Part 22 (1/2)
”Well, perhaps. If Tom went.”
”But we promised Chess.”
”You promised him. He wants to do it because you are going.”
”Now, Helen, you know--”
”I know just what I am saying. I have no interest in 'La.s.ses Copley. You have.”
”You are the most exasperating girl!” exclaimed Ruth, in some warmth.
They were in their room freshening their toilets for the evening.
”I don't seem to suit you any more than Tom does,” said her chum coolly.
”I declare, Helen! you go too far.”
”I shan't go too far this time--without Tom.” Helen laughed in a provoking way. ”You can run along with your Chessleigh if you like. Not me!”
”That is just what I will do,” said Ruth quietly, but with flas.h.i.+ng eyes.
”I would not insult him by refusing--now. I will tell him you have a headache and cannot come.”
”Do as you like,” was the ungracious reply. ”You are crazy about Chess, I guess.”
”I believe you are jealous, Helen Cameron!” cried Ruth, in wonder.
”I don't know why I should be,” returned Helen lightly. ”I've no interest in Chess Copley. And I haven't had since--”
”Since when, I'd like to know?”
”Since I found him out. So now! That's enough. I am not going. Unless, of course, Tom returns and wants me to go along with you and Chess.”
What more was there to say? Ruth did not wish to disappoint Chessleigh.
She felt that Helen Cameron had no reason for treating the young man as she did.
So, as she had done before, and without much interest in the evening sailing party, Ruth left the bungalow to join the waiting Chessleigh at the dock.
CHAPTER XIX
SUSPENSE
Tom and his party in the other motor-boat had not appeared, nor had the _Gem_ come back from the town of Chippewa Bay with Mr. Hammond. Why should not Ruth and Chessleigh spy about among the islands for a time?
It was not now moonlight; and there was some haze which gave a smouldering effect to the stars peering through it. But these soft, hazy nights had their own charm and Ruth had come to love them.
Especially on the water. Amid the tamarack-clothed islets the motor-boats crept in and out in a delightful way. To lie on the cus.h.i.+ons in the c.o.c.kpit of the _Lauriette_ and bask in the pearly starlight was an experience the girl from Cheslow was not likely to forget.