Five Mile Beach weekly journal., 1910-05-20
CHAPTER VII.
IN THE PARK.


TNTO a scene of rural tranquil
lily In Hyde park rode briskly
about the middle of the norm
ing Jocelyn Wray and others.
The glow ON the girls cheeks har-
monized with the redness OF her
lips. The sparkling blue eyes Knocked
at all neutral hues. Her gown and an
odd ribbon or two waved. as it were,
light defiance to motionless things
still leaves and branches. flowers
buds. drowsy and sleeping. Some
times at her side. again just behind.
galloped the horse bearing John Steele.
and as they went at a fair pace, pre-
coded and followed by others of a gay
party, the eyes of many ~passersby
turned to regard them.
by Jove. they're stunning! 1t isn't
often you see a man put up like that"
"Or a girl more the picture of
healthr'
"And beautyr.'
Unconscious of these and other com
ments from the usXal. curious contin.
~geEmof 1d1efs f1ling the benches or
strolling along the paths. the girl now
set a yet swifter gait. glancing quickly
over her shoulder at her companion.
DO you like a hard gallop? Shall WI
let them out?"
His Frightening gaze answered.
They touched their horses and for
some distance raced madly on, passed
those in front and left them far be
hind. Now Steele's eyes rested on the
playing muscles of her superb horse.
then lifted to the 1.-THE form of Jocelyn
Wray. the straight shoulders, a bit of
a tress, d~isordered, floating rebellious-
ly to the wind.
AS abruptly as she had pressed her
horse to that inspiring speed she drew
him in to a walk.
wasn't that worth coming to the
park for?" she said gayly.
More than worth it."
"You see what you missed in the
past" she observed in a tone slightly
hooking.
you were not here to suggest 1t"
he returned quietly. with gaze only for
blue eyes.
She suffered them to linger. II sup
pose / should feel 1attered that a sug-
gestion from little me-
"a suggestion from little you would.
l fancy, go a long way with many
people" A spark shone now in the
mans steady look. TIE girl seemed
not afraid of it.
81 am Fortunate" she laughed-''a
compliment from Mr.. John Steele!'
He started as if to speak. but his a
swer remained unuttered. The mans
lips closed tighter.
He offered no comment. The horses
moved on. Suddenly she looked at
him.
do you know" she laughingly re-
marked. you are not very interest
Ing"
He started. 'Interesting."
He bent a little nearer. She swept
back the ~disordered lock. An instam
the man seemed to lose his self pos
session. "Ah," he began as if the
words forced themselves from his lips.
'if only 1 might
What he had been on the point o
saying was never finished. The girls
quick glance. sweeping an instant
ahead. had fingered on some one APP
preaching from the opposite direction.
isn't thar Lord Rensselaer," asked
the girl. continuing to gaze before her
A black look replaced the sudden
fame in Steele's gaze. The hand hold
ing the reins closed on them tightly.
Rather early for him. I fancy" she
said. regarding the slim figure of the
approaching rider, with his devotion
to clubs and late hours. you know.
Do you, Mr.. Steele. happen to belong
to any of his clubs?'
"No." He spoke in a low voice. al
most harshly.
Her brow lifted His face was turned
from her. Had he been mindful he
might have noted a touch of displeas-
ure on the proud face that she regard