Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-07-25
THIS AND THAT
BY CHARLES f. TRACEWELL.

melody Of old ocean was resumed. One
turned over and went to sleep--every-
thing was all right again.
II y
Everything is magnified on and by
the sea. The wonder of vast sweeps OF
water extends to the shore, beating into
hearts and minds tuned to the proper
note. At night even the daytime joys
are elaborated. The sleepiest OF city
persons is content to sit and talk on
the hotel piazza, rejoicing in the keen,
cold, damp wind that tries to chill his
frame. A heavy coat or sweater keeps
the chill out but lets In the benefit OF
salt air.
How bright the lights in the lobby
look in contrast with the immense
darkness outside broken only by the
starlight, which seems but poor llght
indeed, so far away Is its point OF origin.
Tonight one may well sit in the dark
around the corner Of the porch and hold
the soft hand Of some fair charmer
who charms only because Of the sea.
She thinks it is herself, but any other
lady would do as well. 1t is the sea!
The sea has made her altogether de-
sirable. The night, and the wind. and
the tang of salt air, and the stars, ana
the song of the Surf--haVe combined 10
make her lovely tonight. Tomorrow, In
the light of day, she may seem other
wise.
Do you remember that dark night,
Kathryn, when we first met? No doubt
you have forgotten us, but we still re-
member you. Perhaps the darkness of
the night had something to do with 1t.
We had Just come down from the city.
where the nights are lit by street lamps
and electric signs. We had~stepped out
on the platform eagerly shifting for
that edor we loved so well-the absolute
aroma of salt air. All, there was no
mistaking it! We breathed deep OF
Mother EarthS greatest tonic. Already
we felt better. Something wonderful
seemed about to happen. On such a
night as this--Lord, how dark q night
it was! There are degrees of black
nights at the seashore, shades of inten-
sity, gradationS even unto the depths
of the unfathomable pit Of which the
poet sang.
This was the deepest, blacklist, dark
est night of lifetime. The stars away
out there, the feverish lights along the
boardwalk made the immensely of night
all the blacker. The sounds of music
from the casino helped along the belief
that something would happen. 1t was
a night made for things to happen.
One had to lean against the wind, so
keen 1t blew in from the ocean. 1t was
no sideways wind, but head-on from the
sea, riding the breakers, daShing with
the force Of solid matter against houses,
doors. people. Rocking chairs, deserted
on the porch, rocked merrily of their
own free will.
It was around the corner, to one side
of lighted door, that we waited for
something to happen. And, sure enough,
it did, 1t usually docS--at the seaShore.
We were in the pitch blackness when
into the utter day of the doorway swan
vision. tanned glowing--a girl with
hair as dar'. as the night, white teeth
beautiful smile, that sweet mouth which
is the heritage of all good women.
She stepped down and into the cool
we'll of darkness. so that only her beau
tiful head remained lit, as If by some
happy halo.
Kathryn!
We are old now. and many things
have happened. and more water than
was in that ocean has passed over the
mill; but we will never forget you.
Kathryn, as you were then. The fact
that you let us hold your hand because
you were at odds win Bill was some
thing we didn't know until weeks later.
But what difference did it make2 We
see now. In the certainty of dreams,
that 1t didn't make any difference at all.