The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1915-09-10

Auntie Lucinda with scorn called the second table," It was not feasible for me often to do more than call of morning to inquire if all was well with them, and conversation through lead glass transom is not what one would call intimate.
 Hardly had we three-Black Bart, Jean Lafitte and Henri 1Olonnois- seated ourselves at table for luncheon before I became sensible Of faint shadow at the saloon stair. l saw a trim boot and substantial ankle, which I knew belonged to Aunt i-u- cinda, and then I looked up and saw on the deck Helena also, stopped, her clean cut head, with its blond hair, visible against the blue sky.
 May I come in?'' she asked gayly enough.
 "You are always invited" said I, and perhaps I flushed in my pleasure l'John,'' I called down the tube, two more-the ladies.' And l heard his calm .'An lite.''
 My young gentlemen had risen po- 1itely, but Helena gently pushed them down into their places. Be seated here, ladies' said I. "These places are, as you see, always spread for you Your covers wait. And all the ships silver shall see duty now. L'Olonnois, my hearty, you and I shall serve, en! am indeed delighted-greatly delight ed. I shall not inquire; 1 shall only hope.''
 Well" boomed the deep voice of Auntie Lucinda, i've came because we did not like the look of things"
 'tTo be sure, things are not looking bully,'' assented vaguely.
 'I mean the weather. It's getting black, and it's colder"
 "It is fortunate that you honored us, my dear Mrs. Daniver," said I, ''forA I have here in the cooler bottle of ninety three. I had anl inspiration. I knew you would come, for nothing in the world could have pleased me so much"
 I was looking at Helena, whose eyes were cast down. observed now that she was in somewhat elegant morning costume. her bridge coat of Vienna lace, caught with a wide bar of plain gold GOV ering some soft and simmer ing underbodice, which fitted closely enough to- be formal. And I saw she had on many rings, and her throat sparkIed under a circlet of gems.
 She must have caught my glance of surprise, for she said nervously: You think we are overplaying our return call? Well, the truth is we're afraid.''
 "So thenT' and bowed
 .'So then I f1shed out all my jewe1ry."
 s'We are honored,''
 ssWelI, I didn't know what might happen. If one should be shipwreck- ed"- caught her frightened gaze out an open port, perfectly aware my self of the swift weather change.
 'Let us not think of storm and ship wreck said I, tat least until they come. I want to ask your attention to John's imitation of Luigi's oysters a Ia mariniere. The oysters are of our own catching this morning. for you must know. the water hereabout is very shallow and is full of oysters.
 ''And as for this storm of which you speak, 1adies,,s' added as poured A.I would there might come every day as i'll wind if it would blow me as great a good as yourselves for luncheon"
 s'Yes," said L'Olonnois brightly, you might blow in oncet in awhile and see us feIIers, told Black Bart that cap- tives'- But here I kicked Jimmy un- der the table. Poor chap, what with his Auntie Helena's hand at one ex- tremity and my boot at the other he was strained in his conversation and, in disgust, joined Jean Lafitte in conn plete silence and oysters.
 Really" and Helena raised her eyes, isn't it growing colder?''
 ''Jean, close the port behind Miss Emory,'' said l. It was plain enough to my mind that blue norther was breaking, with it's swift drop in tenn perature and it's possibly high wind
 The tables acting funny comment ed Jean Lafitte presently. He had nev- CT been at sea before.
 ''Yes," said Aunt Lucinda, with very much-too much-dignity. .sIf you all go back to the cabin. Helena!'
 ''Go. with Mrs. Daniver at once. Jim my" said to L'Olonnois.
 faye, aye, sir!" saluted he joyously, and added aside as he passed me. Hope the old girls going to be good and siek.''
 I could see Peterson standing near the saloons door and bethought me to send Jean Laf1tte up to aid him in making all shipshape. We were begin ming to roll, and I missed the smooth thrust of both our propellers, although now the engines were purring smooth ly enough. Thus by mere chance I found myself alone with Helena I put, out hand to steady her as she rose.
 "Is~it really going to be bad?' she inquired anxiously- eAuntie gets so sick.''
 Ut will be rough for three hours yet" I admitted. Shes not so big as the Mauretania. but as well built for her tonnage. You couldn't pound her apart no matter what came. She's oak and cedar, through and through, and every point
 You've studied her well since you since you came aboard? ?"
 Yes, yes. to be sure I have. And she's worth her name. Don't you think it was mighty fine of-of Mir David son to name her after you-the Belle