Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1907-08-28

Merton Kester came slowly dow
the lighthouse stairs He liked N,
wind and twist Of them. A haz,
wish fioated through his mind tina,
they might never end. He would like
to go on forever, hearing the tap OF
her little feet on the iron behind him
feeling her hand touch his shoulder ev.
cry now and then when she grew q
bit dizzy with the curve.
The fact was Mr. Kesler's sense of
proportion had been rather unsettled
since the night before. Then Marion.
In that strange. illogical way girls
have and In spite Of her aunts skill
ful, contrary maneuvers, had made the
obtuse Mr.. Harvey understand that
she was not overwhelmed with delight
at his invitation to try his new electric
launch and within the same five min
utes had promised Kesler to visit the
light with him, "even If we have to 90
/ In dory."
IL had been somewhat hard for Mr..
hesier when he came down TO the
cape on his short vacation TO find his
Old playmate absorbed by the wealthy
Alr. Harvey. Ii was true that Marion
did not appear very happy, but her
aunt certainly seemed at peace with
all the world and made an extremely
willing chaperon on the many trips
which that gentleman was constantly
planning. This had been Kesler's first
chance.
After thanks and farewells TO the
old captain. Kesler guided his compan
ion down the steep path to the little.
peObly beach, where their boat await
ed them. II was not a dory. but a
gay little pleasure craft. bright with
many cushions. Kesler helped Marion
In. feeling a keen regret that he could
not put her into the handsomest launch
on the coast
Therewas no hint Of regret in Marion's
face as she picked up the rudder ropes
and the boat swung off The sun was
warm. but the breeze, filed with the
tang Of the sea, blew tse girls bright
hair about her face and brought a
sparkle 90 her brown eyes
And over the sea lies SPAIN" sang
the girl happily.
You'd Ike to visit the old world.
wouldn't you, Marion? You must go
some day" said Kesler, wondering
how he would feel if he should know
that Harvey and Marion were journey
Ing about Europe together
Some day" repeated the girl softly.
her dark eyes dreaming. then smiling
into his. She was quite willing TO
push everything but the present mo-
ment into the indefinite future.
The man hesitated a moment. then
said, with note of entreaty in his
voice: MAY | row you over to Tur-
bets creek before we go backf It's
'uch a quaint Dutchy little place, with
Is old wharfs and fshermen's houses.
hat want TO see il again. You know
NY vacation ends tomorrow"
Marion's face suddenly flushed till II I
vas the deep pink of the wild roses
hat grew along the shore
I'D love TO go with you" she an
wered. "only-well, you see, after all
unit told Mr.. Harvey he might take
IS out i'm his launch at >, and she'll be
much displeased If am not at home"
"Oh, / see" said Merton Kesler s
ather blankly. "Td better hurry, $
hem" ,
His mouth suddenly became q
traight line. lie began TO pull with n
ing even strokes. Harvey can give 4
er everything In the world" he =
bought. with remorse and some bit !,
srness, "and he is very decent fell !,
w besides-aside from being a snob. =
ever a girl was born for riches she :,
as What right have to ask her to :,
lare my mean little saIary7 'Tis a :,
BOD thing my vacation is nearly over
might say something foolish and
axe her unhappy. But. oh. may she
IT smile at me again before we reach tr
e farther side OF the little bay" n
"The tide Is running out fast" said :.
arion. looking down through the clear
alter 10 the yellow sands. :, -
Well strike the channel soon." re- OIL
'rreh Kesler. pulling himself to- Ia