The Penn's Grove record., 1912-04-19
Brooke's Pretty Sister
Copyright, 1912. by Associated Literary Press.)
By lola FORESTER

Tip. You're a poem in that color
combination. Go tell her we're awful
ly sorry we ate up all the salad, ham
and chicken, while we sit out here
and watch for Brooke to take his
young life on sight for not telling us
she was here"
TITS the only decent thing to do"
Brixton said, resolutely. He strobe
up the beach, dripping wet, bronzed
and stalwart as Hermes new lighted
on a heaven kissing hill. Miss
Brooke" he called cheerily, "oh, Miss
Brooke"
The girl looked out from n living
room window, and smiled.
I'm in here" she said. Brixton
gulped and stared at her. She was
like some tender, rare southern flow
er. Her eyes were blue, with won
derful lashes that Swallowed them,
and her hair was dusky and curly
about the most alluring, half shy face
in the world.
We're awfully sorry" he blurted
out. you see, we're Bob's college
chums, you know, and he invited US
down for the week end, and then he
wasn't at the station to meet US, so
we just hooked on to the turnout.
Bob mentioned you at all"
Didn't he?" Her lashes dropped
demurely, but there was a smile at
the dimpled corners of her mouth.
Wasn't it careless of him? Don't
you think you'd better tell the other
gentlemen they al get their clothes?
I'm busy reading. 1t gets quite cool
along towards evening"
Now, wasn't that thoughtful of
her, boys?" Tip gasped,. when the in
vitation was conveyed. Swiftly they
made for the back of the bungalow,
but even while they donned their
clothes the black and yellow trap ap-
peared again, and therein sat Brooke.
The girl went down to greet him. and
all at once the boys heard a peal of
laughter. Brooke tumbled hastily
from the trap, and made for the back
of the cottage.
Hello, boys. when you're ready,
we'll drive on to my place. It's the
next cottage along the shore"
Five faces stared at him helplessly.
I'VE thought she was your pretty
sister," Brixton said gloomily.
She is my sisters dearest friend,
and a bully girl, fellows" said Bob,
heartily. You'll meet her again. And
she's not at all angry. Come and be
introduced. Her name is June Sher-
wood, Commodore Sherwood's daugh-
ter"
June was smiling and blushing as
Bob led the line up. She listened to
all the apologies, and forgave freely,
even the icebox raid. When they
started, Brixton volunteered to walk.
There was not room in the trap, he
said. AS soon as it had rounded the
curve of the shore, he went back,
and found her still standing on the
veranda.
Il came after the bathing suits" he
began. THE boys hung them on the
back fence, and forgot them"
The one you called Tip took
them" she told him.
Brixton hesitated. A week end is a
lone chance to seize loves futtering
wings, and hold him prisoner. Brix-
ton was only twenty-five. He held out
his hand for the roses at her belt.
May I have one, please. Miss
June?"
These are a little withered. III
get you a fresh one"
Cant l have one of those?"
Something in his voice compelled
her to look down at him as he stood
waiting at the foot of the wide steps.
1t seemed hours, that half minute of
silence, Of reading each others
thoughts. She handed him the roses
from her belt.
I'm not going back with the rest
Monday" Brixton stumbled ahead
blindly. Can you guess why?"
She shook her head, and drew back
from the tell-tale eyes. Brixton hest
tated. The boys were shouting down
the shore. He bent forward, and
kissed the white slim hand that rest
ed on the veranda rail.
That's why. Goodbye, princess"
June's chin lifted slightly. but her
voice was tender.
I'VE are very glad to welcome
guests here in Bel Air. II hope you
will stay long"
DO you ask me to stay?"
81? Why, l have only known you"
We'll never know each other any
better than we do this minute" Brig
ton was famous as a center rush.
Shall | stay?"
She bowed her head. and he strobe
down the shore to join the others,
while June watched him out of sight,