Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-04-17
CON TR Alb AND
A Romance of the North Atlantic
By RANDALL PARRISH

toNlcatlon or her presence beside me- She
was natural. wholesome, the very sort of
woman | had dreamed about as being
somewhere In the world, yet had never met
before. Her very presence was inspira-
tlon' but beyond this vague impression my
uream did not go. Interested as | was.
there seemed to be between us n barrier
or age: l became dlmly conscious of tho
gray haIrs which years and responsibility
had brought and knew that all | was con-
Tossing could only widen this natural breach
between us. How young, even girlish, she
appeared, with her smooth eager face
turned toward me in the star-shine. Why.
she would be scarcely out of school, or pre-
sented TO society. if, indeed she belonged
TO set where such presentation was good
form. Ay, and where did she belong?
What secret purpose had brought her on
board? What possible explanation could
be offered for her presence? She was not
of the submerged tenth, that was plainly
evident. Never had / been guilty of draw
ing social lines tightly or of fearing to as
soclate with those not of my recognized
class. Yet recognized the real thing; and
this girl was accustomed to the best The
evidence was in her manner her easy air
of confidence the very way I'm which she
wore her clothes. She possessed education
originality, the carelessness which comes
of birth and the surroundings of wealth in
childhood. These were not things to be
simulated at nineteen: and she was not
pretending: she was simply natural Even
as | talked these thoughts filtered through
my mind. but when my story finally ended
we stood In silence, gazing out across the
waters. Then | looked aside at her and
laughed, realizing suddenly how loquacious
had been.
"Really, I must have nearly talked YOU
asleep" l said regrettully. II do not know
when ] have before been guilty of such
ogotism."
do not say that. 1t was most interest
ing 1t is nice to be spoken to as though
one was an intelligent human being--lt is
quite an experience"
Perhaps I do not understand"
Doubtless not, for you are not a girl
and you tell me you never sought society
The very nature of your life has left you
frank and straightforward. You talk to me
just as you would to a man. Most men
try to be funny and entertaining as though
| was baby to be amused I hate that !!
I am not so young l cannot think and
feel"
"It my frankness has Interested you"
I ventured, "can you not realize how
much 1 desire to learn more-who you
are? why you are here?'
"Of course but l cannot tell you, Mr..
Hollis-not yet"
She looked at her wrist watch, holding It
out into a star-gleam, which revealed the
Wnlt0 SndDellHtSS OIL HeT
IT dare not even remain here with you
longer
But you will come again7 This is not
to be our last meeting?'
She hesitated, her eyes meeting mine
almost kindly; then she held out her
hand.
1.-THE last-yes, in this way You will
meet me again, but not as we have tonight
have truly enjoyed being with you, OF
hearing your story but this meeting here
alone was not my choice You understand
I could not avoid it, and after l was dis
covered, had to remain and win your
pledge to secrecy You will not forget
that?'
"Assuredly not You will not return to
the deck tomorrow night?'
She laughed softly. and withdrew her
hand, which l still held.
Tomorrow night oh, cannot tell
we may be far enough at sea by then 80
need no longer seek fresh air by night.
told you my conceament was only tenn
porary But" and her voice became seri-
ous "if I deem 1t necessary to continue
this masquerade, you would not keep me
a prisoner below. hope"
''You mean that II wait for you here.
my presence will Danish you from the
deck?"
"Yes, for that would be an appointment,
a prearranged meeting to which could
not CONSENT IL WOuiu SeSs ''AS ySdt to
spect"
"Never," protested. nothing could
lead to that Strange as all this mystery
is I believe your actions justlhable; l
do not even ask an explanation"
you have indeed, been very kind. very
considerate. cannot thank you enough,
surely you will grant this last request
also?"
"That will not seek you again alone?"
yes; but there is no need TO repeat
the request you are gentleman; good
night Mr. Hollis"
The gray dress she wore left upon me
the impression that she faded from sight.
her dim outline vanished so suddenly amid
the shadows took n swift step for
ward Impelled by an irresistible desire to
ascertain in what portion of the yacht she
found concealment, yet paused almost as
Her last words had been those OF faith, of
confidence, and would be guilty OF no act
10 change her good opinion. She had given
me her pledge that her purpose on board
had no evil motive; that within day or
two AZ most, she would appear openly, and
clear up the apparent mystery. could not
fcopt ~ frank honesty of her eyeA ~ llnlPn'