Evening star., 1924-09-21

was at Del Monte. The scene
was gay, the air balmy. the peo-
ple-or many of them-those
i followers of the sun that aban-
don Winter regions for perpetual
Summer-idlers who glory in their
leisure to revel in the legitimate
pleasures and the inevitable mischiefs
which semi-tropical climes inspire.
He was a newcomer at the hotel.
He had not even looked about. Sure
of an apartment to his liking he had
incased himself in Summer togs, sent
his man back to a transfer point
where a piece of his baggage had
been missed and strolled out to look
at the sea: that is to say, the sea
was first in his mind.
There was a vacant chair, and he
settled upon it. The chair was at
| round table of mahogany. 1t may be
| that a smart woman in the chair op-
posite had something to do with his
decision to sit. She was absorbing a
pink liquid through synthetic
straw. He might have thought that
the curvature Of her pretty mouth as
she imbibed was attractive. Who
can be sure? He looked for her eyes
and caught one of them observing
him through the transparent brim of
her hat. Even that partial eclipse of
the orb did not hide the curiosity be-
glanced at the clouds and the sea.
Semi nude figures here and there in
the near middle distance did not en-
gage him, for his brief looks afield
were followed by longer glances at
the partly-veiled eye which was still
fixed upon him, and he speculated as
to the probable period that might
elapse before absorption of the pink
liquid
Isn't it a perfectly lovely day."
She had put down the glass, and
he saw her mouth was even prettier
in action. He was sure she had ad-
dressed the remark-or was il ques-
ton TO him, for in spite of the ec-
centric sweep of the hat she was now
looking at him with both eyes un-
hindered. And she was smiling.
You have described it," he replied
with an answering smile. II had no
idea things were SO attractive here"
Then YOU have never been here
before? You don't know what you
have missed
Il realize. | assure you, at this mo-
ment that I have missed much.'
He looked at her in way that
gave the remark personal signii-
canoe, and she liked it.
"Oh, but there are such sports here.
Polo, golf, tennis. sailing, motoring
did you bring a Garland such nat
ural beauties. A park, and even a
wonderful Wilderness
II shall explore them. And I hope
with pleasing company. I didn't
bring one of my cars. but cars are
to be had everywhere"
I'm at liberty for a while" she ran
on, land if you care to walk a bit
I'd like to show you something of the
place"
Il should desire no more charming
guide" he said. rising. But suppose
we walk along the shore a bit first
OF course you love the water?"
Love it? / adore it! But I thought
wouldn't venture in today. To-
morrow, I'm sure, ! should like to go
in. OF course you're a fine swimmer.
| can tell at glance"
"Passable." They strolled toward
the bathers scattered along the beach.
'1n my college days I won cham
pionship. But one isn't SO keen for
the water afterward, you know
mean for strenuous effort"
I'D like to have you meet my hus-
band" she said, but I'll not introduce
him today Tomorrow, perhaps"
She turned and swept the scene.
Away"
"Oh, no! But we had little tiff
this morning. He's a terrible f1irt."
"Ah! You don't mind that. I fancy!
It's game two can play, eh?"