Page:The Black Camel (IA blackcamel0000earl).djvu/40

“Which is one advantage of youth over doddering age,” the boy returned. “Well, come along———”

Shelah appeared, wearing the orchids on her shoulder.

“Just about to dip into the world-famed waters of Waikiki,” Jimmy informed her. “Won’t you join us?”

“Some other evening,” she told him. “You know, I’m hostess to-night.”

“You are missing,” said Bradshaw impressively, “one of the thrills of a lifetime. The silken surf beating on coral sand, the dark, star-strewn sky above, perhaps the pastel loveliness of a lunar rainbow—boats run from Los Angeles and San Francisco once a week, and the fare is within the reach of all———”

The door-bell rang again. Accompanied by Shelah, the young people went out into the hall.

“Get your suit,” Julie said to the boy. “I'll show you where to change. Let’s make it a race. The first one into the water gets a prize.”

“I’ll win it,” answered Bradshaw. “I'll name it too.” They clattered up the polished stairs.

Again the bell sounded. Shelah was just beside the door, but she did not open it; she considered such an act beneath the dignity of a star. Instead she returned to the living-room and waited for Jessop to do his duty. After a brief delay, he did it, and two new guests appeared in the living-room. Shelah advanced to meet them—a dark, rather faded woman of thirty, followed by a big blond man who had an air of nonchalant authority.

“Rita Ballou,” the star cried. ‘“Why—it’s ages! And Wilkie—I’m so glad.”

“Hello, darling,” said the woman she called Rita.