“It would be terrible for our complexions,” Nina objected.
“We can’t afford complexions, any more,” said Rose. And she began unpacking the basket, setting the tins and packages in neat rows on the dresser. The effect delighted them both; they were beginning to feel really at home now.
II
The sun was going down behind the house, and the sea before them reflected in its darkening waters the faint purples and pinks streaking the sky. Mrs. De Haaven and her sister were on the veranda, facing the spectacle, but it aroused no enthusiasm in them; they were silent. They were tired, dejected and—hungry.
It was early in the season, and most of the bungalows were still unoccupied; there was not a soul in sight, not a human sound to be heard, nothing but the quiet breaking of the waves on the beach. A vast and inhospitable world.
“There comes some one!” said Mrs. De Haaven.
Round the corner of the shore two figures came into sight, a girl and a man. They came on very slowly, so close to each other that now and then their shoulders[Pg 387] touched. The strange sunset light touched their young heads with a sort of glory.
“We can ask her,” Mrs. De Haaven began doubtfully.
“I suppose I’ll have to,” said Rose. “There’s no one else alive on the surface of the earth. But—somehow I hate to bother them about oil stoves at such a moment. Still, I can’t let her go!”
She sighed, and got up, but just then the couple turned and began walking up the sands directly toward them. They were so absorbed in each other, not talking very much, but looking at each other from time to time, long, long glances.