Page:Restless Earth.djvu/48

“Of course—I forgot. You are going to be lazy. All right. I must fly.”

“Sure you wouldn’t like me to come to town with you?”

“Silly! Do you want me to turn upon you suddenly and kiss you in the middle of the street?”

“Certainly. I daresay the worthy citizens would appreciate it, too.”

He half rose, but she toppled him over with a sharp push and hurried away laughing.

Harley, upon his knees, watched her with kindled eyes until she was hidden by intervening sand-dunes, then he sank forward, dropping his head upon his folded arms and stretching his long legs until he lay luxuriously comfortable. He closed his eyes and dreamed of Heaven—a heaven which Patricia filled to the exclusion of all else. Grace and Joan were entirely forgotten.

A sand-dune sheltered him from the rising westerly breeze; stout marram grass intercepted the lifting sand-grains which might have annoyed him; the sun shone warmly upon his broad back; a delightful lassitude enveloped him, and presently he slept.

****

Patricia entered the main street at a point where a number of shops broke the long line of residences, and immediately became aware that stirring tidings were abroad.

Shop-keepers were standing upon the side-walk conversing with each other and passers-by. Four men were eagerly discussing the contents of the afternoon daily paper which they held spread before them. Several women were looking at each other in awe and speaking in whispers as they crossed the street.

As she climbed into the waiting tram-car the motorman greeted her with the grave respect of one speaking to a person bereaved.

There were only four other passengers in the