Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1926-06-27

He turned, starting to swim away.
Then a reluctant chivalry made him
retrace his aquatic course. After all
he and Eloise We're several hundred
yards from shore. There was always
the possibility of eXha ustion, Of cramp.
He swan toward her. Darn her! Why
wasn't she like normal girls? Only a
female athlete would do such a reck
less stunt as this. Nice modest girls
played around the beach; didn't try to
make men OF themselves. Then sud
denly as he came nearer he saw, in
the sheen Of the moonlight, CLINT of
gold escaping from the embracing
rubber cap.
1t was Mrs. Markham, He should
have known ii. Who but she Of this
house party had the daring, the spirit,
the ability to swim this far? mag
nificent woman; there was about her
none of the mandy pamby babyishness
that characterized Eloise and the
girls of her type and set. And the
nobility of her. swimming way out
here to tell him, doubtless, OF her for
getfulness of what had occurred. He
reached her side.
They both treaded water. facing
each other You're a naughty boy,
Roderick," she breathed. Always
running away from those who love
you"
IF you really love me-" he told her,
you'd not tell me so and make life
harder for me-"
"Naughtyh You mustn't talk like
that. | came out here to tell you that
| had forgotten what happened"
His heart ached at the sheer mag
niticent nobility of her soul. cot
, n,n q
told her. But for moment-you
coming out here--I misunderstood"
DO you think It's nice to "misun-
derstand me-" she asked.
He groaned in deep AMUSEMENT Of
spirit. Here she had forgotten his
monumental sin, and he was remind
ing her of it. She touched him on the
arm. There. there. Roderick, I told
you it was all forgotten. Don't feel so
badly. How strong YOU are" she
added inconsequentially. II had no
idea your arms were so powerful.
What a magnificent swimmer you
are
You're wonderful Yourself" he an
swered. None of those girls back on
the beach would dare swim out here
alone at night. I like a woman who s
athletic"
That's right, Roderick. l want you
to be brave and forget all that's hap.
pened. But I'm not really SO very
strong. l risked coming out here be-
cause / knew that you'd be able to
bring me back IL I grew tired. l saw
you leaving the others and / didn't
know what rash thing you might do. "
II had thought of ending 1t ALL" ad-
mitted Roderick gloomily.
Her other hand impulsively touched
his arm. Frederick, You must not
have such thoughts. You mustn't be
so naughty"
Somehow he wished that she
frequently. 1t made him feel young
whereas he knew himself to be eK.
tremely old. Now that I know
you've forgotten. 1 won't think such
things" he promised. Where did you
learn that side stroke?"
Perhaps he changed the subject too
abruptly: 1t has already been stated
that Roderick had little technique in
amour. At any rate. the lady's hands
slipped away from his shoulders.
Come" she said.
For a moment they swan along in
silence. Then her easy stroke began
to be labored; she began to splash the
water through which she had been
gliding so easily. If Roderick was
stupid in certain matters. nevertheless
there were other things that he under
stood. Swimming was one of them.
You're tired" he declared. Put your
hands on my shoulders
She did as he commanded. You
are so strong" she breathed. This
time Roderick did not get the thrill
from the touch of her hands upon him
that he had little while ago. Stern
reality drove romance from his mind.
Fifty yards from shore, Henley
and Sweeney dashed mo the water.
They helped Roderick carry the faint
ing lady to the beach. But their as
sistance could not deprive him Of the
credit for her rescue. The congratu-
lations of the other guests and the
thanks of his hostess lifted him to
the stars.
IN his room a little later he tried to
sleep. Yet sleep would not come
to him. He rose from the bed and
walked to the open French windows
that led from his room to a porch out
side. He stepped out upon that porch.
Then, through an open window.
voices floated to him. He recognized
also the tones of his hostess. He was
a gentleman and eavesdropping was
obnoxious to him. But before he
could arise he had heard so much that
no dictate of gentle conduct could
make him depart.
Look here, Jenny" said Mr.. Mark
ham. II don't mind your making a
blame fool of most people, but let that
Dory boy alone. He's nice kid. II
you must kiss in the corner and have
your life saved every week end, pick
out men"
Mrs. Markham laughed. you're
an old dear. SAM" she said, but
| wouldn't you rather I'd flirt with
stupid boys than with grown menu"
There was amused evaporation ir
| the husbands reply. I'D prefer you
| not to fiirt with any one, you little
rascal, but I know you can't help it,"
The wife laughed saucily. AN.