Evening journal., 1899-02-14
CAUGHT In A STORM


TT HERE are some advantages"
seid Ronald. meditntively. lin
being a cousin, after all"
He addressed Angelica, who sat op
posite him. All about them was deep
blue serenity-on one hand stretching
away to meet in u line with a fainter
azure. on the other merging distantly
into long shining masses OF greenish-
brown rocks, with rasged cliffs tower
ing above them. Angelica's hands were
thrust into the pockets of a provoking
REFER coat, her hat was tilted little
forward and the breeze darted in
among her curls, tossing them mertily
about her face. She was a diminutiye
person H. all respects save two. which
two were particularly large. brilliant,
languishing. and in every way dan
gerous.
"But on the whole. Angelica" added
Ronald. deliberately, 81 regret that
am in any way related TO or connected
with you"
'Ronaldi" she exclaimed. Il really
canno, allow you to be.so flattering"
"A cousin is nondescript. variable
sort OF being-at times an absolute
stranger, at others sort of second
hand brother-in that capacity ex-
trenely useful OF course. that is some
thing; but still"
IL think it's a great deal; but ] see
you are the same as ever. You always
were greedy little boy" said Angelica.
Thanks. You. on the other hand.
were rather nicer as little girl than
YOU are now--in some ways-ohl you
could siill be nice if you tried"
"If tried? How funnyl shouldn't
l,now--von see most people thiuk'--
she regarded her shoes inquiringly.
"l dare say; but am not mos, pco-
pie. ] stand alone"
II thought you were sitting down, .
interrupted Angelica. (She certainly
was provoking to-day) And wasn't
aware that you were alone. But per
haps I don't count"
My dear. that's the worst Of It, You
do count. and there's no one else in The
world who does. ! just worship you
Nam Have I startled you?"
mot at ALL" she answered politely
"You see they all say that or something
equivalent" She turned her head liz
tie aud dobbled in the water with hei
hand.
"Oh. yes. 1 knowl OF course. I'm q
presumpiuous fool. All the same.
have thought lately"-he paused an,
then added: DO you remember Iasi
week a Cowes?"
"Yes," said Angelica. radiantly. Or
that nfternoon-I don't mind telling
you. Ronald-I very seriously consid
cred falling in love with you. There Il
a yacht quite close to us" she added
hastily; Il considered. and after du'
deiiberation decided"
"Well. Non?"
"Not TO fall in love with anyone a
ALL"
"You mean"
"Ronald. If you don't row, how cal
steer? We don't want to be swamped
Love is 50 inconvenient."
"You'rs pulling the wrong rope.
confess don't quite see how"
We'll. it doesn't always so with othe
things"
"But is it not worth more than
other things?"
Ronald" replied Angelica. some
what irrelevantly. "have you any idei
of the price of Paris hat?"
"The left rope again. All. now wen
safel A Paris hat. well. hav
heard that they're something ridicu
lousr
They are - absolutely ridiculous
} That fact alone" said Angelica. sol
EMMY. lis enough TO make any though
Of love impossible and wicked
Except for anyone with a heart
with a soul composed in fact Of any
thing but shallowness and vanity"
My dear boy. II yo, go on" she said
encouragingly. you will in time max
r The most accomplished latterer of ia
ge.'
r Don't Jest with me. Nan. Its moth
lug to you. perhaps. but 10 me ia
I everything. love you. II you SneS
{ what the word meant" be burst ou
'ehemenily. you could not sit ther
r ,oolly breaking my heart IN you
= mnds."
: Hush. Not 90 loud. Yes; ! kno'
e IN wicked Cpeniiently) opghtn 4
ie here with YOU al all. when I'm goin
b . marry some one else"
c "Youie going io-Nan. is this trueP
e MIR Rathbone. said Angelica. drOol
& ng.
Are you engaged o him?'
q 'Ils viii ask me tonight
2 "How TO YOU know that?' curtly.
"OL Ronald don't be so absurd
low 90 know?"
This was convincing.
e well he's consummate fool" sal
y 'onald. sava9eiy.
Thanks she inurmurcd. NFsF