The Mathews journal. (Mathews C.H. [Court House]) 1903-1937, 1910-09-08
below the fresh-air infants we're hold

below the fresh-air infants we're hold
ing high and noisy carnival.
With grunt OF disgust Crosby rose
and went downstairs. In the kitchen
he informed his host that, for unlocked
for reasons, he could not stay; that he
would leave on the / o'clock train.
Then there being nothing else to do
TO kill time, he went out for a walk.
taking the path that led TO the little
lake.
He had nearly reached the water
when a great commotion sounded just
ahead-screams. bowls of terror and
sobs. He broke into a run, and, round
ing a turn in the path, saw the cause
of il all.
In the water a small red head bob
bed up and down beside an overturned
boat. while a group of children close
to the edge of the lage made the morn
ing hideous with demonstrations OF
their grief and terror.
Crosby was 8 good swimmer. In
a second his coat and shoes were on
and he was swimming with sure,
strong strokes toward the red head.
In another few minutes he had the
boy ashore, apparently but little the
worse for his mishap.
As they reached the shore, some
one came running along the path and
caught the dripping child from his
arms. Crosby looked up to find
very pretty and very anxious-faced
young woman beside him.
20, how can l ever thank you?"
she cried impulsively. The children
are not allowed to come here; 1 never
once thought Of their disobeying us.
If you hadn't been here
1t is really nothing, l assure you,
said Crosby with as much dignity as
his dripping clothes and his diShev-
eled hair permitted.
Il must get back to the house at
once" she said.
If you'll permit me to carry him"
Crosby suggested, taking the boy from
her arms. Don't worry. He's really
more frightened than hurt"
They walked back the path together.
Crosby quite oblivious to his drenched
clothing and the noisy, chattering
group of children that trailed them.
He was aware only of the glowing
cheeks of the girl beside him. of the
pretty poise of her head, OF the fine
lines of her strong young face, and
the sOftness of her voice.
Il wish 1 might call at the-the
home here said Crosby as he left
her at the gate.
that is. we-would be delighted
if you would" she replied.
Crosby went homeward with his
head in the clouds. In tn eback yard
-- @"urtered his host, gloomily
whiting a stick by the chopping
DICIA
say" he called as Crosby came
up; me an Marthy's been talkin it
over-about your leavin'. you know.
We come TO the conclusion that may
be it's them freshair youngsters that
bOthers YOU. If that's all. Ill see
they don't come nisher'n the fence"
Don't do anything Of the sort"
said Crosby with finality. Annoy
me? Not at all. Indeed. I find them
interesting-most interesting. And
by the way. Mr.. Dean. I'm not going
l shall stay all summer-as long as
the fresh air Youngsters stay. in fact"
1t was early in September that the
eminent physician sat in his big, dim
Office smiling over a letter he was
reading.
The neurosis americana has COM
pletely disappeared" one portion of it
ran, but il was not quite that that
did the trick. Indeed. | should lay
the cure TO noise and excitement"
The eminent physician frowned.
Il am sailing the oath" the letter
went on, ION a little trip 10 Sorrento
and Sicily. In strictest confidence
will add that the trip is of the we'd
ding variety"
soft chuckle of comprehension.