The Chasm; A Novel (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1911 edition. Excerpt: ... VII THE trim, maroon-colored launch "Nancy" lay ready to be stepped into alongside the boathouse wharf on a hot Sunday morning the last of March. The brass would take no higher polish, . woodwork could be no cleaner, and Walt Bradfield in his Sunday clothes was looking nervously up the street to the south for a motor car bringing Miss Moulton and Mrs. Pearson. To his surprise Marion arrived alone, coming on foot along the white boulevard through the raw little trees of the new park" by the river. "I telephoned Mrs. Pearson not to stop for me at Hillcrest," she said, joining Bradfield beside the launch. "I didn't realize how hot it was. Shall I get in? That canopy looks good after the mockery of those absurd trees." He held the launch from rocking as she stepped in and seated herself on the shaded side. "I couldn't persuade myself you were really coming," he said. "I was afraid after I started that Mrs. Pearson would get here first. What would you have done?" "I'm not half as much afraid of Mrs. Pearson as I am--of you." She looked up the street--perhaps to avoid that faint thrill of meeting eyes. "There she is now " she exclaimed, seeing the Pearson car. "I was just in time." Walt turned to see, mentally preparing for battle with Mrs. Pearson. "No one but the driver in that car," he said. The chauffeur stopped his machine, saw Miss Moulton in the launch, and brought her a note. She skimmed it. "Please tell Mrs. Pearson I'm very sorry," she said. She looked out thoughtfully across Sylvan water as the chauffeur went back to his car. She lifted the note from her lap and read it again, then tore it absent-mindedly across. She looked back along the shadeless boulevard. Walt watched her curiously, brightening finally as he saw her look of...