Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-12-19

of them. Why. my dear fellow, they all
do iti''
mot ALL" objects Philip: II am well
aware that . great many do; but contend
that no woman can engage in this sort of
hing without lowering her womanhood
and rendering herself less respected even
by the man who responds to her advances.
I tell you, Latimer, have seen too much
of this sort of thing. Why, every school-
girl one meets will ogle and smile if one
happens to look at her,
my prophetic soul tells me you will
marry an incori igible f1irt," Joe says.
not having any opposing argument to ad-
vance.
Never, despise them too heartily"
Nina, listening to every word, feels that
she can bear it no longer. and succeeds in
leaving without attracting their attention.
White and shivsring she reaches her own
room. So this is Philip Cameron's opin-
ion of woman who does what she has
done.
All day she broods over his cutting
words; and, when evening comes, her
mind is made up. She will avoid him as
much as possible; but, if the worse comes.
and he asks her to be his wife, she will
refuse. That dream of bliss is over. Nina
is rather hard on herself, and too generous
to throw the blame. where it really be-
longs. on saucy &ollie.
The days 90 by, and Philip is puzzled
and not little troubled at the change in
Nina Black. He is not conscious of any
fault on his part. and tries in vain to dis
pei the cloud that has arisen between
them.
They 90 out walking one evening to
view the sunset from high point near.
Nina feels that she is treadng on fol hidden
ground. She has conscientiously avoided
being alone with him, but tonight the
temptation is too strong. They witness a
brilliant sunset, and Nina grows enthu-
siastic.
This is beautiful world ~ Philip says,
as they watch together the western sky,
all flushed into sudden glory.
YES" Nina replies, dreamily. Per
haps it is to some, while others find only
the faded gray tints. See, the red and
gold are fading even now. The beauty
in our lives. like the beauty in yonder sky i,
| is but for an hour, and then comes
She stops abruptly. warned by the ex-
preston of his face.
He lays his hand tenderly on hers as he
says:
.And then comes the silvery tint of quiet
happiness, which is far better than the
transient splendor of excitement
| No answer. Nina does not feel equal
to talking sentiment with Philip Cameron
tonight, but he goes on eagerly:
nina. you know | love you! Oh, my
darling, l will strive to make your lite
perfectly happy! Nina, my love, answer
me one word!
| She covers her face with her hands, to
shut out the vision of his pleading eyes.
Oh, if she had then the courage to tell
him all But she still remembers his
sweeping assertions OF contempt, and her
courage fails.
He seizes her hand almost roughly,
| Nina, believe you love me Will you
not be my wife ?"
| "Phillip. it can never be -
He rises quickly; hut glance at her
white, panied face Restraints him. Again
he pleads for one word of love; Nina be-
comes desperate. She rises and faces
him.
Phillip Cameron, when we met here,
a few weeks ago, you told me my face
seemed familiar, and that we must have
| ultt OCioiC. " z iICt ~ " 10
little more than year ago, in the pub
Der two foolish girls who flirted with
two equally foolish young men?''
lie has risen again, and she knows by
the expression OF his face that he remem-
bers all.
She stops him with gesture.
Al Il
week ago was in the little summer house,
near the drive. and overheard part oil
your conversation with Mr.. Latimer
learned then. what already suspected,
that you despise any woman who would
lower himself to do what | have done,
and that is why cannot be your wife,
For moment they stand facing each
other. without q word.
Phillip Cameron is greatly surprised.
He has studied Nina all these weeks, and
he has exalted her above all women. He
has thought her the exponent of pure
womanliness, and he would have sworn
that she was incapable of the boldness to
which she coniesses. He is silent so long
that she tries to leave him.
| Nina" he cries out, IL can forgive
you anything; only tell me that you are
not in the habit of doing this thing. re-
member thinking that the blonde young
lady was the leader. Was it not so. ?''
But Nina does not offer word in self
defense.
Tell ne, have you engaged in that
kind OF Irritation since?"
mir. Cameron. you have no right to
question me thus"
IL have right for you are to be my
| wife ~
And before Nina can demonstrate.
Phillips arms are about her. and she has
to acknowledge herself vanquished.