A MAN, A GIRL AND A BOAT " Oh, I said," unconcernedly, " shice you find you can do so well without me, I shall let you row back alone. I wish you bon voyage," I cried, over my shoulder, as I strode rapidly away, swinging the red parasol gaily. "Jack!" . The voice was a mixture of anger and amazement. I stopped. " Well, what is it ?" I inquired, without turning. " You've my sunshade." " Yes," I said. "I'll see no harm comes to it," and I moved on. • " But Jack!" The tone was quavering. " What now ?" I called out, stopping again. " I can't row. You simply must come back." " Oh, yes, you can, a little," I hastened to assure her, " for I have seen you at it. In fact you pull a very good oar." That was the last straw. Something very like a sob 'came to my ears. I turned like a flash. Her lip was trembling and tears were in her eyes. Evidently she had believed me to be in earnest. The sight of her tears was too much for me. I rushed madly back to the boat. " Don't, dear," I said tenderly. " I was but in jest. Come, I'll take you back." And I shoved the boat off and sprang in. She lifted her head and smiled at me through her tear-dimmed eyes. The glance she gave me fairly made my head swim, so full was it of revelation. " And you were jesting, too," I said, " Weren't you ?" "Of course, you silly boy. Couldn't you see it ? But you carried your part too far." • " Because you were so very severe," said I. will forgive you." " I never would have left you go," she said, after a moment " Never is a long time," I repeated. " And why not ?" " Because you had my—my parasol," she explained, lamely. " And your kerchief," I added. " Yes," said Bess. " And your heart," said I, boldly. " Why of course, Jack," she whispered. In a second I had sprung to her side. " Do be sensible," she murmured. " However, I " Some one may see --
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