The Wichita daily eagle., 1897-12-11
Love Levels All.
(From the Princess. In Two Parts)
PART I.

PART /.
! "Is this the ferry?'
The speaker was tall, fair girl, who's
| pale statuesque beauty was accentuate.
| by her mourning dress and black hat and
! her inquiry was addressed to handsome
broad-shouldered young fellow in fiannels
who was fastening a boat up to the steps.
AS the young man did not reply. the gir
repeated her question.
"Can you tell me, please, If this is tht
| ferry?"
Then he looked hastily around, and a:
there was nobody else in sight, ne seemed
to come to the conclusion that he was tbs
one to whom the lady was speaking.
II beg your pardon" he said. IT did
not know that you were addressing me
This Is Twickenham Ferry.
Thank you,' responded the girl. "And
will you be good enough to ferry me
oyer?"
with pleasure" was the reply. and,
stepping forward, he assisted her into the
boat, showed off, and commenced sculling
across the river.
When they had arrived at the opposite
bank, and, as the young lady was being
assisted out, she asked:
How much do owe you, please?"
The ferryman turned rather red and hesi-
tated for a few moments before he re-
piled:
''The fare is a penny. but you had better
pay when you come back
Il am afraid shall have to-" replied the
fair girl, looking in her purse, ''for have
nothing less than a shilling"
''Shan I expect you down this afternoon
for row?'' inquired the young man.
VERY proba bly, think so. and. by the
way. what's your name? Whose boat shall
1 ask for?"
my name is john but my friends usual
ly call me Jack
VERY well, John, shall be at the land
ing place about half-past g" And she
walked away with that grace and vigor
which are inseparable from a girl who
has been brought up in the fresh air and
athletic surroundings of country life.
The half hour had barely struck when
the young lady made her appearance at
the ferry. Jack was waiting for her. and
without any loss of time they got ahoat
and started up the river.
This was memorable day with Gerald
inc, for 1t was her first introduction to the
"Silvery Thames" and as she leant back
on the cushions IN the stern sheets, the
ripple of the water and the songs Of the
birds combined with the rhythmic sound of
the boatman's sculls to make sweet music.
which she enjoyed in silence until they
arrived opposite Pope Villa, which Jack
duly pointed out.
"a grand poet" exclaimed Geraldine,
with enthusiasm.
Much overrated," answered Jack. His
brain was as crooked as his figure"
"You have been mis,nformed,' observ-
ed Geraldine. "Of course, you have not
read his Iliad'-it is not book that would
appeal to you. But
20, yes, have" interrupted Jack. "And
his Odyssey too. But would rather read
one canto from 'Childe Harold than the
whole of Pope's works,
This ied to disputatious argument, in
which Geraldine lost t1er temper, and was
rude enough to say:
You are evidently an exemplifcation Of
the old saying that "a little learning is
dangerous thing"
"Well, I'm bothered," exclaimed Jack.
with satirical smile, "ff that isn't4a little
too bad. For, il there was one thing that
was supposed to be good at, next to
rowing, it was Creek
You seem to be very well educated for
your position In life" remarked Geraldine.
80, don't know" answered Jack, and
he added quickly, "the free libraries are
50 convenient, you know. But might re-
turn the compliment and say that you
seem very well read for a young lady"
When they returned to the ferry Gerald
Inc extracted her purse; but as she was
taking out the money, Jack said, pointing
to Hammerton, the ferryman:
'NThis is the person to pay. please. I am
not allowed to take any money
When the young lady was out Of sight
Jack said quietly to the boatman:
Don't forget, Dick, If she should hap
ben to make any inquiries, that am only
one of your assistants"
"All right sir" answered Dick, with a
knowing look, II won't forget"