Page:Mehalah 1920.djvu/62

52 De Witt stood looking at it. The sea was glittering like silver, and the hull of the vessel was dark against the shining belt. A boat with a sail was approaching her.

"That is curious," observed George. "I could swear to yon boat. I know her red sail. She belongs to my cousin Elijah Rebow. But he can have nought to do with the schooner." Phœbe was impatient with anything save herself attracting the attention of the young fisherman. She drew him from the mound, and made him explain to her the use of the rush-platted screens, the arched and funnel-shaped net, and the manner in which the decoy ducks were trained to lead the wild birds to their destruction. "They are very silly birds to be led like that," said she. "They little dream whither and to what they are being drawn," said De Witt. "I suppose some little ducks are dreadfully enticing," said Phœbe, with a saucy look and a twinkle of the blue eyes. "Look here, George, my bonnet-strings are untied, and my hands are quite unable to manage a bow, unless I am before a glass. Do you think you could tie them for me?"

"Put up your chin, then," said De Witt with a sigh. He knew he was a victim; he was going against his conscience. He tried to think of Mehalah, but could not with those blue eyes looking so confidingly into his. He put his finger under her chin and raised it. He was looking full into that sweet saucy face. "What sort of a knot? I can tie only sailor's knots." "Oh, George! something like a true lover's knot." Was it possible to resist, with those damask cheeks, those red lips, and those pleading eyes so close, so completely in his power? George did not resist. He stooped and kissed the wicked lips, and cheeks, and eyes.

Phœbe drew away her face at once, and hid it. He took her arm and led her away. She turned her head from him, and did not speak. He felt that the little figure at his side was shaken with some hysterical movement, and felt frightened.

"I have offended you, I am very sorry. I could not help it. Your lips did tempt me so; and you looked up