Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1883-11-25


"Oh, dear: no." she answered, cheerfully;
mot for money alone. I must have a re-
spectable-looking husband, with suspicion
OF brains. Then, too, while she is about it,
why can't a girl happen to fall in love with
a man who has money? regard it as my
duty to do this, and-by the way-you ought
to follow my example"
He changed his seat to one beside her on
the sofa, and spoke in a hurt reproachful
tone:
"Robertine, these words are unworthy of
you. I can't understand why you should
joke, either We've have been good
friends" then he broke off as if he had lost
all self-control, all power Of speech
She was moved, and remained silent until
the sound of her mother in the other room
seemed to give her tongue new impetus.
''Ah, Richard, sArt is long and life is
fieetingp We have no time to be great or to
foster grand thoughts. Why, even you and
might be silly enough to fall in love with
each other, but it wouldn't do, would its o
no, it would be ridiculous-mad! The very
last thing on earthln
1.-THE very last thing on earth, he repeated
quietly. They were not looking at each
other now, yet they were both strangely
pale.
The very last" she said. recovering her
self after a moment; then abruptly:
Richard, 1 want to tell you some little
thlngs-confdential, you know, strictly con-
fdentialn
yes" he said, vacantly.
Richard, this is midsummer; but l sup
pose You know people wear fannels in win
ter-time-ladies do"
Her seeming irrelevancy might other times
have startled him; now he only sighed in
quiringly
"Well?'
"Well, last winter-you remember how
cold it was-how many fannels do you sup
pose mother and had apiece?'
Three, perhaps" he ventured, YEARLY.
mo, indeed; we had three between us.
This kept us washing one twice week, which
was tlresome, besides wearing out the gar
ments. Fancy having one such article of
clothing and taking it off at bedtime to wash
1t that it may dry by morning. Isn't the
thought abominable?"
The long, quivering breath that he drew
smote her painfully, as she felt that, through
her, his heart must ache long time, perhaps
forever.
She could not look at him. He rose with
out speaking. Perhaps he could not trust
his voice.
''You are not going, Dicks But perhaps
you haven't been to supper"
IL don't know" he faltered. 81 must go
and finish some work. II hope you will
not do anything hastily. Robertine, remem
ber-remember l am your friend-always."
Then he went out and away.
Mrs. Ferris slid the doors ajar and entered.
''Gone at last!n she asked, glancing through
the window at the tall form crossing the
street with slow, dispirited gait. 'If he
doesn't look common
Robertine had gene to the piano.
Mother" she said impatiently, eff Major
Drummond proposes again you'd better
marry him. He's uncommon enough to suit
you-especially his temper"
She could have sobbed aloud, she so hated
herself. She fancied Richard ascending to his
poor room across the way-his gray. cheer
less, pathetic room-and sitting down uncom-
forted among his manuscripts She could see
his pale face, his sad, brown eyes. She hated
herself, and her mother, and Wilfredi w ales,
and all the cruel, bitter world
She tried strain of Mendelssohns music to
soothe and strengthen her, and her mother
spoke, as if reminded:
"The piano rent is due tomorrow, Robert
inc. Don't let me forget; they are very ex-
acting"
Robeltine changed 70 fierce opera melodies,
and Immediately Mr.. Wilfred Wales arrived.
Mrs. Ferris had made her escape and closed
the folding doors.
81 was thinking of you" said Robertine
sweetly, and speaking the truth.
'Of met Is that 500 Then Pm glad" He
| pressed her hand with all lovers fondness.
Nor was he really so objectionable we'll
built man with progressing countenance
| and frank, easy speech. He never romanced,
nor paused for exactness, nor unfolded
quaint discoveries, nor INDUCED in ben tro-
vato poesy, as poor Dick Ethel was wont.
He was cheerful caller and often made
| her laugh; still there were times when she
| could as well have yawred. Poor Dick
| Ethel might have talked all night and never
wearied her,
take the rocking chair, - she begged, "and
| will sit right here on the sofa. We can
both sec the street and feel the breeze"
Thanks said Mr. Wales, twinkling his
great third-fnger diamond by careless mo-
lions of the hand.
'Isay, what do you think' I am going to
| change hotels"
Indeed. Why thought you liked your
| place SO much?'
Il did, until this morning. Never was
more surprised in my life. What do you sup
pose 1 found in my coffee?'
"a fly" the young lady suggested.
Not exactly"
Then roachn
| cob, no; dear me, not 50 bad. But it
was a shred Of something resembling cot
| TOM
''Ol" said Robertine in a relieved tone, "a
| piece of the dish-cloth. And you win change
because of that.'
81 have serious thoughts. And now Rob
ertine-n
She turned to the window and gazed in
| tently.
What are you looking atF' he asked.
THAT literary friend of yours coming out
across. Clever fellow, isn't be? Wish /
| could write. But, do you know, Robertine,
l fancy-though l may be mistaken-I
fancy the poor fellow hasn't got good tai
| lor"
Robertine answered very deliberately: 81
think it more probable that he hasn't any at
all.n
"Whatl you don't mean he is distressed.
That would be roughl A fellow that can
reel off such things I'd like to help him out
some way or other. Do you think he'd be
| offended if l asked him to accept present
| al know he would be offended - sbe an.