The Washington herald., 1908-07-13

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his shoulder. every now and then. when
she grew a bit dizzy with the curve.
The fact was Mr.. Keslcr's sense Of pro
portion had been rather unsettled since
the night before. Then, Marion, in that
strange. illogical way girls have. and in
spite Of her aunts skillful. contrary man
euvers, had made the obtuse Mr.. Harvey
'i',9e-stan9 that she was not overwhelmed
with delight at his invitation TO try his
new electric launch; and within the same
five minutes had promised Kesler 70 visit
the light with him, even If We have 10
go in a dory"
II had been somewhat hard for Mr. Kes-
Ter when he came down 70 the cape on
his short vacation 10 find his old playmate
absorbed by the wealthy Mr.. Harvey. II
was true that Marion Gid not appear very
happy; but her aunt certainly seemed at
peace with all the world. and made an eX-
tremely willing chaperon on the many
trips which that gentleman was con-
stantly planning This had been Kesler's
first chance
After thanks and farewells 20 the old
captain. Kesler guided his companion
down the steep path 70 the little. pebbly
beach where their boat awaited them. II
was not a dory, but a gay little pleasure
craft. bright with many cushions. Kesler
helped Marion ia, feeling a keen regret
that he could not put her into the hand
soonest launch on the coast.
There was no hint OF regret IN Mar
ions face as she picked up the ruddeT
ropes, and the boat swung of. The sun
was warm; but the breeze. filled with the
tang OF the sea, blew the girls bright
hair about her face. and brought a
sparkle 10 her brown eyes
And over the sea lies Spain sang
tho girl. happily.
You'd Ike to visit the Old World.
wouldn't you, Marion? You must 90, some
day said IIesier, wondering how he
would feel If he should know that Harvey
and Marion were journeying about Eu-
rope together
'Some day" repeated the girl. softly.
her dark eyes dreaming, then smiling
Into his. She was quite willing 70 push
everything but the present moment into
the indefinite future.
The man hesitated moment, then said,
with a note Of entreaty in his voice: May
! row you over 20 Turbets Creek before
We go back? It's such a quaint. Dutchy
little place. with its old wharves and
nshermen's houses. that I want 70 see
il again. You know my vacation ends
tomorrow"
Marions face suddenly flushed till II
was the deep pink OF the wild roses that
grew along the shore.
I'D love 10 20 with you" she answer
al mt
told Mr. Harvey he might take us out
in his launch at 3; and /she1l be much
displeased II am not at home
"Oh, I see" said Merton Kesler. rather
blankly. I'D better hurry then"
His mouth suddenly became a straight
line. He began 10 pull with long. even
strokes Harvey can give her every
thing in the world he thought with re-
morse and some bitterness, and he is
a very decent fellow. besides-aSide from
being a snob. If ever a girl was born
for riches. she was. What right have l
10 ask her 10 share my mean little sal
ary? Tis a good thing my vacation is
nearly over; I might say something fool
ish and make her unhappy. But. oh,
may she not smile at me again before We
reach the farther side OF the little bay
The tide is running out fast" said
Marion. looking down through the clear
water TO the yellow sands
Wen strike the channel soon." re-
turned Kesler, pulling himself together
with an effort. Il can never tell exactly
where il is when the wind roughs the
whole bay. Great day FOR sailing; wish
we had a yacht. Marion"
"Oh I Ike this little boat full as well.
declared the girl contentedlv; then sud-
denly cried: IT'S growing shallow. sailor
boy. look CUT"
Kesler's oars stopped in the air That
was the name she had called him when.
as children, they had built many dream
ships together.
The oars made a savage swOOp into the
water the boat shot half its length ahead.
then stopped with jerk. its nose buried
In the sand.
Great Scott, we've struck on the fats,
Jerk up the rudder, Marion, while 7 push
her of" Then. after an unavailing effort
Its a mercy this oar IS stout. No.
don't push. child. sit still"
But the tide is Just racing out" ob-
jected Marion; while all Of the mans ef-
forts simply caused the obstinate little
craft TO grind deeper into the sand
Wrath and modification struggled on
Kesler's face. It's bad enough 10 have
to take the princess out in a mean little
TOwbOat," he broke out but 10 shore
her on sandbank. and not be able 10
pull her off Is absolute disgrace"
From far up the bay came the sound
Of distant putting, and Kesler, glancing up.
had the pleasure Of seeing a new. shin
ing launch coming rapidly down the chan
mel toward the stranded boat Still tug
ging and pulling Intellectually. he turned
angrily to the astonished Girl.
our aunt VIII be pleased TO find YOU
here, Marion. Good heavens. why did
you ever come off with me! You ought
TO be in that launch this minute; you
don't belong here"-his wrath poured out
on her-"You love luxury: you know YOU
love II like a cat. Harvey's not good
enough fer you-nObOdy is: I'm not He
wants you-or course 1 want you ten
thousand times more; but you're crazy
10 come off with me. He'll be angry
and twill serve you right. I'm going
TO signal when he gets nearer, and get
YOU over to the channel if I have TO
carry you. I hope this will teach you
a lesson"
Back Of the anger IN the mans face
the girl read something else. and sprang
to her feet. crying: Wait. Merton. don't
olSldl- WIN swift anu a SpldSh She
landed knee deep in the water, one hand
gathering Up her skirts and the other
the boat line. while the boat.
iightened Of her weight, floated a BIT. Il
don't belong in the launch; I'd rather
be here with you, she said, defantly.
Marion. what do you mean. dear?'
asked Kesler, staring az the little figure
by his side as if Re was just waking out
OF a sleep.
The girl suddenly began 10 cry. Il
thought I'd better be helping you-help-
ing you pull this boat" she sobbed. ''than
riding round in an old launch with a man
I don't Ike. But II you don't want me
I can take him. I suppose" Her voice
died away. as she struggled vainly TO
keep her wind-blown hair out of her face,
her skirts from the water and the tears