 
 
 defy. 
 As he warmly went on: ''Would it please 
 
 you to know 
 That Fate has dealt out to me many a blow, 
 Since she first grasped the reins of my check- 
 ered career, 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 67 
 
 And goaded me on? 'Tis true, Eileen, I 
 
 swear 
 Not a day, not an hour, since I last saw your 
 
 face, 
 Has Joy been a guest at my board. Ah, alas! 
 And alas! That I yielded to folly and dross! 
 Miss Durant! Ah, Eileen, I measure my 
 
 loss '' 
 
 ''You — measure — your — loss! Did you meas- 
 ure my tears? 
 
 I measure my gain, by the trail of the years 
 
 Deep buried for aye!'' With immeasurable 
 scorn 
 
 Eileen had flashed forth with a vehemence, 
 born 
 
 Of her inherent forces of nature. 
 
 MISS DURANT: 
 
 To say 
 That a definite sense of your loss could out- 
 weigh 
 The blessing to me, though it came in disguise, 
 Would baffle the plan Fortune sought to 
 devise. 
 
68 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 Ah no! Unto me is the past but a dream! 
 
 An arabesque fancy I would not redeem 
 
 From the shadowy past! 
 
 With the lapse of the years, 
 
 The old Love and Faith, the mirage, disap- 
 pears; 
 
 And forward I press to the beautiful hills. 
 
 Looking out to a realm, where all promise 
 fulfils. 
 
 An unbounded realm, filled with rhythm 
 and rhyme, — 
 
 No discordant note jars the grandeur sub- 
 lime; 
 
 A fair wonderland with its treasures of art. 
 
 The longing for which of my soul is a 
 part. 
 
 I follow the paths that the masters have 
 trod. 
 
 Leading far up the heights, to the gateway 
 of God. 
 
 No phantoms are there, which but seek to 
 allure. 
 
 But Apples of Gold, which forever endure. 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 69 
 
 MCVEY: 
 
 Hush, Eileen! God knows I deserve this 
 
 rebuke. 
 Some ghttering Mecca misled. I mistook 
 The dross for the gold. In your verdict, I 
 
 pray 
 That you'll temper your justice with mercy. 
 
 My plea 
 For forgiveness is based on the knowledge 
 
 that you, 
 Whose nature so sweetly divine, aye, so true, 
 Can soften your judgments, or, mayhap 
 
 forgive. 
 And all of the old love and feeling revive. 
 That love — is it pledged to another, Eileen? 
 
 The hum of the leave-taking crowd drifted in. 
 The rustle of skirts, and a faint rare perfume 
 Was filling the air, and pervading the room. 
 
 MISS DURANT: 
 
 That love! ' Can't you see it was only a 
 
 dream? 
 How rarely things are, in real life, what they 
 
 seem! 
 
70 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 In youth, there are wonderful Hghts on the 
 
 hills- 
 Mere fancies, which rarely the future fulfils. 
 Time ruthlessly shatters our idols — 'tis well, 
 When idols are false! 
 
 There can be no appeal. 
 I loved what I only had dreamed you to be: 
 Abounding in Truth and congruity. 
 Fallacious assumption! The gods have been 
 
 kind. 
 And the mills that unerring, unceasingly 
 
 grind, 
 Have shorn my ideal of its semblance to 
 
 Truth, 
 An erratic structure of fanciful youth. 
 Ere my life had been wrecked. 
 
 'Tis a world-old mistake — 
 This blending of unsuited lives. We thus 
 
 take 
 Our fate in our hands, e'en our souls jeopardize, 
 When we blindly press forward, with un- 
 seeing eyes. 
 To a union unhallowed by loftiest aim. 
 Where duty should govern, and Love reign 
 
 supreme. 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 71 
 
 MCVEY: 
 
 But, Eileen, I love you! Henceforth I will 
 
 prove, 
 With constant devotion, the depth of that 
 
 love — 
 My first love, and last! — 
 
 Importuning, McVey 
 Plead on in a vehement, rambling way. 
 For the love he had lost. 
 
 ''Once you loved me, Eileen? '' 
 
 EILEEN: 
 
 I thought so — but vision has drifted between. 
 Our natures are contrasts. While you love 
 
 the whirl, 
 I'm only an earnest and home-loving girl, 
 Who loves art, and nature, and things that 
 
 are true. 
 With all of the heart of a woman; and you — 
 You, Clayton, the world says, ''all paces'' 
 
 have gone! 
 Now, you offer me what? Could you hope to 
 
 atone 
 
72 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 For the time you have lost, opportunites 
 
 scorned? 
 Achievements that might have been yours, 
 
 you have spurned. 
 'Tis the gravest of serious problems to-day: 
 This unequal standard of virtues. 
 
 I see 
 Some friends are approaching. — 
 
 Miss Durant arose, 
 Summarily bringing the talk to a close. 
 
 MCVEY: 
 
 One moment, Eileen! Is this final? Are 
 
 you— 
 Engaged to another? 
 
 EILEEN : 
 
 I am not. Tis true, 
 When I find in some man all the virtues I 
 
 dreamed 
 One man could possess — my ideal redeemed — 
 Perhaps — I — shall love him, provided, of 
 
 course, 
 That he wishes me to. See, 'tis time to 
 
 disperse! — 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 73 
 
 The hostess, with others, appeared on the 
 scene. 
 
 MRS. NORTHRUP: 
 
 Discovered, at last, and now what does this 
 mean. 
 
 Secluding yourselves in the shade of the 
 palms. 
 
 From the rest of the crowd! Has your con- 
 science no qualms? 
 
 Of your whereabouts no one could venture 
 a hint. 
 
 Our hopes had declined to the vanishing 
 point. 
 
 A pleasure in store! Mr. Clayton McVey, 
 
 Allow me! Shake hands with Miss Sylvia 
 Grey! 
 
 A friend of Miss Dur ant's; no less so of mine. — 
 
 The two thus presented shook hands. 
 
 MRS. NORTHRUP: 
 
 Will you join 
 Our merry house-party, next week at Bay- 
 view? 
 My list, now complete since I've invited you. 
 
74 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 Includes this young lady, and likewise her 
 
 friend. 
 Shall we look for you then at the coming 
 
 week's end? 
 Miss Durant insists, and the season is 
 
 gay- 
 Shall we count on you then? 
 
 MCVEY: 
 
 Mrs, Northrup, you may. 
 
VI. 
 
 *^Wov n of music and moonlight, 
 Tinted of star-fire and dusk, 
 Dashed with the red wine of morning, 
 Scented of roses and musk. 
 Petaled of pain and of pleasure. 
 Nurtured of kisses and tears. 
 Fragile the dream-flower of love is — 
 Fragile, and fades with the years." 
 
 At Bay view the guests had begun to arrive; 
 With bustle and flurry, the place was alive. 
 In tally-hos, autos, and tandem they came. 
 The trolley-cars poured out a jovial stream, 
 Of well-groomed, desirable people who sought 
 To ensnare the gay Goddess of Pleasure. 
 
 A yacht 
 Here and there lay at rest on the dimpling 
 
 bay. 
 Awaiting the signal to up and away. 
 Mrs. Beverly Northrup, as hostess, perforce 
 Acknowledged no equal; her every resource 
 Was employed for the pleasure of those 
 
 whom she'd planned 
 
 75 
 
76 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 Should meet at her party. Twas said she'd 
 
 attained 
 The art of producing effective results, 
 In combining harmonious people. Revolts 
 Had been few and obscure. Each function, 
 
 it seemed, 
 But furnished new scope for her powers; 
 
 she beamed 
 On all new arrivals, dispensing to each 
 A rare hospitality. Many a match, 
 Rumor said, had been planned at romantic 
 
 Bayview; 
 Though none of the guests had this motive in 
 
 view. 
 Incidentally, during the short interim. 
 That suffices to put the young people in trim, 
 Or, as Dunbar suggested, ''Get on their 
 
 war paint.'' 
 With some of the guests 'twill be well to 
 
 acquaint 
 The reader, who properly claims as his due 
 The right to be told in the start, who is who. 
 For instance, there's Dunbar, the old Rob 
 
 of yore. 
 Yet palpably different; teeming with lore. 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 77 
 
 A jumble of politics, science and art, 
 
 And of every notable function a part. 
 
 A rising young lawyer whose friends acquiesce, 
 
 Can say the right thing in exactly its place. 
 
 Ideally jovial, 'tis needless to say 
 
 Society sought him and gave him entree. 
 
 Where multitudes scrambled to enter. 
 
 Moreover, 
 
 At present, 'twas plain to the casual ob- 
 server, 
 
 That Dunbar was playing the ''heavy de- 
 voted''— 
 
 Now, Dunbar himself, be it known, is here 
 quoted, 
 
 But not, understand, in this present relation — 
 
 To Sylvia Grey. 
 
 ''A distinct acquisition. 
 
 Comprehensively speaking," the hostess con- 
 fided. 
 
 To Dunbar, who'd long since the same thing 
 decided. 
 
 There's a modern tradition concerning the 
 
 wheel 
 Which Fortune manipulates; years but reveal 
 
78 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 Its manifold veerings. To you^ at the top: 
 The next revolution may bring you the drop. 
 To you at the base: Keep a stiff upper- 
 lip, 
 Keep in line, and stand fast, nor diminish 
 
 your grip. 
 For with favoring winds, over sunlighted 
 
 seas, 
 There's ever the promised Hesperides. 
 The favoring winds in their shifting had 
 
 brought. 
 An English estate to the Greys. It had 
 
 wrought 
 A change in their place of abode. ''The 
 
 Retreat'' 
 Now served at odd times as a fine country 
 
 seat 
 For the Greys and their friends from the 
 
 city. 
 
 Miss Grey 
 Had finished abroad, the conventional way, 
 In all the fine arts, with a rare gift of tongues, 
 And nothing neglected that fitly belongs 
 To the finishing process. To Paul, changeful 
 
 time 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 79 
 
 Had brought him the means to successfully 
 
 climb 
 To the goal of distinction. Persistently, — 
 
 nay, 
 Relentlessly, delving and pressing his way. 
 Since Fortune had frowned on his young 
 
 heart's desire, 
 Ambition had beckoned him higher and 
 
 higher. 
 Thrice welcome the lordly estate which had 
 
 brought 
 The means to promote the career that he 
 
 sought. 
 And though young in years, he had won for 
 
 himself 
 A name to be prized above holdings or pelf. 
 His one early love had been put to one side — 
 A thing set apart. He had worked, and 
 
 denied 
 To himself social pleasures; instead, he 
 
 had found 
 Enjoyment in seeking those things which 
 
 abound 
 In the quest after knowledge. Five years 
 
 spent abroad 
 
80 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 He reckoned as only a mere episode 
 To further advance his insatiate desire 
 For attainment in abysmal science. 
 
 Acquire 
 Prodigious results, what you will, what you 
 
 may, 
 The time must arrive when a mental survey, 
 A frank psychological scanning of self. 
 Calls an answering halt. 
 
 What a subtle young elf. 
 Is that offspring of Venus, Dan Cupid! 
 
 While reading 
 A letter signed ''Sylvy,'' in which she was 
 
 pleading 
 A prompt blotting out of all business relation, 
 And urging the need of complete recreation, 
 Paul paused at the post-script, and read it 
 
 three times. 
 Beginning, it ran: ''It is one of my whims 
 Not to tell, brother mine, but just guess, 
 
 if you can. 
 Who is here at Bayview. No, now — not 
 
 a mere man! 
 But the dearest and sweetest of girls. Don't 
 
 be stupid. 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 81 
 
 But pack your 'effects' and run down! " 
 
 Was it Cupid 
 
 That swayed him, now think you? Be that 
 as it may, 
 
 Mrs. Northrup had added a Hne just to say 
 
 How ''distressed" she had been to receive 
 his regrets, 
 
 And wound up by making the direst of 
 threats. 
 
 Should he fail to respond to this last invita- 
 tion. 
 
 Perhaps 'twas the thought of his real obliga- 
 tion. 
 
 But candor compels one the fact to impart, 
 
 Paul, having resolved, made all haste to 
 depart. 
 
VII. 
 
 '*For something is, or something seems, 
 Like visions of forgotten dreams." 
 
 Etched sharply against a wide expanse of sea 
 Stood picturesque Bayview. 
 
 Twas an hour until tea; 
 So a man in brass buttons confided to Paul, 
 Who arrived three days late. At this hour 
 
 nearly all 
 Of the feminine faction had taken their flight, 
 To keep an appointment, made some time 
 
 last night, 
 With the selfish old sandman. 
 
 'Twas a radiant array. 
 That graced the verandas at five o'clock tea: 
 An old English custom somewhat out of date. 
 But one that had served to at once dissipate 
 All formal constraint. There were gay little 
 
 groups. 
 That sat at small tables and toyed with their 
 
 cups. 
 As Paul, clad in raiment as fresh as the morn 
 
 82 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 83 
 
 Appeared with the hostess. No hint had 
 
 been borne 
 To the ears of Miss Durant that Paul was 
 
 expected. 
 That each be surprised was as Sylvia elected. 
 With a vast spread of shoulder^ full five feet 
 
 and ten, 
 Paul Grey stood, an athlete, a man among 
 
 men. 
 A faint, little feminine buzz of surprise 
 Had run down the line, as all feminine eyes 
 Had lingered on Paul, and evinced their 
 
 approval 
 Of this most distinguished and newest arrival. 
 
 That Clayton McVey was included a guest, 
 Had taken from Eileen Durant much the 
 
 zest 
 Of her stay at Bayview. Disregarding the 
 
 fact 
 Of his recent decisive rebuff, he had staked 
 His last throw on the hope that perchance 
 
 he'd awaken 
 Some lingering spark of her love. How 
 
 mistaken 
 
84 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 He was in her nature! His own narrow 
 
 vision 
 Had clouded that sense which we call in- 
 tuition. 
 That the commonplace courtesies Eileen 
 
 had shown 
 Were owed to her hostess, McVey might 
 
 have known. 
 But his was a nature that champed at its bits 
 (A thing in itself which all purpose defeats), 
 With a tendency ever to follow the course 
 Presenting the slightest resistance. 
 
 A source 
 Of varied ordeal his attentions had been 
 With his air of proprietorship to Eileen, 
 Since their meeting at Bayview. 
 
 When Paul Grey appeared 
 At a signal from Dunbar, the company 
 
 cheered. 
 A master at all ceremonies, Dunbar 
 Had been dubbed an ^^M. C'— Twas a 
 
 terse metaphor. 
 For Paul 'twas a sudden, complex situation. 
 Receiving from strangers so free an ovation. 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 85 
 
 But Dunbar had rushed to his rescue at once, 
 Dramatic'ly making all haste to announce: 
 ''Our young English lord, ladies — Sir Paul 
 
 de Grey! 
 Who recklessly tosses his title away, 
 And craves the distinction of being just 
 
 classed 
 A plain young American! An enthusiast, 
 You'll find him, on subjects pertaining to 
 
 lore 
 Regarding his chosen profession. No more 
 
 Of his idiosyncrasies will I disclose '' 
 
 Just here Dunbar dodged a swift blow on the 
 
 nose 
 From PauFs handkerchief, knotted and rolled 
 
 in a ball. 
 ''The same irrepressible Dunbar! " chid Paul^ 
 As they heartily greeted each other. 
 
 DUNBAR: 
 
 This way. 
 You'll find "reserved seats," and — Hello! 
 
 here's McVey 
 And the very young ladies Fve sought for an 
 
 hour. 
 
86 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 Gadzooks, man! acquaint us, by what canny 
 
 power 
 You accomplish the feat of successfully keeping 
 Two ladies awake, when they should have 
 
 been sleeping. 
 
 Paul greeted his sister, shook hands with 
 
 McVey 
 In a sort of unseeing, perfunctory way. 
 Then ensued a brief pause, with the silence 
 
 unbroken. 
 His eyes had met Eileen's. For a moment 
 
 no token 
 Had either evinced of the tumult within — 
 (Here Rob, the persistent, had let fall a pin) 
 Eileen, in a flash of responsive perception. 
 Had felt in the depths of her soul the incep- 
 tion 
 Of a swift, silent fellowship. Paul, with 
 
 one stride. 
 Had measured the distance and stood by 
 
 her side. 
 *^ Eileen!'' Paul had murmured, ''this is a 
 
 surprise 
 As well as a pleasure!" His deep, fearless eyes 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 87 
 
 Were searching her face, as he held fast her 
 hand. 
 
 ' 'It all must have happened as Sylvia planned ; 
 The surprise is complete. I am real glad 
 
 you came!'' 
 Eileen answered simply. A bright, little 
 
 flame 
 Of obdurate color had flashed to her face, 
 But as quickly receded; a faint tiny trace 
 Had lingered a moment, and tinted her cheek, 
 Revealing in contrast the snowy white neck. 
 All crowned by a halo of dusky brown hair. 
 Rippling up into high-lights. 
 
 Paul, keenly aware 
 Of the play of emotion that swept o'er her 
 
 face. 
 Forgot for the moment the time and the 
 
 place. 
 As the blossoms of memory burst into flower. 
 And carried him back to the place and the 
 
 hour 
 When Fate had been kind, and allowed him 
 
 to save 
 This dearest of girls from a watery grave. 
 
88 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 What a tempest of joy the reflection had 
 
 brought! 
 When suddenly Paul had grown cold at the 
 
 thought 
 That Eileen, warm of impulse, would nat- 
 urally, 
 Feel grateful toward him, and really be 
 Delighted to once again meet an old friend. 
 Then — Clayton McVey! Did his presence 
 
 portend 
 A renewal of old-time relations with her? 
 Such things, he reflected, were wont to occur. 
 So much had befallen since these two had 
 
 met. 
 It seemed as though ages had vanished; and 
 
 yet— 
 Save a more profound charm, and a bearing 
 
 less free, 
 Paul had almost imagined it yesterday. 
 Miss Grey had enjoyed the success of her 
 
 plot. 
 She also had fancied that Clayton had not. 
 The party found seats, and was soon served 
 
 with tea. 
 Paul sat by Eileen, with McVey vis-k-vis. 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 89 
 
 Dunbar, vaguely conscious of growing con- 
 straint, 
 
 To his merriest mood had at once given 
 vent; 
 
 He told of the numberless projects in view 
 
 For their further diversion. So, jollity flew 
 
 With a zeal quite infectious. 
 
 This meeting had been 
 
 The means of revealing in full to Eileen 
 
 The study in contrasts these two men pre- 
 sented; 
 
 A thing which the glamour of youth had pre- 
 vented. 
 
 One, crowned with the glory of highest 
 achievement, 
 
 The other, intent on some longed-for re- 
 trie vement. 
 
 With quickening vision Eileen saw it all. 
 
 The time had arrived when her heart turned 
 to Paul. 
 
 Mrs. Beverly Northrup was fully aware 
 
 That young English lords at Bayview had 
 been rare; 
 
 And had lost no occasion to plan, as she 
 thought. 
 
90 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 For his consummate pleasure. To Paul there 
 
 was naught 
 That gave so much comfort as just being left 
 To his own predilection. True, Dunbar had 
 
 chaffed 
 At his unwonted precepts; for clever insight, 
 And keen penetration, Dunbar had been 
 
 right. 
 
 The days full of mirth flitted by at Bayview, 
 Days burnished with sunshine. Paul met 
 
 with but few 
 Auspicious occasions to talk with Eileen, 
 Aside from the multitude. Always some 
 
 ''plan'' 
 Of the vigilant hostess intruding itself; 
 A sail on the bay, or a tournure at golf — 
 A motoring jaunt, or a chase with the hounds. 
 Paul followed the seemingly limitless rounds 
 Accompanied — according to prearranged 
 
 plans — 
 By a niece of the hostess. Miss Olive Rosecrans 
 McVey, with the hostess as ally, contrived 
 To appropriate Eileen. Paul Grey had per- 
 ceived 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 91 
 
 His Open devotion, and hopelessly felt 
 That Fate, stern iconoclast, this time had 
 
 dealt 
 A weightier blow, could the grievance be 
 
 measured. 
 Than the one he had borne as a boy. He had 
 
 treasured 
 A vision of Her, in her fair girlish graces, 
 Enshrined in a nook of his heart's secret 
 
 places. 
 But now — in the zenith of full womanhood, 
 With her peerless attraction, and sweet 
 
 quietude, 
 Paul knew that the earlier vision had paled 
 In this sunburst of perfect fruition. He 
 
 quailed 
 At the realization of all that had been, 
 Was now, and might still in his life inter- 
 vene. 
 To blight his fair dreams of the future. 
 
 Dunbar 
 Had teasingly ventured one day to infer, 
 That the niece of the hostess had ' ' scored 
 
 quite a hit.'' 
 ''Your Excellence — wouldn't you better admit 
 
92 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 That life, since your advent down here at 
 
 Bayview, 
 Has taken on more of a roseate hue?" 
 ''Nay, Rob/' Paul had answered in hasty 
 
 disclaimer, 
 ''A certain young lady, I scruple to name her, 
 Has recently made me her father confessor, 
 Held a 'conseiF d'etat,' so to speak, heaven 
 
 bless her ! 
 Which leads me at once to conclude it is 
 
 you 
 Who are wearing the glasses of roseate hue!'' 
 With characteristic and simple directness, 
 The two had grasped hands. 
 
 DUNBAR: 
 
 Well, old fellow, I guess 
 You've got me down right; there's a halo, 
 
 it seems. 
 Encircling the spirit of all my of dreams. 
 The lady in question, — her peer there is none! 
 Her equal is not at Bayview — 
 
 PAUL: 
 
 Hold, save one! 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 93 
 
 DUNBAR: 
 
 Another confession! Miss Rosecrans? 
 
 PAUL: 
 
 Mere cant! 
 'Her equal?' No other than Eileen Durant. 
 
 DUNBAR: 
 
 Eileen ! I had thought that a thing of the past ! 
 
 PAUL: 
 
 So it was, 'til we met here; but love, Rob, 
 
 will last. 
 'Tis a habit it has — pity 'tis, that 'tis true! 
 
 DUNBAR: 
 
 Now, Paul, I've a notion that Eileen likes 
 you! 
 
 PAUL: 
 
 'Tikes!" yes, I've no doubt; there's the 
 
 deuce of it, man! 
 She holds me to-day where our friendship 
 
 began: 
 About like a brother! That coxcomb McVey 
 
94 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 Was never half worthy. Say, Rob, by the 
 
 way, 
 What happened between them when Clayte 
 
 went abroad? 
 
 DUNBAR: 
 
 The Lord knows! I never have quite under- 
 stood. 
 
 But one thing I know, it's as plain as your 
 nose, 
 
 McVey's getting desperate! See here, Paul, 
 suppose 
 
 I appoint a committee to see this thing through; 
 
 And suppose once again, that committee is 
 you! 
 
 PAUL: 
 
 Appointment approved of, loquacious ^'M. C." 
 'Tis only the great men who fail to agree. 
 But show me. Your Honor, just half of a 
 
 chance 
 That a fellow could find. Td suggest in 
 
 advance, 
 That you change your new title of merely 
 
 M. C, 
 To Dunbar the Diplomat. 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 95 
 
 DUNBAR: 
 
 Just leave that to me! 
 There are schemers and schemers. Just 
 
 open your eyes 
 To every advantage. We're sure to devise 
 Some deeply and darkly laid plans of our 
 
 own, 
 Whereby you, at least, can see Eileen alone! 
 For surely, a man may find out ' 'where 
 
 he's at,''— 
 And still be a man, for "a' that and a' that!" 
 
 To Sylvia Rob had unravelled a few 
 Of his ''deeply laid projects." 
 
 Eileen scarcely knew 
 Just how it had happened. There were 
 
 moments when she 
 Had wistfully, ardently, longed so to be 
 All alone with her music. On the eve of the 
 
 day 
 Rob purposed intrigue, she had stolen away 
 To the now quiet music room; happily, she 
 Had found it deserted. 'Twas a low reverie 
 She had chosen to play — an original thing — 
 
96 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 'Twas a song without words, An Awaken- 
 ing, 
 
 It might have been called. In its varying 
 mood 
 
 It rambled on feelingly, ever subdued. 
 
 So lost to all consciousness Eileen had been, 
 
 That Paul Grey had entered, and now stood 
 unseen 
 
 Near some shadowy palms. As the player 
 went on. 
 
 From Paul every other impression had flown, 
 
 Save a rapt comprehension of tender de- 
 light 
 
 Transporting him on to an infinite height. 
 
 Familiar with music, for Sylvia played, 
 
 Paul sought to discern the composer; he 
 strayed 
 
 From Chopin to Beethoven. A blending, 
 it seemed, 
 
 Of the Spring Song and Berceuse — a Thesis 
 that teemed 
 
 With a rare, irrepressible, rapturous flow 
 
 Of musical language. Paul, fairly aglow 
 
 With a new inspiration, had slipped to her 
 side: 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 97 
 
 (( 
 
 Don't stop!'' he had urged, as her eyes 
 opened wide 
 At his sudden appearance. 
 
 MISS DURANT: 
 
 How you startled me, Paul! 
 How long have you been here? 
 
 PAUL: 
 
 I heard nearly all 
 Of that exquisite symphony. 
 
 MISS DURANT: 
 
 You love music, then? 
 
 PAUL: 
 
 That doesn't express it! 
 
 MISS DURANT: 
 
 There are not many men 
 Who admit a real fondness for music. 
 
 PAUL: 
 
 The man who dislikes it, I think, is a freak ! 
 With Shakespeare, I think that his Spirit 
 is dull — 
 
98 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 His affection as dark as Erebus — his soul, 
 Fit subject for treason and spoils! 
 
 MISS DURANT: 
 
 I agree — 
 I never could trust such a man. — 
 
 With dismay, 
 Paul discovered Miss Rosecrans approaching; 
 
 before 
 She made known her errand, Rob stood in 
 the door. 
 
 DUNBAR: 
 
 They're off now, Miss Olive, and calling for us. 
 McVey says he calls it a kind of a muss — 
 This letting the ladies for once have their say 
 In selecting their escorts. But surely McVey 
 Has no cause to object, for just look who 
 chose him? 
 
 MISS ROSECRANS: 
 
 Who was it? 
 
 DUNBAR: 
 
 Miss Grey. I am full to the brim 
 Of the '^green-eyed old monster''; however, 
 there are 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 99 
 
 Other fish in the sea, and — Hello, Paul! I hear 
 That Miss Durant takes you! 
 
 MISS ROSECRANS: 
 
 Then, Mr. M. C, 
 I see very plainly, they've left you for me! 
 
 DUNBAR: 
 
 I like that! it savors of Life, ''Doncher 
 
 know!'' 
 To be ''left" by one girl for another, ''Bah 
 
 Joe!" 
 
 A throng now trooped in, hunting Paul and 
 
 Eileen, 
 Who wondered what all this confusion might 
 
 mean. 
 But Dunbar, as usual, made haste to make 
 
 known 
 That a stroll on the shore, by the light of the 
 
 moon. 
 Was the latest diversion. Paul Grey thought 
 
 he knew 
 The sly instigator, and clutched at his cue, 
 With a grim desperation. Aside, to Eileen 
 
100 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 He had said: ''Ladies' choice! shall I see 
 
 you again? " 
 As quick as a flash, down the current of time. 
 Came a question of Paul's which had meant 
 
 much the same 
 In the old days. It seemed she could still 
 
 hear him saying: 
 ''And he's coming to-day — and I'll shortly 
 
 be paying 
 My hasty adieux! Or would you face the foe, 
 Which shall it be, Eileen, you'll tell me, I 
 
 know?" 
 Eileen, while she knew she had once held his 
 
 love, 
 Had often, in thought, tried to test or disprove 
 The rumor that he and Miss Rosecrans 
 
 might be 
 Something more than mere friends. 
 
 Now, this last novelty, — 
 Rob had said that his sister had chosen 
 
 McVey, 
 Then he and Miss Rosecrans had faded away. 
 And Paul was awaiting an answer. 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 101 
 
 PAUL: 
 
 It seems 
 They have left you no choice in this matter; 
 
 Rob dreams 
 He's the end of the law! 
 
 MISS DURANT: 
 
 Rob knew Td enjoy 
 A stroll with you, Paul. He's the dearest 
 
 old boy! 
 Of course, he surmised I would rather take 
 
 you — 
 
 PAUL: 
 
 Rob jumps at conclusions; perhaps that's 
 not true? 
 
 MISS DURANT: 
 
 And, perhaps, — if conditions had different 
 
 been — 
 There's someone — you'd — rather— — 
 
 PAUL: 
 
 There's no one, Eileen, — 
 No being with whom, had I been free to 
 choose. 
 
102 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 I would rather have gone; hitherto 'twas 
 
 no use 
 To do aught save to wistfully watch for a 
 
 chance 
 
 MISS DURANT: 
 
 You, — Paul? have you, too felt this close 
 surveillance? 
 
 PAUL: 
 
 'Teltit/' Eileen- 
 Paul gently had reached for her hand. 
 And placed it within his arm. ''Come, this 
 
 is grand, 
 This hour of the twilight!— 
 
 }} 
 
 The first silver star. 
 In its pale tranquil luster had blossomed 
 
 afar. 
 A skirmishing breeze had sprung up from the 
 
 bay. 
 To follow a fervid and languorous day. 
 Above the vague rim of the dim horizon. 
 Fair Luna, full-orbed, had just mounted her 
 
 throne. 
 A flock of late home-going birds flitted by. 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 103 
 
 Silhouetted against the fast-purpling sky, 
 The trees, faintly limbed, as brave sentinels 
 
 stood — 
 Hodden gray in the twilight. 
 
 In happiest mood, 
 Paul and Eileen, like children, as children 
 
 as free. 
 Passed out through the eventide, on toward 
 
 the sea. 
 
VIII. 
 
 Then love released a thousand springs, 
 The joys of sweet remembered things. 
 Singing, the river went. The vales 
 Forgot the ice-keen winter gales, 
 The meadow had a vision blest, 
 And dreamed of daisies on its breast. 
 
 Stanton 
 
 The critics, dear reader, will say I am through. 
 The question, I leave it entirely to you 
 As to whether or not further interest wanes 
 In Paul and Eileen. Yet the fact still re- 
 mains, 
 That while all the world loves a lover,— 'Tis 
 
 true 
 Most people prefer they get married, — don't 
 
 you? 
 The program thereafter was altered, somewhat, 
 'Mong the young folks at Bayview. The 
 
 hostess had thought 
 It a hasty arrangement; was duly surprised 
 That these two, whom she'd obviously lionized 
 
 104 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 105 
 
 Should contrive, on short notice, to promptly 
 
 announce 
 To their friends their engagement. My lady, 
 
 for once, 
 Had been cleverly foiled, and most clearly 
 
 outwitted, 
 Though she never acknowledged to being 
 
 defeated. 
 With well-founded wisdom, she revised her 
 
 plans. 
 Directing her wits toward her niece. Miss 
 
 Rosecrans, 
 Who, having sustained a new set of sensations 
 In view of ''those horrid old late revelations,'' 
 Had tried to console, in a measure, McVey, 
 Who still, in some vague and intangible 
 
 way. 
 Was doing his best to at least figure out. 
 How all of this ''flim-flam and muss'' came 
 
 about. 
 Despite the annoyance the matter incurred. 
 And, however greatly she may have preferred 
 To have had affairs different, let it be said 
 Mrs. Northrup had always most carefully 
 
 weighed 
 
106 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 The law which produces both cause and effect. 
 Through no visible sign, might one ever suspect 
 That the wheels of convention had scrupled 
 
 to move, 
 For a season, along the conventional groove. 
 Her maxim had been, to a steadfast degree, 
 ''One should aim at the moon, though one 
 
 hits but a tree." 
 Fate plays some strange pranks with the 
 
 world! 
 
 In the main 
 The ''slings of an outrageous fortune?" had 
 
 been 
 Very gracefully met. She had ever essayed 
 To follow the trend, which with ease could 
 
 be made 
 To serve her best purpose. Inexpressibly 
 
 dear 
 To her heart was a new innovation, and here 
 Was a rare opportunity. When at Bayview 
 The season had drawn to a close hitherto. 
 There had been at least one new announce- 
 ment. 
 
 With glee. 
 She discovered the possible sequence of three. 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 107 
 
 With consummate skill she had planned the 
 affair, 
 
 Which took place in the city. Such func- 
 tions were rare 
 
 Where three most momentous and leading 
 events 
 
 Were announced at one time. 
 
 Now, the reader, perchance, 
 
 Has long since surmised whom the three 
 couples were: 
 
 Paul and Eileen, of course, and Miss Grey 
 and Dunbar, 
 
 And the other, — ^To Clayton McVey, it had 
 seemed 
 
 But the prescience of fate; all his life he had 
 blamed 
 
 Some : caviling fate for the failures which 
 he 
 
 Might himself have averted. This adverse 
 decree. 
 
 When the first shock was over, he thought- 
 fully faced. 
 
 With care every step of the past he retraced 
 
 And discreetly resolved there were duties 
 which one 
 
108 TO PORTS BEYOND 
 
 Fully owed to himself, nor should too 
 
 long postpone. 
 In the light of these facts, when Miss Rose- 
 
 crans had sought 
 To dispel his depression, he forthwith had 
 
 caught 
 Her spirit of hopefulness. Later, when she 
 Had referred to the other engagements, 
 
 McVey 
 At once had suggested they two make the 
 
 third. 
 Miss Rosecrans, it seemed, had for some time 
 
 abhorred 
 The thought of a tedious engagement. And 
 
 so. 
 Right merrily rang the bells. 
 
 Without much ado, 
 Paul and Eileen had quietly wedded. They 
 
 chose 
 For their honeymoon trip — now where would 
 
 one suppose? 
 To their castle in England? No, they had 
 
 deferred 
 That trip for the future. Few would have 
 
 preferred 
 
TO PORTS BEYOND 109 
 
 A commonplace trip to the country, and yet, 
 Straightway they had journeyed toward The 
 
 Retreat, 
 And charming old Edgewood. 
 
 Here then, 'mid those scenes 
 Which the heart ever cherishes, ever retains, 
 We leave them; where Nature her smile 
 
 e'er reveals. 
 With love at the helm, 'mid the peace of 
 
 wide fields. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
^:i) 0^3 \v 
 
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