[Illustration: THE GLEANER. _From the Painting in the Salon by JULES BRETON_] [Illustration: THE GIRL’S OWN PAPER VOL. XX.—NO. 1018.] JULY 1, 1899. [PRICE ONE PENNY.] THE SECRET OF THE SEA. BY EDWARD OXENFORD. [Illustration] _All rights reserved._] 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! THE HOUSE WITH THE VERANDAH. BY ISABELLA FYVIE MAYO, Author of “Other People’s Stairs,” “Her Object in Life,” etc. CHAPTER XIV. ANOTHER DOOR OPENS. Why did Lucy Challoner start when she entered her own kitchen, well knowing that a visitor was there, for whose presence she had given full permission? She started, because when one expects to see a moon-faced, shy youth, with a shock of red hair, it does give one rather a shock to be suddenly confronted by a tall jovial man of thirty, wearing a full black beard! What ought Lucy to have done? Perhaps she ought to have walked forward, saying that this was not the person to whom she had made her kitchen free, inquiring who he was, and bidding him go about his business. But poor Lucy was not a business-like and self-confident mistress, and she was so thoroughly disconcerted and taken aback that, with a single exclamation of surprise, she beat a hasty retreat. Upstairs in the dining-room she considered the position. She could hear the voices in the kitchen. It seemed to her that there was smothered laughter on the part of the man. She could hear Jane speak with a defiant angry tone. Some kitchen utensils were moved sharply and noisily, as by the hand of an offended person.