Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1908-03-19

peIHS SGCuTeu W lie ucShs hC cot1,
taking off his hat. 80 far above
sea line, you know. everything that is
loose comes to grief when the ship
rolls
saThen what becomes of your photo
graphs?" demanded Isobel promptly.
her quick eyes having discovered the
pictures of two ladies In silver frames
on writing table.
II take care to put them away.
There is always plenty Of warning
No ordinary sea can trouble big hulk
like the Kansas"
us that your mother, the dear old
lady in the lace cap?"
Eyes, and the other is my sister,"
"Oh, really! Is she married."
mo. Like me, she is welded to her
profession"
"WiIl you think it rude if / ask what
that is?o
"She is a hospital nurse-the ma
tron, indeed. of public institution in
the suburbs of London
Isobel filed cup of tea, asked IL
Captain Courtenay took milk and sug-
ar and said demurely, with a sip of
spoonful:
let me see If / can guess your
tastes"
Elsie's blue eyes assumed deeper
shade. Men might like that kind of
thing, but she felt that her face and
neck would be poppy red in another
moment. Thus far she had not adj
dressed word to Courtenay, though
by his manner he had included her in
the conversation. She now resolved to
break In on the attack which Isobel
was beginning with the adroitness of
skilled campaigner. And she, too,
could use her eyes to advantage when
she chose.
"What curious library you have,
Captain Courtenay," she said, looking
not at him. but at row of books
fitting closely into a small case
over the writing table Shakespeare,
the Pilgrims Progress Montaigne's
essays, Herbert Spencer, .Goethe's
Life,' by Lewes; Marcus Aurelius, Mar
tial, Wordsworth. The Egolst,' Tho
reau, Hazlitt and Mitford's Tales of
Old Japan Where have l heard or
read of that particular galaxy of stars
before?"
go on. You are on the right track"
cried Courtenay, setting down the tea
cup and Fastening to Elsie's side. She
was leaning on the table, reading the
titles of the books The motive of
her exclamation was merged now in
the fine ardor of the book lover. She
had an unconscious trick of placing the
forefnger of her right hand on her
lips when deeply engaged in thought
Elegant as Isobel Barring might be In
her studied poses, Elsie need fear no
comparison as she examined the con-
tents of the bookcase with eager at
tention.
1--WE have actually hit upon a topic
that should prove inexhaustible," con-
tinued Courtenay. Believe me, Miss
Maxwell, that is my pet subject. More
than once, needing listener, / have
even lectured my long suffering ter
rier, Joey, on the point"
| Isobel laughed softly. The two,
standing in front of the bookcase, start
ed apart with sudden consciousness
that they were speaking unguardedly,
for Isobers mirth had mockery in
it-"there was laughing devil in her
sneer."
.By the way, where is JoeyY' she
asked.
The dog answered her question by
appearing, with a stretch and yawn,
from beneath bunk. He had heard
his name in Courtenay's voice. That
suficed for Joey at any time.
"You darling! You must have slept
with one eye open," said Elsie, stoop-
ing to pat him.
ooh, take care!" cried Isobel HE
may bite you"
mot hei When you see that wistful
look in a dogs eyes, have no fear. He
wants to speak then. You won't bite
me, will you, dear?' And Elsie sank
on one knee to stroke Joey's white
coat, whereupon Joey tried to lick her
| face.
| Between the library and the cap
tain's dog you are installed as prime
fayorite on board the Kansas" COM
mented Isobel. The other girl rose
hurriedly. She had caught the touch
! of malice in the smooth voice.
Captain Courtenay is too polite to
remind US that we are intruders," she
said lightly. 1--WE forget that he is
busy Joey, candidly canine, did not
try to hide his feelings"
| Isobel swung her chair round to face
the door.
''This is quite the best place In the
ship" she said. 81 am very comforta-
Bile, thank you. Please don't send US
away, captain"
! Before Courtenay could answer the
officer of the watch looked in.
"Cape Caraumilla bearing sou'west
OF the Buei rock, sir" he announced
~