Страница 157 из 416

He found Nellie radiant and more beautiful than he had ever seen

her. Protected from the cool breeze by a frieze overcoat, she

stood bareheaded by the forerigging, her cheeks red, her brown

eyes bright like stars, and her soft brown hair blowing about her

face in alluring wisps.

He took her in a strong embrace. She struggled free after a

moment, her cheeks flooded with color.

"Don't, Nat!" she cried. "Before all the men, too! Please behave

yourself!"

This last a little nervously as she saw the gleam in his eyes.

Suddenly (for her) all the day seemed to have lost its

exhilaration. She was always glad to see Nat, but his insistent

use of his fiance rights under all circumstances grated on the

natural delicacy that was hers.