Evening star., 1939-08-27

Her hat fell off again onto the grass and she let
it stay there.
But she got away from him. Feeling light
of foot as some small animal she ran down
the steep slope between the trees. At the
bottom she stopped and looked up at him,
crashing down after her. Poised, laughing.
every muscle controlled like a dancer she stood
on rock and waited for him to get to her, to
hold her and never let her get away again.
She was sixteen again. time had no meaning.
The sky was clouding over now; there was
thin spatter of rain on the pine needles.
1t was raining steadily and getting dark by
the time they reached the luxurious little
camp, and she ran in with Jm's coat over her
shoulders.
He said grumblingy, as he shook himself
off like big dog, Il felt rather guilty when |
started off this morning, leaving the kid alone
all day, but the chances are she hasn't been by
herself five minutes There's kind of wild
young crowd here, and couple of boys that
always seem underfoot She's too young for
that sort of thing. If you'll just sit down for
a moment, darling III run up and see if she's
in her room.'
Five minutes later he returned. Margaret
looked at him wonderingly. His face was black
with anger The manager was with him, talking
apologetically.
But, Mr.. Douglas, the young people were
expected back for supper. They said they were
just going for short sail - and then the storm
came up so suddenly. Miss Douglas said she
wouldn't leave message because she was sure
to be back before you were -
"You had no business letting her 60 at all.
You know child of fifteen doesn't belong in
that crowd. I'm not excusing my daughter,
but you are presumably responsible person.
and you know that young Winthrop has no
business taking that boat out without an
experienced sailor on board -"
He was too distracted to finish. He strobe
past Margaret and went out onto the porch.
She could see him through the window, hands
stuck deep in his pockets, looking out anx
iously, helplessly over the ruffled water, A
wind had come up, and in the gathering dark
ness the lake looked black and very big.
Margaret followed him to the door. opened it,
and felt wind and rain on her face.
"Jim is it really so dangerous? Isn't there
anything you can do?''
He stared at her a moment without speaking.
and she realized he was not seeing her at all.
He muttered, as if to himself Chances are
the young pup can't even get the sails down,
then he went inside, and a moment later
reappeared in oilskins.
"Jim," she began again, her voice little
shrill now What are you going to do, Jim?
Let me go with you -
But he was already off at run toward the
lake. Watt he shouted back You wait
here I'm going to get out the skitf. They can't
bring in sailboat in this wind
His voice receded was lost. She stood
moment, glanced back at the lighted room,
and then started for the car parked in an open
space beyond the drive. As she walked, she
brushed against low-hanging branch and
shower of drops fell over her. The angry way
she shook them off made her realize her own
sense of irritation. She got into the dark car
and slammed the door.
She stayed there a long time For awhile she
didn't think at all. What was the matter with
her? She loved Jim - why wasn't she feeling
what he was feeling. sharing his anxiety? But
instead she felt numb and let-down, and hurt
because he had forgotten her.
Sometime later she heard young, excited
voices in the direction of the dock, and the dull
bump of boat against the wooden planking.
She got out of the car and walked toward the
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