The Sentinel. [volume] (Trenton, N.J.) 1880-1882, 1881-05-07
Imogen and Alexia looked at each

eve mustn't seem pushing" sugges-
ted Alexia.
'Of course" said Imogen. ssWher-
ever she goes, she is tormented to death
with people, begging introductions.
"No," said Alexia; s'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
deal on the beach. You and 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 I should de
light to have her autograph in my al
bum !"
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. "And she wears a
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. 81 dare say the mood of in
spiration was upon her Oh, Lex, how
| should like to see her"
II watched her for long time" said
Alexia, ''but I don't think she saw me.
She's decidedly eccentric, I wager"
$50 are oil talented people," said
Imogen. "Tell Israel to get the boat
ready at once, Alexia. I do SO long to
look into her deep, intellectual eyes"
II think you'll be disappointed in
her." said Alexia.
81 never can be disappointed in the
sacred fires of genius said Imogen,
with enthusiasm. emily Byzantine !
Why the very name is pass-key to my
heart of heartsp
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"
I'D like to go along too" said Is
rael, wistfully. 'I've always wanted to
see 9 live authoress ~
"No p said Miss Poyntz with author
ity. eve are better by ourselves And
then, as Israel went dejectedly back to the
woodpile, she added: "That fellow is
so intrusive p
II 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 p
"Opinions differ" said Imogen, drily,
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 authoress I"
''Hush !" whispered Alexia. "She is
looking this way. Pull little nearer
to shore, Tmogen. Oh, do listen She's
speakingP
"Good-morningw said the stout young
woman, with the poke-bonnet and the
umbrella.
"Good- /" 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. 'Td like to go, tool"
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 ephemeral as air, and
sat down.
Alexia pulled off, and Imogen made
an effort at conversation.
II am one of yourunknown admirers, :"
said she, little abruptly.
'Eh % said the poetess.
IT am so delighted for an opportunity
of knowing you personally" added Miss
Poyntz. every syllable of Byzantine
Spray is impressed upon my memory"
The stout young woman stared. Imo-
gen perceived that she was not progress
ing fayorably.
"Perhaps," she thought, ''she's little
shy and sensitive about her own produc-
tions. I'll try another topic" And she
added, aloud: 81 hope you like the coun-
try here?'
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.
s'Get out of this p said the young per.
son, with brisk blow of her umbrella
handle, aimed at Imogen's head. "Come,
jump both of you / am the Queen of the
Alaska Islands, and I am going up to
see my dominions
Alexia and Imogen looked at each
other in blank dismay, as they warded
off the brisk play of the umbrolla-han-
die.
'She is insane !" cried Alexia.
'.No more than you are yourself 7