I take an
interest in it for two reasons: one is that it is a good island, and the
other is that I own it."
"Really!" I exclaimed, in sudden embarrassment, "you must pardon me! I
assure you I did not know that."
"Don't apologize," she said, raising her hand. "Scarcely any one knows,
or at least remembers, that I own this island. I bought it a good many
years ago, intending to build upon it; but it was considered too remote
from the mainland, and I have established a summer home on the island
which you can just see, over there to the west; so this island is
perfectly free to respectable seekers after solitude or fish. I may add
that I do not sail my boat, but came here this morning with my brother
and another gentleman. They have now gone up the beach to look for
shells."
"Madam," said I, "I feel that I am an intruder; but to assure you that I
am a respectable one, allow me to introduce myself," and I presented my
card.
"No, thank you," she replied, with a smile, as she gently waved back my
card; "we don't do that sort of thing here; as far as possible we omit
all ordinary social customs. We come here to rid ourselves, for a time,
of manners and customs. My other island is called the 'Tangent,' because
there we fly off from our accustomed routine of life.
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