St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1886-12-26

4 ~ lNNIE, you have turned
rs Rt my love into hate; | can
~ * never be to you in future
la l7l what l have been in the
3 RM/ But. Paul, you for
.hUTk mo. No, Minnie. ]
s4tllN do not forget. Your
words have burned themselves into my
brain and are imprinted there in letters OF
fire."
well, darling. I do admit that was
wrong; still -"
Don't try to make excuses. Min
ME. l know you realize now the
folly of your course. but it is
too late. For months past your conduct to-
ward me has been shameful You have
belittled me in every way possible and
made an especial effort to prejudice people
against me- 1t is unwomanly and L can
never even so much as respect you again.
And Paul kicked the pebbles of the shore
viciOusly. scattering them in all directions.
Minnie sucked the end of her parasol
nervously and looked out over the river
with look of misery Oh her face. Paul
was SO years of age and Minnie 10. Paul
was tall and handsome. and Minnie 1.-THE,
graceful and pretty. They were as charm
ing couple as one would meet in a day IS
walk, and they had known each ether from
childhood Being thrown together so much,
all affection sprang up between them. which
gradually ripened into love. At the time
of this story they were engaged to marry,
although the day had not been set. AS IS
t,o MIL lOVprS fhQV had n
dulged in frequent chickering's, which started
first in good humor and gradually grew into
an indulgence in elimination and recrimina-
ton. Paul became exceedingly cauStic and
Minnie, in turn, reveled in sarcasm until
she wondered how on earth she could ever
think of such things. There was nc
rupture between them. Neither of them
ever thought of its going so far as that.
But they said things each to the other in a
reckless, bantering sort of way-meant hall
in Jest. but which cut like knife, and were
far more painful really than if the words
were spoken seriously and in earnest. Each
got the idea that the other was responsible
for all the bad blood that had been stirred
I'D, and their pride revolted at the idea of
suggesting a reconciliation. Paul thought
Minnie ought to apologize. and Minnie was
certain that she could never so far forget
her womanly dignity as to capitulate until
Paul had gotten down on his knees before
her and begged her pardon. There was a
deep desire in their Utmost hearts for ces-
sation of the battle, but neither would adj
NIT it or give outward evidence OF their feel
ings. On the contrary. they were careful
to conceal their real thoughts, and so APP
peared Indifferent and perfectly satisfied
with the situation. Aud yet they were
betrothed and loved each other
dearly. In time this state of af-
airs would have produced serious
results, but just at this time each INDUCED
in the belief that the other world soon &C
knowledge the error. and the making up
would be so sweet and Joyous. But days
went by and there were no signs OF a
change. Paul had not kissed her for
nearly two weeks, and, although ne es-
corted her TO the balls and entertainments,
and showed her courteous attentlon-sO
marked as to allay the slightest suspicion
as to. their strained relationship was care
full not to make the slightest advance to-
ward thawing the ice. And Minnie. grow
1ug DlOI6 CNOiS N01s mum
tanned an air of chilly dignity that was half
ice cream and half hot lemonade-as it
were-repelling and yet inviting. Her
manner was not cold enough to drive her
betrothed away from her side, but it told
him very plainly that the first OvertureS
must come from him. Their love had not
waned. it was plain to be seen. They could
not conceal that. But false pride made a
barrier between them. and they were con-
tinually induIging in remarks of most
sarcastic and cutting nature. Minnie had
been guilty of one Ct these sallies which
caused the words recorded at the opening
of this story. She had intimated-nOt il
lust so many words. but plain enough to bt
understood-that she hadn't very high
opinion of Paurs capabilities; that he wa:
superficial and bombastic. and was always
extolling his own praises; that
he was not half SO smart
as he thought himself. and, finally, that his
friends had sized him up and were sorely
disappointed to find him so sadly deficient
in almost every qualification which he
claimed to possess. Minnie could have
chosen no surer way to touch a tender spot,
and Paul WINGED perceptibly. She had
wounded his vanity and Knocked him as q
being of inferior qualifications. This was
too much, and for the first time the seeds
of doubt were sown in Paul'S mind. Die
Minnie really love him? Hadn't she
been trifling with him after all? He
had never dreamed of such a thing before
but now it seemed so clear to him. She
was simply heartless, as all women are, ht
argued. and had been toying with him as {
plaything. He had amused her, and nov
that she was firing of him, she did not care
what she said to him or how badly i
wounded him. 1t was deep stab, anC
Paul felt it keenly. He felt tina
he could not remain and bear i
any longer He could not brin!
himself to acknowledge t3 her that he haC
done wrong, that he was sorry for it ant
ask her forgiveness. Eventually h
might have done so if she had not insulteC
him; but now that could never be. She nc
longer loved him-that was plain-and III
would not humiliate himself by craving he
forbearance and forgiveness. No, it was
madness to even think of it. If she diC
not love him he did not care to linger in the
city where they had spent so many happy
hours He could soon forget her if he wa
away from her. and. filled with this idea
he turned on his heel and walked away
simply saying, in nonchalent, matter-of
fact way:
~