The Argosy for May — page 165: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

302 Hudson. You know Wellington Hud- son.” “The fellow who won the race last year with his yacht, the Sylphide?”’ ‘The same,” answered Grant. ‘ He’s a bully sort. Money to burn; and he burns it, too. Two automobiles and property galore. All he has to think about is what he will do to amuse’ him- self, For the past month he has been at Athol Beach. He wants me to join him for a visit. Needless to say I shall not think twice before accepting. Here goes.” With these few words Grant rang a messenger call and busied himself with the wording of his telegram, which con- sisted of the one word, “ Delighted.” ~“T don’t believe in stringing out a wire to ten words just because I have the privilege of sending that many for the same cost as one,” he explained in an- swer to his friend’s expression of surprise at his brevity. “When do you leave, Grant?” ‘As soon as I can pack my steamer- trunk. The first train out will suit me.” ‘But what about business matters?” ‘There arenone. My assistant, Brown, will attend to everything. I am not going to Europe, you know, and can get back on short notice.” He looked at his watch. ““T must hurry if I am to catch that three o’clock train. It is usually crowd- ed on Fridays. So long, old chap.” “By the way, Grant, don’t drift into a summer flirtation while wading in the briny.” “Oh, don’t worry. I can take care of myself. Besides, I am not susceptible. I have the technique down fine, but I never have put my heart in the game. Then, too, flirtations are, to say the least, expensive.” He hustled things, and was set down at his friend’s stopping-place late that afternoon. He looked around for Hudson, and dis- covered that gentleman at one end of the piazza, almost completely concealed from view by a circle of young women of various types and ages. They were all enthusiastic over something he was tell- ing them, which later proved to be noth- ing newer than the old, old story of how his yacht won the race. THE ARGOSY. ‘They had all heard it before, but no one was willing to admit that fact. Men were too scarce to worry over their petty weaknesses. . “ Hallo, Grant!” exclaimed Hudson, with a genuine tone of hearty welcome in his voice. “ Your telegram said, ‘ De- lighted.’ The expression is mutual. I never was so glad to see anybody in my life.” 3 Thereupon he introduced every woman in the circle. Grant scanned them all casually, and then his host exeused him- self, and the two strolled off down the piazza. ‘Now, old chap,’ said Hudson, ‘“‘turn yourself loose. ‘The place is yours. We will do anything you say, go anywhere you like. What do you think of the ladies?” Grant gave him a bored look. “Oh, I know how you size them up,” went on Hudson; “ but what is a fellow to do? One must have society -of some kind. And, after all, they mean well.” “Oh, these people who mean well!” complained Grant. “To tell the truth, it would be a refreshing change to find some one who isn’t so anxious to please.” “There is one of that very type right here in this hotel,” said Hudson. “I have been wondering how she exercises such a powerful fascination over all the men. The women hate her. ‘That goes without saying. She is the sort who doesn’t care about anybody or anything, unless she wants to, and several men have already proved that she doesn’t want to care about them. She says what she thinks regardless of the results. “IT don’t intend to give you the idea that she is rude. Nothing of the sort. She is only thoroughly independent. A spoiled child. Has had her own way all her life; and is dreadfully stubborn in consequence,” “I see,” remarked Grant. “ Every man bows before her, consequently she doesn’t care about any of them.” “That’s it exactly,” answered Hud- son. “ How well you understand. She is utterly different from any other girl you ever met before.” ‘Is she?” inquired Grant, with a quizzical look. “ Do’you know much about women?” : ‘“My dear boy, they are like open GomiGcbooks (C@