Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-08-13
The Brass Bowl

only one way" he suggested-not too
archly-and extended his arms.
"Indeed?" She considered him with
pardonable dubiety.
Instantly his purpose became as ada
mant.
Il must carry you. It's the only way"
ooh, indeed no! I-couldn't impose
upon you. Fm-very heavy, you
know"
Never mind" firmly insistent. You
can't stay here all night. of course"
But you are sure?" (She was yield
ingO II don't like to"
He shook his head careful to restrain
the twitching corners of his lips.
at will take but a moment" he urged
gravely. And I'll be quite careful"
well" She perceived that, II not
right. he was stubborn; and with hnal
small gesture of depreciation, weakly sur
rendered. I'm sorry to be such nui-
sance." she murmured, rising and gath
ering skirts about her.
Maitland stoutly denied the hideous In
situation: II am only too glad
She balanced herself lightly upon the
step. He moved nearer and assured him
self of a firm foothold on the pebbly
river-bed. She sank gracefully into his
arms, proving a considerable burden
weightier, in fact. than he had anticipa-
ted. He was somewhat staggered; 1t
seemed that he embraced countless yards
OF rufies and things ballasted with tat
shrewd guess) lead He swayed.
Then, recovering his equilibrium, in
cautiously glanced into her eyes And
lost It again, completely.
L was mistaken" he told himself; day
light will but enhance.
She held herself considerably still, per-
haps wondering why he made no move.
Perhaps otherwise; there is reason to be-
lieve that she may have suspected-being
woman.
At length, "Is there anything can do"
she inquired meekly, to make 1t easier
for your
I'm afraid" he replied, attitude apollo
getic, that / must ask you to put your
arm around my ne-ny shoulders. IL
would be more natural"
"Oh."
The monosyllable was heavy with
meaning-with any one OK dozen mean
inEs. in truth Maitland debated the
most obvious Did she conceive he hao.
Infatuated that 1t was his habit to ferry
armsfuls of attractive femininity over
rocky fords by the light of midnight
moon?
was consenting Presently slender
arm was passed round his neck. Having
awaited only that, he began to wade eau
tIouslv shorewards. The distance lessened
nerceutibly, but he contemplated me
decreasing interval without JOY for All
that she was Of an appreciate weight
For all burdens there are compensa-
lions.
Unconsciously, inevitably, her head
sank toward his shoulder; he was aware
of her breath, fragrant and warm upon
his cheek. He stopped aoruPtiy,
cold chills running up and down MS
hack. he gritted his teeth; he shuddered
perceptibly
"wnat is the natter" she demand
ed. deeply concerned, but at pains not
TO stir. t.s
Maitland made a strange noise with
his tongue behind clenched teeth.
"Urrrrgh," he said distinctly.
She lifted her head. startled; relief
followed, intense and instantaneous
ct am sorry" he muttered humbly'
face afame, but you tiokled.
"rm-so-sorry," she gasped. violent
ly agitated. And laughed low, al
most a silent. little laugh as with
deft fingers she tucked away the err
rant lock of hair. 1rl.
ly striding forward. .Kt ..N
In another moment they were on dry
land. The girl slipped from his
arms and faced him, eyes dancing
cheeks crimson, lips a tense. quivering'
scarlet line. He met this with a rue
full smile.
'But-thank you---but." she gasped
explosively, 1T was so funny"
Wounded dignity melted before her
laughter. For time, there in the
moonlight, under the scornful regard
of the disabled motor-car's twin head
lights, these two rocked and shrieked
while the silent night flung back dis
dainful echoes Of their mad laughter
Perhaps the insane incOngruity OF
their performance first became apparent
to the girl; she, at all events, was
the first to control herself Maitland
subsidized, rumbling, while she dabbed
at her eyes with a wisp of lace and
linen.
Forgive me-" she said family, al
length; II didn't mean to"
How could you nelp It? Who'd ex-
pect a hulking brute like myself to
/ be ticklish.'
You are awfully good" she countered
more calmly.
Don't say that. I'm a clumsy lout.
But" He held her gaze inquiringly.
| But may l ask"
"Oh, of course-certainly: I am-was-
bound for Greenpoint-on-the-So und--"
"Ten miles!' he interrupted.
The corners of her red lips dropped: her
brows puckered with dismay. Instinct
I lively she glanced toward the waterbound
| car.
What am to do?" she cried. ''Ten
miles, 49,. could never walk it,
never in the world! You see. I went to
town today to do a little shopping. AS
we were coming home the chauffeur was
arrested for careless driving. He had
bumped a delivery wagon over-it wasn't
really his fault. 1 telephoned home for
somebody to bail him out, and my father
! said he would come in. Then I dined, re-
turned to the police station, and waited.
Nobody came. I couldn't stay there all
night. phoned to everybody knew, I'M
/ til my money gave out; no one was in
town. At last, in desperation, l started
home alone"
Maitland nodded his comprehension.
Your father" he limited delicately.
Judge Wentworth" she explained
hastily. We've taken the Grover place
Tat Greenpoint for the season"
| II see. "-thoughtfully. And this was
the girl who he had believed had been in
| his rooms that evening, in his absence!