Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1905-02-16
n a N By
y AZ ~ CECILIA A.
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the tying rope III HIS udllu. w ME lC
waited he looked at Anne Prescott, who
was standing on the very edge of the
wharf reading a letter. Annes dress
was Of cerulean blue linen, and the set
ting sun made her hair red gold Final
~ Ned spoke, albeit the picture was
rarely pretty and appealed to him.
Ready. Anne?n he called.
'sAll right said Anne, but she didn't
move. and Ned waited somdynore pa
tientIy. for he knew he was soon to
have his innings and was in no hurry
to take the bat But when he spoke the
second time he said firmly:
Come Anne
Anne tore the letter in two, threw it
into the water and came to the little
bark. where she settled herself Indian
fashion on her knees in the business
end Of the canoe. She held it steadily
while he stepped in and bestowed his
long length of limb opposite; then she
let the boat drift while she rolled up
her cerulean blue sleeves. 1t was one
of Anne's peculiarities that she always
did the padding herself. 1t was not
merely that the attitude and motion
were becoming to her, though she was
aware of her good points, like most well
balanced girls. 1t was simply that she
preferred having the men at a disad
vantage-at her mercy. as it We're. They
always looked awkward with nothing
to do. and it seemed hard for them to
keep up the conversation.
Ned Cramer was a little different.
He always made himself supremacy
comfortable, and, while he didn't look
at her as much as most of the fellows
did, his glance always put her on her
mettle
The quick strokes of her paddle sent
them rapidly downstream When they
reached the first bend they passed the
letter. which was Swimming along the
surface.
'We'I go down to the island and see
how long it will take for the letter to
get there said Anne. and Ned assent
ed lazily. He lit a cigarette and smok-
ed awhile i'll silence. When he spoke
his words We're as usual to the point
when are you going to marry me,
AIMEE"
Anne deliberately surprised, held her
paddle in midair in a charming pose
for moment; then it dropped into
the water with a splash
81 have no present intention of mar
rying you at ALL she said.
'"Then it's. a good time to form an
intention. I'll help you" He smiled
persuasively. Make it October. Fall
weddings are so pretty, and that will
give you two months to burn all your
old love letters and make your good
resolutions"
The blood rose under the tan Oh her
cheeks, but her only answer was
vigorous and renewed padding. Ned
threw away the stub of his cigarette
and felt in his hip pocket for his to-
bacco pouch. If he was nervous he
did not show it.
''Shall we say October, them be
queried, adding with a note of tender
ness in his voice: you have made me
very happy, Anne. You will not re-
gret''-
''Well, of all the cool impudence 1
ever heardr' gasped Anne Il wouldn't
marry you if-if''- She stopped. ex-
asperated.
''If you didn't love me-" he finished
for her.
81 hate your she boiled. This is
six times you have made that insane
assertion this summer Love you!
act as if l loved you, do IT, She stop
ped padding and looked at him. Her
eyes blazed, and he thought she hadn't
looked SO pretty since the last time
she had refused him.
mo" he said; you act as if you
didn't, but l know you do" He looked
serious why. it stands to reason.
Anne, that you love me or you wouldn't
get so mad when ] tell you about it."
Ned Cramer." she blazed out, "if
you ever try to make love to me again
Ill-I'II make you sorry! Now, you
either talk about something else or
keep quiet"
She had evidently forgotten about
her intention Of reaching the island, for
she put down her paddle and let the
canoe drift idly along shore. 1t was
growing dark, and a crescent moon was
family shining in the east Anne look
ing attentiyely upstream, saw a white
speck in the water and, taking her pad
die, fished it out and deposited it, drip
ping, on his knee.
TITS the letter. he announced, touch
ing it. Anne started.
GIVE it to me. she demanded, hold
ing out her hand
"After I've read it,, he said calmly.
s'Ned Cramer, that's my letter and
YOU no right to read it,"
son the contrary, it's mine since,
firstly, you threw it away, and, second
ly, picked it up again and gave it to me
TO have and to hold
Anne quaked, but she tried brayado.
"Well. it's too dark to read it any
how; besides. its all soaked and blear-
oil cl1o said