166 THE OPEN AIR. 



English lady could do it ; but could any other ? 

 unless, indeed, an American of English descent. Still, 

 it is a barbarous thing, for bathing could be easily 

 rendered pleasant. The cruel roller receded, the soft 

 breeze blew, the sunshine sparkled, the gleaming 

 foam rushed up and gently rocked her. The Infanta 

 Cleopatra lifted her arm gleaming wet with spray, 

 and extended it indolently; the sun had only given 

 her a more seductive loveliness. How much more 

 enjoyable the sea and breeze and sunshine when one 

 is gazing at something so beautiful. That arm, 



rounded and soft 



" Excuse me, sir, but your immortal soul " a hand 

 was placed on my elbow. I turned, and saw a beam- 

 ing face ; a young lady, elegantly dressed, placed a 

 fly-sheet of good intentions in my fingers. The fair 

 jogger beamed yet more sweetly as I took it, and 

 went on among the crowd. When I looked back 

 the Infanta Cleopatra had ascended into her machine. 

 I had lost the last few moments of loveliness. 



