Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1921-10-29
AND HERE TT CONTINUES

.rlRIE turned her head obediently.
MI Tbey were nearing an old bridge,
IN, 10 low down to the water that 1t
vu onlv possible for boat to pass
s.s.sth II II the occupants bent their
heads. ., - A.. - ~, +h.
ideT Feathers said. Mind your
y..S" He guided the boat skillfully
mnsorsh and out on the other side.
Marie laughed and raised her head.
u.r aft hair was all roughened by the
s'.hions. and one long strand had tum-
v.d down over her shoulder.
%How old did you tell me you were?'
Fathers asked rather srimly. Mine.
teen or nine2' -,
nntly. ,,,,
"You are only Just out Of the school.
nom with that curl hanging down. "
n, Indicated the fallen lock Of hair and
Marie laughed and blushed as she hur-
n,dly fastened 1t up.
They tied up to bank, and Feathers
Rt out the lunch.
Marie wanted to do Il, but he said
no. il was her holiday, and she was not
10 work at all.
"Look upon me as a sort Of serf or
ussal !" he said, laughingly. Order
mo about; put your foot on my neck
FOR today I am your humble servant"
iBut only for today !" said Marie,
with quick little sigh.
He looked up sharply.
"What do you meanf'
She answered quite innocently:
"I only meant that wish good things
did not last such a little while. I've
never been so happy as am now"
"Never. Mrs. Lawless? Isn't that
rather a big order?"
She sat up, leaning her chin in the
palm Of her hand.
"It's true" she said quietly. IL
used to dream about lot Of silly things
that could never really come true, but
this''--she looked at the beauty Of the
peaceful scene surrounding them.
~ never thought I could be-so
peacefully happy as I am now"
Feathers had been opening a tin of
tongue, and the knife slipped suddenly
cutting deeply into his hand.
He gave a little exclamation Of an
noyance. and Marie started up. ooh,
you have hurt yourself
Nothing, nothing Mt all." He
dipped his hand into the water and
hurriedly bound II round with a hand
ksrchief. Heavens, don't look so
scared! It's nothing to what has hap
pened when we've been camping out
Tbe tent we were sleeping In collapsed
on US one night and we were nearly
mothered. I should have been but for
Chris-he hauled me out"
Did he?" her face grew wistful.
'I,hfiQ 10 fnnI 30 ~ he eoiI
Feathers shrugged his shoulders.
Oh. we get on very well together. 1"
dc went on preparing the luncheon,
and when 1t was ready he rose to his
rect and made her a salaam.
The feast is served, fair lady :"
lie had tied the champagne bottle to
!hs side OF the boat, letting it dange
IN the water. and he drew It carefully
W and released the cork, letting 1t fly
up into the trees overhead with a ire
nendous report. 70
Marie laughed like a child; she was
% happy today that everything pleased
and amused her.
Feathers filled two glasses and hand
toast. 'N
Sravely.
Marie Marie flushed a little.
10 yours she said tremulously.
hHha-and to many happy returns of
tns very happy day"
festhers WINGED as II she had hurt
n'n, 11u put he answered lightly:
wei, why not? We can come
asaln tomorrow, If you like. Wise
Rsopie take advantage Of the sunshine
20 this country"
her face paled; she put the glass
5Sown untouched. Then abruptly she
etew the crumped telegram from her
nock and gave it to him.
H.. Mr' bakers, this came this morn.
banded it back. "
n. why didn't you tell me2" he asked
a' uld not answer, and he went on al
-OH angrlly: You should have stayed
nome: Mrs. Lawless, why didn't you
W. me! We could casily have can
siSa our arrangements.
que answered hlm linen, In a little
name whisper:
With y-s." ~ '>
0rSI hnq there followed long silence.
aoroken save for the soft cooling of a
"TOu pigeon in the trees overhead.
euthers was knecling on the grassy
nH 10 which the punt was moored.
no mead a little downbent, his brows
0rlously frownng.
al her life Marie remembered him
mlin he looked then, such big, very mas
ina man, with his great shoulders
ugly head, his jaw thrust out in an
e"ihute line, and yet-there seemed
honU.e Ue something strangely helpless
%Ut u. nlm, something that seemed to
6Sd dfauict tct the angry tone in which he
"a ddnen, quite suddenly he looked up
u NJ. their eyes met, Marie's hot and
sn,nmed, though she could not have
M, b,'alnea why, and bis trying so hard
snd,n petray the agitation that was
,,.S are you angry with me2" she fall
M oh. don't be angry with me-"
covering her face with her hands.
as burst into tears.
v,n v,naners got up abruptly and stood
~ aVerted head staring down stream.
As.ae river was flowing swiftly lust
= 2i,is' and 1t was carrying with It a
wis Toy boat which some one had
Eueu out of a newspaper.
followed its passage me.
l.ucally. n. 1t seemed symbolicaI of
~ NE during the last ten years, dur
which he had Just allowed himself
kov heiplessly with the tide, until
M AMEN ,"nen ne stood face to faco with
Z 'ss'er OF the hidden rock Of a