The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-06-25

/ beneath the willows at my side. and pres
emily, not five steps away. white form
| emerged from the shadow into the moon
! light. 1t was the beautiful Russian,
She was trying to unfasten the boat, n
task for which her slender fingers were
! in no wise fitted. Finally she Strengthened
up with All angry sigh and kicked the heavy
chain petulartly.
| ."Dh, dear, hat nuisancel' she signed
My opportunity had come
ALLOW me-" cried. starting forward
suddenly, and. kneeling, freed the boat,
although not without considerable INJURY
| to my knuckles and fingers.
She jumped into the boat and then looked
at me inquiringly.
! had just spent week In the mountains
tramping in all weathers, sleeping wherever
! | happened to be, and my clothes showed
the strain to which they had been put.
| My beard was long and neglected, my nat
in tatterss and my GOAT badly torn. ~ was
evident that she took me for boatman.
| Thanks she said carelessly, "can you
row me as far rs Duingt?"
with the greatest pleasure ! replied,
forgetfu OF everything except the golden
opportunity for which had been signing.
| / jumped after her into the boat and,
striking far out from shore, began to row
while she sat facing me with the rudder-
strings in her hand. The moonlight shone
full on her lovely face, at once hauSht
and mischievous, framed In its wealth o.
|
corsage bunch OF cyclamen blossoms
| made the air sweet with their penetrating
perfume. ,
Il have wanted to do this for a long time
said the princess, as II In explanation. but
my aunt hates the water and Miss Gray Is
I as foolish as a cat about 1t, so made up my
mind to come alone and would have been
well on my way now II 1t had not been for
that miserable chain"
Her voice was low and as sweet as the
| flowers she wore. Absorbed in my admira
| ton Of her, said nothing, but continued to
| row.
$50, you see, you came just in time, she
went on "but you must not think shall
not pay you for your trouble
She took a dainty portemonr,aie from her
pocket as she spoke, but fastened TO stop
-You are too good Fraulein, said, but
| am not a boatman and assure you tina t
the pleasure of being of service to you is
| the greatest reward ! could have"
| She raised her head quickly. and saw a
frown gather on her white brow.
who are YOU then?' she asked in an irrl-
tated voice.
A tourist fresh from weeks tramp in
the mountains" ! answered.
Her forehead cleared and I saw smile
play eG4 be t ssd that e nss mo
my excuse for my indiscretion. Miss GRAY
would certainly call this most improper
proceeding"
Her eyes danced wickedly, but she con-
tnued hastily:
IF you please, we will return at once to
| the shore
She gave a pull to the rudder strings and
the boat swung about, although l pulled
as leiSurely as dared. On the other side OF
the lake the silver moonbeams turned to
rriddy gold where a shepherds glowing fire
was reflected in the water,
Have you been up Mont Blanc?" in
quired the young Princess. who, probably
assured from my manner that l was TO be
trusted decided to be agreeable and break
the silence,
II have just come from there. Itramped
back through the mountains, replied.
Then you knew our lake beforef Is it
not beautiful"
Very, especially just now"
, .Oh, but it is wonderful at every time, :"
she answered impetuously. 1T is so blue
and limpid and transparent that it seems
as If it we're continually inviting you to
plunge down to its very depths. love it.
love the water" And she dipped her bare
arms in the silvery ripples that knocked
softly against the sides of the boat.
Probably you are water nymph.' |
said slowly, as / watched her in awed
admiration.
Il wish were.' she replied gaily. You
know there are some here. for this is a lake