The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1881-05-25
Imogen and Alo1ia looked at each

quainted with her ?" said they.
eve mustn't seem pushing" sugges-
ted Alexia.
"Of course" said Imogen. "Wher-
ever shelgoes, she is tormented to death
with people, begging introductions."
"No," said Alexia "the matter must
be quite spontaneous. An acquaintance
of this sort must be formed accidental
ly, or not at ALL"
"There will be plenty of chances" OBJ
served Imogen. "She must be here for
the benefit of the sea-air, and she'll walk
n deal on the beach. You and I will go
boating, Lex, and so it will be the most
natural thing in the world that we should
meet. Dear me to think that Emily
Byzantine should be as good as our
next-door neighbor How should de-
light to have her Autograph in my al
bum p
The next morning Alexia, who had
been abroad early to secure fresh eggs
for the omelettes, in which her fathers
matutinal soul delighted, returned with
the news that Mrs. Parker's new board
er was out walking on the beach.
"What is she like ?" cried eager Imo-
gen.
"Short and stout" Alexia answered, in
accents which denoted a slight degree
of disappointment, Sand she wears
poke-bonnet, and thick boots, and
stamps up and down the sands, with an
umbrella under her arm, and talks to
herself"
"That is genius" cried the delighted
Imogen. "I dare say the mood of in
spiration was upon her. Oh, Lex, how
1 should like to see her p
81 watched her for long time" said
Alexia, "but don't think she saw me.
She's decidedly eccentric, wager"
80 are all talented people," mid
Imogen. "Tell Israel to get the boat
ready at once, Alexia. do so long to
look into her deep, intellectual eyes"
81 think you'll be disappointed in
her." said Alexia.
~ never can be disappointed in the
sacred fires of genius" said Imogen,
with enthusiasm. emily Byzantine
Why the very name is a pass-key to my
heart of hearts !"
And she went to put on her prettiest
boating-suit of dark blue serge, with
white silk anchors embroidered on the
collar.
"Come, Lex" said she, to her sister
81 shall want you to pull the stroke
oar"
''Pd like to go along too," said Is
rael, wistfully. GIVE always wanted to
sec q live authoress ~
''No % said Miss Poyntz, with author
ity. "We are better by ourselves" And
then, as Israel went dejectedly back to the
woodpile, she added "rhat fellow is
so intrusive -
'I think he's very NICE" said Alexia,
"And his father owns the largest farm
on the beach. And they've been offered
ten thousand dollars for it by the Salt
Sea Park Association !"
Opinions differ, said Imogen, drily,
as they pulled out into deep water. "Oh,
Lex there she is, pacing thoughtfully
along, her eyes fixed on the shining
sands Perhaps, even now, some poem
is forming itself within her brain. Oh,
what thing it is to be an authoress p'
"Hush !" whispered Alexia. "She is
looking this way. Pull little nearer
to shore, Imogen. Oh, do listen She's
speakingl"
"Good-morningp said the stoutyoune
woman, with the poke-bOnnet and the
umbrella.
"Good-morning !" the two sisters an
swered, in chorus, infusing an accent o.
the tenderest respect and admiration in
to their voices.
"Going out sailing?" demanded the
inspired one. "Td like to go, too y
II. &c II,
pressed delight and triumph at her sis
ter.
owe should only be too proud" SAID
she, making haste to draw her boat VI
alongside the sandy beach.
The young person stepped in, rather
clumsily, it must be owned, for one whC
was supposed to be ephemeral as air, an(
sat down.
Alexia pulled off, and Imogen mad
an effort at conversation.
81 am one of your unknown admirers,
said she, a little abruptly.
''Eh ?" said the poetess.
81 am so delighted for an opportunit
/ of knowing you personally" added Mis-
Poyntz. "Every syllable of 'Eglantin
, Spray is impressed upon my memory.
The stout young woman stared. Inc
5 gen perceived that she was not progress
: ing favorably,
"Perhaps," she thought, "she's littl
q shy and sensitive about her own produC
: tions. I'll try another topic" And sh
added, aloud: 81 hope you like the cour
try here ?"
Y But the stout young person SCENE
; intent upon something else-she wa
J. trying to take the oar from her intel
n locutor.
"Would you like to row." sweet
asked Imogen.
II "Get out of this % said the young pc
?. son, with brisk blow of her umbrella
r. handle, aimed at Imogen's head. "Com
Jump both of you lam the Queen of IL
" Alaska Islands, and / am going up
/ see my dominions /"