The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1881-05-26

sacred fires of genius" said Imogen;
with enthusiasm. EMILY Byzantine!
Why the very name is pass-key to my
heart of hearts!'
And she went to put on her pretticst
boating suit of dark blue serge, with
white silk anchors embroidered on the
collar.
"Come, Lex" said she to her sister.
II shall want you to pull the stroke.
oar"
''I'd admire to go along too" said Is
rael, wistfully. "I've always wanted to
see live authoressY'
"Now said Miss Poyntz, with author
ity. "We are better by ourselves" And
then as Israel went dejectedly back to the
woodpile, she added: THAT fellow is so
intrusive"
81 think he's very nice" said Alexia,
"And his father owns the largest farm
on the beach. Ard they've been offererd
ten thousand dollars for it by the Salt
Sea Park Association"
"Opinions differ" said Imogen, dryly,
as they pulled out into deep water. ooh,
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 author
ess"
"Good-morningw said the stout young
woman, with the poke bonnet and the
umbrella.
"Good-morningw the two sisters an
swered in chorus, infusing an accent Of
the tenderest respect and admiration in
to their voices.
"Going out sailing?" demanded the
inspired one. I'd like to go too"
Imogen cast glance of scarcely re-
pressed delight and triumph at her SIS
ter.
eve should only be too proud" said
she, making haste to draw her boat up
alongside the sandy beach.
The young person stepped in, rather
clumsily, it must be owned, for one who
was supposed to be emephereal as air and
sat down.
Alexia pulled off, and Imogen made an
effort at conversation.
81 am one of your unknown admir-
ers," said she, little abruptly.
"Eh?" said the poetess.
81 am so delighted for an opportunity
of knowing you personally" added Miss
Poyntz. Every syllable of 'Eglan-
tine Spray is impressed upon my mem
ory."
The stout young woman stared. Imo-
gen perceived that she was not progress
ing favorably.
"Perhaps," she thought, 'she's little
shy and sensitive about her own produc-
tons. I'll try another topic" And she
added, aloud II hope you like the
country here 2"
But the stout young person seemed
intent upon something else-she was
trying to take the oar from her inter-
locutor.
"Would you like to row." sweetly
asked Imogen.
sect out of thisY' said the young per-
son, with brisk blow of her umbrella
handle, aimed at Imogen's head. Come,
jump both of you! 1 am the Queen Of
the Alaska islands, and 1 am going up to
see my dominions!"
Alexia and Imogen looked at each
other in blank dismay, as she warded
off the brisk play of the umbrella-han-
die.
'She is insane!' cried Alexla.
"No more than you are yourself y
shrieked the young woman with the
poke bonnet; and, Selling the unfortun-
ate Miss Poyntz by the shoulder, she en-
deavored to fling her over into the sea.
"Tm a deposed queen, said she; "but
l will be obeyedf
Imogen, dropping her own oar with a
scream, fastened to the rescue, and q
struggle ensued, during which the frail
boat upset. and all three of the women
were in the sea.
Not one of them could swim; but, for
tunately, rescue from the shore was
nigh at hand Mr.. Parker pulled out
in bis fat-bottomed fishing boat, and
stout Israel Peck was not far behind.
"Well," said Mr.. Parker, scratching
his head, when he had got the stout
young female, now all wet and dipping,
into his boat, and saw that Israel had
been equally fortunate with the two
Misses Poyntz, sits good thing she
hadn't killed 'er. She's as mad as a
March hare, poor dear! It's my wife's
sister. As we thought, sea air and
plenty of fresh milk would be better for
her than the asylum fare. But if these
are the capers you are going to cut mp,
Adeliza Mary, you'll have to go back
again. And so peaceable as she's been Of
late, toor'
81 thought it was Miss Byzantine,
the poetess," said poor Imogen, with