-
32. BY THE RESTLESS SEA.
- West Virginia University Press
- Chapter
- Additional Information
265 BY THE RESTLESS SEA. Chapter XXXII. Regenia and Lucile were cosily situated at Breeze Nook. The freedom from care, together with the salt-laden sea breeze, had not been long in bringing the roses back to Regenia’s cheeks. Lucile, too, had been benefited by her sojourn at Breeze Nook. Clement had kept them in touch with the affair which was nearest Regenia ’s heart. The successful termination of Dr. Stone’s stay in the convict camp, contributed in no small way to the robust health the Regenia had lately regained. Peace of mind is always conducive to a well ordered physical condition. The young women had lived much in the open air. They had paid little heed to the effect this change was producing in their complexions. What did they care if they were as brown as berries, so they ate heartily and slept soundly? Every morning they walked on the beach and more than a score of times had seen the ruddy face of Phoebus dripping with golden perspiration, rise like a fire king from beneath the ever restless waves. At eleven they took their daily plunge in the foaming surf, in the evening they walked on the beach, sat down in the white sand, and through all this programme they talked of Lotus and Clement. They did not join in the busy whirl everywhere buzzing around them. While the social world of Breeze Nook feasted and danced, these two friends in pursuit of health (how commonplace) simply slept. Breeze Nook was the place to meet fashionable Afro-America. Here gathered the departmental clerk from Washington, frittering away that part of this thirty days’ vacation not already used; the solid man from the city in pursuit of health or long-delayed pleasure; school teachers from the far away South or West; the porter of the flat with the dress and airs of a millionaire; the “dude” and “dudess” from nowhere in particular but 266 j. mchenry jones everywhere in general; the minister whose congregation has granted him a well earned vacation; the editor seeking a rest from the arduous duties of hunting his subscription money; the student seeking work to help him through college; all kinds, all classes of men and women of high and low degree flock to Breeze Nook for at least a day or two during the “heated term.” It was amusing to Regenia and Lucile to observe these people in their efforts to assume airs of importance. Want of sociability is rare in Afro-America. Breeze Nook in this respect was an exception. It seemed to our friends that Miss “A,” fearful that a little courtesy would in the estimation of Miss “B,” detract from Miss “A’s” social standing, made Miss “A,” who at home was a friendly somebody, at Breezy Nook a disgusting little snob. Regenia and Lucile, having no particular social standard to keep up, were content to act abroad as they did at home, with becoming consideration for all they chanced to meet. They did not think it necessary to act the lady, they found it far simpler to be ladies. Their unassuming ways made them liked by all. The day Mrs. Levitt was brought back to Mt. Clare, Clement had telegraphed the good news to Lucile. Regenia had been down to the beach alone that morning, and when she returned Lucile met her at the gate. “Guess what has happened?” she said slipping her arm around Regenia’s waist. “I never was good at guessing, tell me,” said Regenia. “I received a letter from Clement,” said Lucile with tantalizing deliberation . “Are they coming down?” “Yes, all three of them.” “Three,” exclaimed Regenia, “and who is the third one, pray?” “The third is a woman.” Regenia stopped a moment, and looking into Lucile’s eyes, said: “Have they found her?” Lucile nodded, “Yes, and I have just sent them a telegram to repair at once to Breeze Nook.” “Where did they find her? Did the telegram say how she was?” “Now, do you know what you are saying? What do you want anyway in twenty-five cents’ worth of electricity? I think they will be here by Friday [3.238.79.169] Project MUSE (2024-03-28 17:11 GMT) 267 hearts of gold or Saturday. Let me see—this is Thursday—yes, they ought to get here by Saturday, anyway. Until then, have patience,” she said, as she tripped lightly up the steps to the house. True to...