The Penn's Grove record., 1911-09-15

\(opyIl8uts ASAAs " 81
When the 8. s. Marion had pulled
out Of sight of the crowd on the pier,
Jimmy Murphy turned a wholly dis
interested glance upon his fellow pas
sengers. For the time being, his po-
sition as a newly engaged man.. hung
heavily on his shoulders. Helen a
vers, his fancee, had been on the pier
and as the BOAT pulled away leaving
only the murky water between her and
the man Of her choice, Helen's piquant
face had found a fearful nest In the
bit of lacy cambria which served as q
handkerchief.
Still, as the day wore on Jimmy
cheered up. 1t seemed to him that ne
had never before crossed the br1ny
deep on so wonderfully laden a ship.
In companionways, in the library. IN
the bow of the boat and In the stern
he seemed destined to meet fragments
from the feminine world and each bit
looked p~rettier than the last. For a
moment Jim Murphy felt a~ggrieved;
his allegiance to Helen Danvers shut
him of from any shipboard romance
a heretofore much enjoyed privilege
of the ocean voyage.
1t was at dinner that the blow came.
He was in the act of giving his order
to the steward when that individual
rushed to the assistance of the gifl
who had been assigned to the seat
next to his own. After one glance at
her, Murphy realized that, had he been
a steward, his actions would have
been the same.
Il am afraid l Interrupted your or
der" The girl looked into Murphy's
eyes. The heart of the engaged man
quaked. The girl was beautiful.
After you" Murphy's tone was
reserved to the point of unfriendli-
ness.
The girl cast a quick glance at him
then turned to contemplate the menu.
Murphy felt that he had been thrown
from her regard much as she would
discard an unpleasing bit of fabric. 1t
was too much for Jimmie's knowledge
of the joy of living. Hs turned to her
with a smile that sbone from his
heart.
please forgive my seeming rude
ness" he said with a full measure OF
friendliness In his eyes. 81 am a tride
peevish-there are the jolliest lot of
pretty girls on this boat that l have
ever crossed with and l feel afraid OF
all of them"
Molly Sherwell laughed and glanced
q~uestioningly at Murphy.
Il would not have selected you as
one fearful of feminine wiles."
But / am engaged"
'Oh!"
1t seemed for a second that the very
engines stopped their vibrations; then
the girl spoke again.
That does make considerable diff
ference" She paused while a queer
little shadow fitted across her face.
Il believe that l, too, would be afraid
to cross the ocean with some jolly
men on board If l owed allegiance to
one in particular. Ocean liners seem
to be the embodiment of the old time
sorceress-I feel sure that she at least
Yields her wand over them all"
The wand Of infatuation-onIy?"
Jimmy Murphy but half expected an
answer.
"Infatuation is exactly the word"
laughed Molly. Il have crossed the
fell madly In love-"
And the men," Murphy put the
question quickly, eagerly DESTROYS OF
knowing the outcome.
Three of them wanted me to marry
them; the others were merely the ef-
feet of moonlight, the tapping of the
waves and leisure hours spent In
closely set steamer chairs"
And you?" Again the eager ques-
ton.
Il? Well-as o as my feet touch
the wharf am as heart-free as If /
had never seen a boat"
"Oh!"
Jimmy Murphy was silent for SO
long a time that his companion broke
into a soft laugh. Surely you are not
going to have many more such serious
and profound moments during this
trip?'
Il will tell you exactly what was
thinking-if you care to know" Muir
ply turned so that he met her startled
glance. DO you?"
NO." she put in quickly.
II shall tell you anyway. When
you interrupted my thoughts | had
Just conquered a desire to make you
care for me-your attitude made me
desire a siege in which o would be
the victim-but my better nature won
out and" Murphy laughed lightly.
Then l have missed a rather anus
ing game-haven't II"
Jim Murphy's lips shut tight. Molly
Sherwell cast a glance at him and felt
satisfied. Flippant remarks would
have to bridge many a chasm with
this man and she hoped that her In
consequent moods would never be far
from her command.
Since you are heartless and ! am
engaged we are certainly well guarded