Bridgeton pioneer., 1885-09-03
SHE COULD DO 1T.

Nov, DEAR" said Mr.. Breezy, lead
ing his wife carefully over the sands,
''you must wet your head first, and
them
do you suppose I have never been
in bathing before?" asked Mrs. Breezy,
giving an extra tug at the skirt of
her bathing suit, and looking over her
shoulder to see if any vulgar men were
taking in her more or less graceful cos
tune. "Mr. Breezy, you talk as though
had lived all my life in the backwoods
of Ohio, and had never got a sniff of
salt water. l am just as familiar with
surf bathing as you. are, Mr. Breezy,
and | dare say great deal more so.
You know l was brought up on ihe
sound, and l know
''But, my dear, the surf here at Long
Branch is very heavy, and you must
take good hold of the rope as soon"-
Now, Mr.. Breezy, I'm not baby"
said Mrs. Breezy, jerking her arm away
from the grasp of her husband, and
making a vain attempt to walk grace
fully over the rough beach. I'D like
to see the wave big enough to knock
me over; and you needn't suppose I'm
going to cling to that old rope, and
miss all the fun. The rope is all very
well for the old people, and the chill
dren. If you are afraid, Mr. Breezy,
you had better go back to your bath
house, and put on your clothes.n
"But, you know, my dear, you can't
swim, and there is very strong I'M
dertow here, they say" said Mr.. Breezy,
once more grasping his wife's arm.
DO let go of me; and for PHYS sake
stop acting like a fool" said Mrs.
Breezy, making dash forward, and
once more releasing her arm. ''All the
people will imagine we are on our we'd
ding tour if you keep on in this way.
You just shift for yourself, and let me
alone for once in your life. l know
you will have all you can do to keep
from drowning without bothering me.
You can't swim any more than l can,
and I'd advise you to cling to the rope
on your own account, and stick to it.
For my part, I'd rather be drowned
than appear coward"
'But simple prudence, my DEAR said
Mr.. Breezy, stumbling over piece of
driftwood, in a vain attempt to once
more reach his wife.
''If | was a man I'd swear, said Mrs.
Breezy, looking back scornfully at her
better half. 'Of all the old grand
mothers you go ahead. Do you think
came down here to be constantly
told what l am to do? Am | of age,
Mr.. Breezy, or not? Tell me that?'
but you will stay inside the ropes,
won't you, dear?" urged Mr.. Breezy,
stumbling along after his wife, and
cursing the luck that ever brought him
to the seashore.
II don't know whether will or not, y
said Mrs. Breezy, striding boldly toward
the breakers, and folding her arms in a
determined manner. 'It's just as safe
outside the ropes as in, and l can take
care ofmyself anyway, no matter where
l am. Did you ever see me in a posi-
tion where l couldn't, Mr. Breezy?
mot to my knowledge" said Mr..
Breezy, smiling in spite of his situation
"Butyou are not usedto surf bathing"-
Mr.. Breezy do let up,-I mean do
stop that everlasting preaching" said
Mrs. Breezy, reaching the edge of the
incoming tide, and halting suddenly.
"Mr. Breezy, come here, and take
my hand"
''But I thought you could"-
'Never mind what you thought" d"
said Mrs. Breezy, jumping back as a
little wave Tapped about her ankle.
Take my hand do you hear!' and
another wave swept in, creeping nearly
to her knees. "Will you take my hand,
or do you propose to stand there like a
brute, and see your wife drownedY'
screamed Mrs. Breezy, throwing her
arms about her husbands neck, and
hanging to him like a poor relation.
''Now take me over to that rope, and
don't let go of me-" screamed Mrs.
Breezy, as a big wave swept up to her
waist.
''But you said, dear, that