Part 10 (2/2)

We left New York in snow up to its ears; And now a Paradise! the palm, the rose, The Boaganvillia, and the breath of summer.

RALPH

I tell you, Honolulu is a hummer.

It pays for six long days upon the ocean - And those sad memories of a s.h.i.+p's queer motion

ETHEL

There's one thing, though, that's disappointed me, - The much exploited Honolulu maid.

I haven't seen a beauty in the town.

RALPH

They're thick as ripe bananas on a tree.

You have not been observing, I'm afraid.

ETHEL (shrugging her shoulders)

Oh well, tastes differ; I don't care for brown, At least for this p.r.o.nounced Hawaiian shade; I really can't imagine how a man Could love a girl dyed to a chronic tan.

RALPH

Some one has said, 'Love goes where it is sent.'

ETHEL (sadly)

I think that true; one can not guide its bent.

But I must go; and will you come along?

Your mother said to bring you.

RALPH

Not quite yet; I'll wait until that bird completes its song; The last I'll hear, till many a sun has set.

Just tell the folks I'll meet them on the pier.

[Exit ETHEL, looking disappointed.

RALPH (sitting down in a reverie)

A nice girl, Ethel; but, by Jove, it's queer The way a fellow's stubborn mind will turn To something that he should forget. That face - I saw once on a San Francisco street, How well I do recall the time and place.

'A girl from Honolulu,' some one said.

I wonder where she is now! Married? Dead?

[A silent reverie for a moment. Then speaks again.]

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