Evening star., 1933-03-12


her: and wrangle just often enough TO keep
things from getting monotonous.
1t was after he had been at Lake Tahoe
month that Peter suddenly found himself
taking a keener delight in Ursulas presence
than would seem to have been in keeping with
the tranquil enjoyment Of mere good fellowship.
In vain did he remind himself of former
romantic fascos 1t no This indif-
ferent slip of girl this 1.-the selfish, gray
eyed child had turned the trick.
Il wonder" said Ursula one day shortly
after nc had made this astounding discovery
Il wonder if you are really as good friend Of
mine as you appear to be-"
In view CT his sentimental inclinatiOns this
remark produced a smile.
Don't laugh at me- Peter I'm singularly
untrusting Young. but cynical-the cynicism
of extreme youth -'seE' a. "t - .'t''.''
This time Peter roared.
Don't fool yourself" he said, you're ri
dicuIous, with the Righteousness of extreme
youth Go on" .. .-
Passing lightly over your feeble crack, Peter.
I'm in love I'm engaged. I'm going to be
married! And" she hesitated, dramatically.
Il need help -
When Peter had collected himself she went
on.
why do you suppose Mother didn't take me
abroad? Because she found out that Eduard
planned ON meeting in Paris, and my whole
don't approve. you see. Something about his
being older and French and bit on the roue
side if you get what mean"
Don't worry get it," interrupted Peter
why you poor absurd little sap, it's not
Eduard who thrills you. it's the Continental
glamour It's the famly's opposition. It's"
Ursula had rsen In all her dignity she
looked about IL years old
"Al right Peter. All right"
Peter reached out and caught her arm. They
stood facing each other. Peters head was
thrown back little like a charger smelling
powder and hearing the sound Ct distant guns.
sit down, Ursula" he said, smoothly, and
the battle was on. '''
IN mail your letter." he agreed, after they
had talked q while. because you'd bribe some
one else to DO it if didn't. And you can tell
him to address his letters to me. think
you're crazy. Of course and I'm going to talk
you out Of this before the end OF the Summer"
But Peter didn't do SO much talking: instead
he worked on the the,ry that actions speak
loudee than words. and If ever a young man
made himself agreeable, attractive and indis-
pensable-that young man was Peter Halliday.
After about two weeks he tried her out.
How am I measuring up with that French
man OF yours Ursula?
Why, you're nice Peter" she said, in The
most coSnradely way imaginable. You're very
nice" -t
Peter took out cigarette lit it. and then
put il out again.
Il may have heard a more completely damn
ing statement before he remarked, but
don't remember when"
He let another week go by: and then. about
the middle OF August. there came one Ct those
evenings you read about.
This is the kind OF . night" said Peter to
Ursula, when all young ladies in love with
distant foreign gentlemen should climb into
bed and pull the covers up over their ears
Come out on the lake with me, Ursula
They walked down TO the boat house and
Peter handed her into the front seat OF his
own speed boat lovely craft.
In the moonlight. Ursula's pink chiffon dress
paled to a warm flesh tone, melted into the
color Of her throat and arms.
Peter looked at her long and longingly.
~ URSULA turned away; daboled her fingers
~ in the jet black water. She would not look
at him. Peter shut on the engine.
II love you, Ursula" said Peter, softly; and
he kissed her shoulder first and then her throat
pressed his face, for moment, against her
hair and then brushed his lips, slowly, across
her cheek until they reached her mouth.
It wasn't until he had cried: "Ursula!" in =
checked sort Of voice. had kissed her again,
and been kissed by her, that he remembered
the ghostIy fear that had accompanied him
almost subconsciously-on this ride.
"Ursula," he repeated, you heavenly thing
and he smiled because he could see the ghost
that had followed him many years slink
n1ournfNlly away. ., --..f4
Now look ct me and tell me you 1--we some
one eiset' -,,,a, -4'ftf a~"+' >
There was pause. 're--t '%..N
Then: But I-don't you see, Peter" came
d. her small mufYied voice lit must have been
the moon and all and being lonely for
Ednard." Slowly she drew away, but still she
wouldn't look at him. 80 ea'. 't.~'.-f
That isn't so,r said Peter firmly.
:.Yest 1t is,'' and being out of his arms she