Part 40 (2/2)

”It is so hot in the cabin.”

This was all she had for me. Then she looked at Gazza with returning animation.

”Oh, la la!” said Gazza. ”If it is hot in the cabin!” And he flirted his handkerchief back and forth.

”I think I had the best of it,” I remarked. ”All the melody and none of the temperature.”

Hortense saw no need of noticing me further

”The singer has the worst of it,” said Gazza.

”But since you all sang!” I laughed.

”Miss Rieppe, she is cool,” continued Gazza. ”And she danced. It is not fair.”

John contributed nothing. He was by no means playing up now. He was looking away at the sh.o.r.e.

Gazza hummed a little fragment. ”But after lunch I will sing you good music.”

”So long as it keeps us cool,” I suggested.

”Ah, no! It will not be cool music!” cried Gazza--”for those who understand.”

”Are those boys bathing?” Hortense now inquired.

We watched the distant figures, and presently they flashed into the water.

”Oh, me!” sighed Gazza. ”If I were a boy!”

Hortense looked at him. ”You would be afraid.” The devilment had come out again, suddenly and brilliantly:

”I never have been afraid!” declared Gazza.

”You would not jump in after me,” said Hortense, taking his measure more and more provokingly.

Gazza laid his hand on his heart. ”Where you go, I will go!”

Hortense looked at him, and laughed very slightly and lightly.

”I swear it! I swear!” protested Gazza.

John's eyes were now fixed upon Hortense.

”Would you go?” she asked him

”Decidedly not!” he returned. I don't know whether he was angry or anxious.

”Oh, yes, you would!” said Hortense; and she jumped into the water, cigarette and all.

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