Eveline

are positively objectionable or repulsive, it matters little-we shall possess all we require. I promise you that in the present case it is neither, but, on the other hand, attractive in every sense. You will be charmed and even sympathetic when you know more.'

'You excite my curiosity, papa. When may I take my first dose?'

'As soon as we are back in town together. They say the implement of love is immense, and that its owner is singularly gifted in sexual gratifications.'

'Oh, papa! You are too good to your naughty little Eveline. You offer her a banquet-it will not be medicine. It will be a draught of pleasure. My mouth waters already. I long to taste it.'

Percy had been at Eastbourne three days. We had not altogether lost our time. I determined to run up to town. I went by an early train alone. I entered the station some fifteen minutes before the train started. On the platform was a gentlemanly looking man in a tweed suit. I thought I had seen his face before. I could not recall where. We passed each other. He looked pointedly at me. Certainly I knew his features. I never forget, if I take an interest in a man's appearance. I liked the look of this tall, well-built fellow in tweeds. He appeared to be about thirty-five to forty years of age-hale and hearty. I gave him one of my glances as he passed me.

'This way, miss. First class-no corridors by this train. You will be all right here. You're all alone at present.'

'Thank you, guard. Does the train go up without stopping?'

'Stops at Lewes, miss. That's all-then right up.'

I saw my tall friend pass the carriage. Another glance. He stopped-hesitated-then opened the door and got in. He took a seat opposite me. The newspaper appeared to engross his attention until the whistle sounded. We were off.

'Would you object to my lowering the window? These carriages are stuffy. The morning is so warm.'

I made no objection, but smilingly gave consent.

'How calm and beautiful the sea looks! It seems a pity to leave it.'

'Indeed I think so-especially for London.'

'You are going up to London? How odd! So am I.'

I could not be mistaken. I had seen him somewhere before.

'I shall miss the sea very much. We have no sea bath in Manchester. I love my morning dip.'

It struck me like a flash. I remembered him now.

'You must have enjoyed it very much, coming from an inland city.'

'Well, yes, you see I had a good time. They looked well after me. Always had my machine ready.'

'I have no doubt of that.'

'No. 33. A new one-capital people-very fine machine.'

I suppose I smiled a little. He laughed in reply as if he read my thought. Then he folded up his paper. I arranged my small reticule. It unfortunately dropped from my hand. He picked it up and presented it to me. His foot touched mine. We conversed. He told me he lived near Manchester. He had been to Eastbourne for rest. His business had been too much for him, but he was all right now. His gaze was constantly upon me. I kept thinking of his appearance all naked on the platform of the bathing machine as old David Jones rowed me past. We stopped at Lewes. My companion put his head out of the window. He prevented the entry of an old lady by abusing the newspaper boy for his want of activity. The train started again.

'I think Eastbourne is one of the best bathing places on the coast. You know where the gentlemen's machines are?'

'I think I know where they keep them.'

'Well, I was going to say-but-well-what a funny girl you are! Why are you laughing?'

'Because a funny idea struck me. I was thinking of a friend.'

His foot was pushed a little closer-very perceptible was the touch. He never ceased gloating on my person. My gloves evidently had an especial attraction for him. Meanwhile, I looked him well over. He was certainly a fine man. He roused my emotions. I permitted his foot to remain in contact with my boot. I even moved it past his, so that my ankle touched his. His face worked nervously. Poor man, no wonder! He gave me a searching look. Our glances met. He pressed my leg between his own. His fingers were trembling with that undefined longing for contact with the object of desire I so well understood. I smiled.

'You seem very fond of the ladies.'

I said it boldly, with a familiar meaning he could not fail to understand. I glanced at his leather bag in the rack above.

'I cannot deny the soft impeachment. I am. Especially when they are young and beautiful.'

'Oh, you men! You are dreadfully wicked. What would Mrs. Turner say to that?'

I laughed. He stared with evident alarm. It was a bold stroke. I risked it. Either way I lost nothing.

'How do you know I am married?'

My shaft had gone home. He had actually missed the first evident fact. He picked it up, however, quickly, before I could reply.

'It appears you know me. You know my name.'

'Well, yes. You see I am not blind.'

I pointed to the label on the bag above his head. It was his turn to laugh.

'Ah! You have me there! What a terribly observant young lady you must be.'

He seized my hand before I could regain my attitude. He pressed it in both his own.

'You will not like me any the less-will you? I thought we were going to be so friendly.'

'On the contrary-they say married men are the best.'

Up to this point, my effrontery had led him on. He must have felt he was on safe ground. My last remark was hardly even equivocal. He evidently took it as it was intended. I was equally excited. The man and the opportunity tempted me on. I wanted him. I was delighted with his embarrassment-with his fast increasing assurance. I made no attempt to withdraw my hand. He crossed over. He occupied the seat beside me. My gloved hand remained in his.

'I am so glad you think so. You do not know how charming I think you. Married men ought to be good judges, you know.'

'I suppose so. I rather prefer them.'

I looked in his face and laughed as I uttered the words. He brought his very close. He passed his left arm round my waist. I made no resistance. The carriage gave a sympathetic jerk as it rushed along. Our faces touched. His lips were in contact with mine. It was quite accidental, of course, the line is so badly laid. We kissed.

'Oh, you are nice! How pretty you are.'

He pressed his hot lips again to mine. I thought of the sight I had seen on the bathing machine. My blood boiled. I half closed my eyes. I let him keep his mouth upon mine. He pressed me to him. He drew my light form to his stout and well-built frame as in a vice.

I put my right foot up on the opposite seat. He glared at the pretty tight little kid boot. He was evidently much agitated.

'Ah! What a lovely foot!'

He touched it with his hand. His fingers ran over the soft pale cream-colored leather. I wore a pair of papa's prime favorites. He did not stop there. The trembling hand passed on to my stocking, advancing by stealthy degrees. It was then he tried to push forward the tip of his tongue.

'How beautiful you are and how gentle and kind!'

His arm enfolded me still closer, my bosom pressed his shoulder. His hand pressed further and further up my stocking. I closed my knees resolutely. I gave a hurried glance around.

'Are we quite safe here, do you think?'

'Quite safe, and, as you see, quite alone.'

Our lips met again. This time I kissed him boldly. The tip of his active tongue inserted itself between my moist lips.

'Ah! How lovely you are! How gloriously pretty!'

'Hush! They might hear us in the next carriage. I am frightened.'

'You are deliciously sweet. I long for you dreadfully.'