Excerpt from The Sapphire Bracelet

On the island, alas, save in one or two cases, the problem remained a problem, for the picnic party was sadly lacking in men. So, if the girl had gone to the picnic, instead of remaining at the hotel with her Aunt Har riet, perhaps by this time she would have been looking wistfully across the lake to the deserted hotel. Still, one always fancies one will have a pleasant time at a picnic, and grows surer of it as the day advances that is, when one stays away. So, the girl felt just the least bit lonely and unhappy, even though she cared not a cent for any indi vidual member of the picnic party.

I couldn't have gone, anyway, she said to herself. That train being so early made it quite impossible. Which might lead one to infer that she expected a friend, or some one, at least, by a certain train.

She was not really disconsolate, however, for she carried in her hand an exciting story.

She was sure it was exciting, for she had already read the last chapter, and it had ended most dramatically. Then, too, her hammock was most comfortable. Indeed, it was her own particular hammock, which she had brought with her from New York.

Therefore, when she approached the two maples, with every prospect of a peaceful afternoon, she was, naturally, surprised, and a little indignant, to find her hammock occu pied by a young man; rather a handsome young man, to be sure, but also an inter loping, vexatious young man, who must be shown his place, must be taught that he could not, with impunity, fall asleep in hammocks that belonged exclusively to pretty, attractive young ladies. For there could be no doubt ing it: the young man was fast asleep.

Perhaps if the girl had known him, she would have liked him, for Morton Prince was most likable. But she did not know him; she was ignorant that his name was Morton Prince. Indeed, she was aware of but three things: a young man was asleep in her hammock, she wanted her hammock, she meant to have it.

To accomplish her design, it was obviously necessary to awaken the young man. It might be that a cough would awaken him?

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