Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-08-04

Nathan. really if you've gone completely Of
your head"
II haven't quite finished. Ethel Try I'd
listen, please That's all Tm asking. JUST
try to listen. Either you're coming back with
me, or else you'll never see me again. It's now
or never. Call it an elopement, if you like. I9
you don't want to- it's the easiest way in the
world to be free of me. Just don't come back
to the boat. Nothing could be simpler. II you
do come, it'll be because you love me and
have made up your mind to marry me at the
first possible moment"
You're simply insane, Nathan! why how
on earth could /"
Its perfectly simple. You've got inteIli,
gence enough. All you've got to do is mako
an excuse to slip away and come straight back
to the boat. We're both of age. And they
can't come after US. There's no other boat
back from the island tonight. . 1t Just oc-
ours to me that, If we can't be married in Mas
sachus9tts, We could take car over to Provi,
dence 1t might be easier there"
Il dent know why I even listen to you.a
said she. He thought she was pretty cross,
But that didn't matter. Nothing mattered.
That's ALL" he said. you've got coupIa
OF hours to come to decision Don't worry
about clothes or luggage. We can pick up
what We need as We go. Just remember that
we're down to the elemental thing. Nov 7
think we'd better go back"
Nathan never-you know I've been fond
Of you. but-why, L
'Listen!" said he studying her with hia
eyes. For a year I've wanted to kiss vou
I never have, you know. Not really. I'm going
TO now" He looked at his watch. In exactly
one minute"
Nathan, don't know what's come over
you You're not yourself"
I've just become myself" said he
There vas a silence.
The minutes up" he remarked, and took
her In his arms
Nathan, stop! You're not fairt'
I'm perfectly fair. gave you warning.
You could have gone. But you didn't"
Nathan, don't want to! I won't +. oh.
ior heavens sake! :. You're using your
strength!" She seemed to be crying.
or course, I am" said he
NOW, he spoke with flnality, ~wen On
back Your people may be wondering about
you" "NoUS
He got out. For brief time. howeSsr che
sat there, with her hands over her face. Her
mesh Dag had fallen to the floor of the car.
he reached In and picked it up. She didn,t
appear to notice. Finally she pulled herself
eogether He handed her the bag. She tool
Out compact and powdered her nose. Then
she stepped down. her eyes evading his.
ne TOOK her firmly by the shoulders "You
understand, I'm sure, Ethel. Either Won come
back with me on this boat, today. or we're
through And that's all there is to it,"
she broke away and hurried back to the
afoer-iobby. Following he saw her running
hke frightened thing up the saloon stairs.
Whsn the breathy whistle blew its hoarse
signal OF departure, Nathan sat quietly bv the
ran, looking down at the crowd on the Nam
tucket pier. Either she'd come or she wouldn't.
Probably she wouldn't. Hardly a chance. Rut
SO It was. He could live alone
His nerves stirred incredulousIy. It couldn't
be surely some other girl a hat IKE
herS It was!
He rushed in and down the saloon stairs.
There she was. With a dazed softened Iook
on her lovely face. No baggage. Nothing.
Just as she was. His heart leaped!
Wen" she murmured, "here I am"
They went up to the topside deck The chairs
she and Charlie Demar had sat in were still
IN their niche. Nobody else about. Exult.
antly he took her In his arms
But one more queer thought stole In among
the ecstatic peans that chorlised in his hrair
He kissed her once more, and then with nanny
tears in his eyes, looked OF at the gulls that
circied and scared, poised and dove. Some
tnnes, he knew now, he would be little lonely.
tccpsright 1890