Ralph Henry Barbour

“ You come around a sudden bend in the road between high hedges, and in front of you, away off, is the sea, intensely blue, and on the right is a warm red cottage set in a tangle of briar roses that climb and nod to you over the fence. And beyond the house is the dove-cot, with a thatched roof, and gray and white doves fluttering about it. ”

“ Vernon's tone.
“Indifferently,” replied Shortland.
“That means you play very well, I'm sure. You and Mr. Smith must come over very soon and take dinner. I presume you will put up at at the club?”
“I have a card to it,” responded Shortland gravely. “Smith very kindly put me up.” There was an explosive guffaw from Smith, and the ladies smiled demurely. “I think, however, I'd prefer, should I remain, to find lodgings.”
“Aren't any,” returned Smith. “It's club or nothing, old man.”
Shortland viewed him indulgently. “One can always find lodgings. Smith,” he said. ”

“ Shortland.”
“Yes, but I have been looking for that for a long time. I've always thought that if I could find the place I have in mind, I'd like it so well that I'd be content to stay in it. But—I don't know.”
“Even if one doesn't stay in it long at a time,” said Mrs. Vernon, “it is nice to have a home of one's own.” ”