The people in question are warm friends of a particular friend of mine, a globe-trotter (address, United States of America) whose
meteoric flights cover both hemispheres, and who arranges the destinations of her itinerary in accordance with climatic conditions; when not basking in the sunshine along the Riviera or under the cocoa-palms of the tropics, she is shooting the rapids of the St. Lawrence River or ascending the precipitous slopes of Mt. Washington. This lady of rare accomplishments and precious jewels, whose benignity of aspect is subordinate only to her delicate finesse, is related paradoxically to the author, through a long chain of ancestry dating back to the tenants of Paradise; we are therefore by mutual consent known as cousins.
Through the courtesy of Mr. Worth, the privilege of his cabin was extended; here the party was served with ice-cold “Three Star” mineral-water, and here my departure from the ship was planned with great success.
After escorting the ladies to the gang-plank, promising to write, and bidding them a farewell, I repaired to my quarters, invested myself in a civilian suit of white duck, and was lowered over the side of the vessel
into a steam-launch, which conveyed me to a point on the beach where, leaving the launch, I joined the trio in a large limousine of patrician elegance, for a spin over the famous Pali Drive. “That is going some,” I remarked, as the machine sped on. “Yes, and then some,” exclaimed the American girl. “Well, all is fair in love and war,” ejaculated a dashing Hawaiian. “Well, well sprinkle this event with romance,” added the other, laughingly. “‘Love and war’ sounds good. If I am reported, I will quote that as my defence,” I replied. “Aloho mie,” in an Hawaiian undertone, brings forth a peal of laughter as the party catch the sense.
Our ride included the ever-beautiful Pali Drive, a magnificent boulevard shaded by the bowery maze of the banyan-tree, a run to Diamond Head Beach, a spin along Fort Street, the business section, and the “King’s Highway.” After refreshments on the roof-garden of the Alexander Young Hotel, where I received my mail, we drove to 091 Aloho Lane, the home of these charming people; here, surrounded by tropical luxuriance,
wide porticoes, hammocks, and reclining wicker chairs, we remained for the afternoon. During “tiffin” a victorolo rendered elegant operatic selections, while suspended over the dining-table a punka inspired a gentle breeze.
In the evening about sundown the party, having increased, journeyed to Waikiki Beach, the popular bathing resort. Here, at the Moana Hotel, we joined in a genuine native “luau,” heard “Sunny Chunna” sing her famous compositions, and later joined in the merry whirl to the music of the Hawaiian Band. Near this famous winter resort we journeyed into a gayety hall, where a string of Hawaiian beauties, festooned in garlands of flowers, performed the “Hulu Hulu” dance, rivalling in vivaciousness the whirlwind contortions of our valiant Ruth St. Denis.
After a midnight lunch at the Hotel Moana, the party returned to the city. A motor-boat conveyed me to the transport, which, fortunately, was boarded without difficulty.
Next morning on board the transport I