The Inn by the Sea (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos or missing text. Not indexed. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1914. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... Chapter XIV THE "big note" of Earl's description proved to be a large cloth sign fastened between two trees, and our little party was readily guided by it to the scene of the social. Portia found many girl friends on the lawn, and it was a delight to her to introduce Mrs. Aldrich and Margaret to them. The afternoon shadows lengthened as they lingered in congenial company under the shady trees. At length Portia, turning from a group of girls to look for the children, stopped suddenly with a delighted exclamation. Across the grass was approaching Gordon Aldrich. He carried his hat in his hand, and an expression of appreciation was upon his face as he glanced about the green lawn with its decoration of white-covered tables. His eyes immediately sought out his wife; but since she was occupied in a manner peculiarly her own, he forbore to disturb her, but came instead to the little table beside which Portia had dropped into a chair, and he seated himself contentedly opposite her. The girl's heart pounded excitedly. Here, at last, was the opportunity she had been craving. If only the artist would converse about the things she wished him to talk about She looked up at him with timidly imploring look as he seated himself, and he smiled back at her with an artist's delight in her beauty. He noted the golden sheen on the brown hair, and the high lights in her eyes. His gaze lingered over the flesh-tints that deepened so softly into pink on the dimpled cheeks, and then his eyes wandered with satisfaction to the deep-green foliage which constituted her background. "I am so glad you came, Mr. Aldrich," began Portia, timidly. "I--I have been wanting to talk to you." She was determined to be bold, yet, nevertheless, her eyes fluttered to the ground and the pink of her c...