Evening star., 1907-11-02

COurtenay would be charmed If they ia
vored him with both the tea and their
company.
Il thought So" cried Isobel, trlum-
phantly. Come on, Elsie. Let US climb
the ladder of conquest. The steward will
bring the tea things. The chart house is
just splendid. 1t will provide a refuge
when the count becomes too pressing"
There was tightening of Elsies lips,
to which Isobel paid no heed. The i'm
minent protest was left unspoken, tor
Courtenay's voice came to them:
please hold on by the rail. If 70
were TO slip on one of those brass treads
the remainder of the day would be a com
pound OF tears and sticking plaster"
Il think you said reserved " whisDared
IsobeI to her companion with a wicked
little laugh. To Courtenay peering
through a hatch in the hurricane deck.
she cried:
us the brass rail more dependable than
you. Captain?'
1t will serve your present purpose, Miss
Barring, said he, not taking the hint
Gathering her skirts daintily in her left
hand. lsobel tripped up the steep stairs.
Elsie followed. COurtenay, who had the
manner and semblance of the first lieu
tenant of a Warship, stood outside a
haven of plate glass, shining mahogany
and white paint The woodwork of the
deck was scrubbed until ii had the color
OF new bread An officer paced the bridge
a sailor. within the chart house. held the
small wheel of the steam-steering e ar
Somewhat to IsobePs surprise neither
man seemed to be aware Of her presence.
so this is your den?" she said throw
ing her hru-ik glance over the bright in
terror, before she gave the commander a
look which was designed to beWitch him
instantly. Surely you don't sleep here,
too"
oh no. This room is the brain of the
snip. Miss Barring. We are always wide
awake here My quarters are farther at
l think l can find a chair for you If you
care to sit down while l have my tea"
The captain led the way to spacious
cabin behind the chart house.
II hope you don't mind the chairs being
secured to the deck" he said, taking off
his hat. so far above sea line. you
know, everything that is loose come; to
grief when the ship rolls"
Then what becomes of your photo
graphs?" demanded IsobeI, promptly, her
quick eyes having discovered the pictures
OF two ladies in silver frames on a writing
table
II take care to put them away. There
Is always plenty of warning No ordi-
nary sea can trouble big hulk like the
Kansas"
rs that your mother, the dear old lady
In the lace Cap?"
Yes and the other Is my sister"
"Oh, really! Is she married?"
NO. Like me. she is welded to her
profession" a"
'Will you think 1t rude If 1 ask what
that is?'
She Is a hospital nurse; the matron,
indeed of public institution in the sub
urhs of London"
How wonderful! l do admire hospital
nurses SO much. They are so clever and
Self-sacriicing, and they always have a
smile their sweet faces. Only dad
wouldn't hear of such a thing, I should
love to be nurse mVSalf.'
And Isobel sighed, dropped her long
eyelashes. and examined the toe of a
smart brown shoe with a wist ul resigna-
tion. C0urtenay was politely incredulous,
but the arrival of the steward with the
replenished tea tray created a diversion.
DO let me pour your tea" cried Isobel
Il make lovely tea. don't l, Elsie?"
Elsie laughed so cheerfully that Isobel
flashed an interrogatory glance at her