Page:Maud Howe - A Newport Aquarelle.djvu/126

 "In other words, you think me a bully? Now go this instant! I won't have you stay here and abuse me. Go, I say, and bring me the bunch of red seaweed."

"You are cruel, but I yield. You are not afraid to be left alone?"

"No; I am within calling distance from the house."

When she was alone, the tall beauty rose from her seat on the trunk of a fallen tree, and walked rapidly in the opposite direction. The path over which she passed was fragrant with pine needles and wild flowers. Overhead hung the boughs of the larch-trees which lined the walks, and over the trees was the soft blue of the summer sky. Carrying her riding crop in one hand, and holding her habit with the other, she ran down the path, which sloped suddenly toward the great pond at its foot.

Gladys had ridden out to visit a country friend, who lived in a quiet vale many miles distant from the gay town. Finding her