St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1890-01-13


ty, after few minutes, speaks again.
"Helen, didn't you hear me? ] have
lust received q letter from Philip, and
I'd like YOU to hear what he says. Of
all the deteStable men in creation |
think he goes ahead. ] disliked him
enough before. but now l think Just
hate him viciousy"'
"My dear child-hate the man you
have promised 10 marry?Thcn think it
would be wise to tell poor Philip re-
monstrateS Helen. in areproVing tore,
as she leans back with her head Oh one
side, and views her work with critical
air.
IL don't think that tree looks quite
right. and that sky seems too deep a
blue: don't you think so, Kit?s'
II don't think anything abOnt it. Do
leave that old painting alone, can't you,
and listen TO me-" replies Kitty, irrcy-
erently.
"Well. Kitty. what is the matter with
you now?" questions Helen. turning her
attention from her beloved painting
with difficulty. and looking at her sister
with resigned air.
Nothing new, I'm sure, pettiShly.
Except that Phil'S letter is full again
of lectures and injunctons. reproachas
and the like: and I'm tired of the Whole
thing"
well, Kitty, do think that you and
Philip are the most unfortunate pair OF
lovers ever came across. What does lie
complain of now, dear?'
"What? What? Why everything.
Accuses me of flirting with Guy ROsslyn
and every one else at whom look. !
do wish he would attend to his own af
fairs. just hate him.
MY dear child, pray moderate your
language little!" remarks Helen, III q
mock serious tone.
"Well, there. read his letter your
SELF" and Kitty throws her lovers let
ter into her sisters lap.
Helen looks at it obviously. II really
do not suppose Philip would like me to
read his letter" she says, dOubtfully.
Little care what he likes. | wish
you to read it, says the enraged Kitty.
u flirting. indeed"
Helen takes up the letter and reads it
through in silence, while Kitty sits with
a fr0wn on her face. 1t is a charming
face, too: aye, more. beautiful one,
with the dancing blue eyes and rosy
mouth.
Helen looks up from the letter.
"Well," she says, "Of course | can't
say it is letter l would like to receive
from the man TO whom ] was engaged;
but. Kit, I'm afraid you are not very
careful about going with the other boys
in Phil'S absence, and"
''Oh well, l tiirt. then, do l? Thank
you. Very atfectionate for sister to
say" Kitty says Indignantly. "I'll set
tie Philip Dorm, however. i'll write to-
night and cancel our engagement"
Now. Kit, don't do anything hasty,"
says Helen. Philip Dorm is rich, and
he certainly is fond of YOU
''Oh. yes; his letter shows it, doesn't
it"' Kit says sarcastically.
'Well, as | said. don't do anything
hasty," repeats Helen as she leaves the
room.
Katie called her back.
"Helen-?"
"Well?"
Zone moment. I"
'Well, what?"
Katie paused.
Nothing" she said.
=
The next evening Philip Dorm is sit
ting in his dingy law office. He is about
twenty-five, and has fine gray eyes and
n beautiful mouth. The afternoon mail
comes in and Dorm takes up a note, di-
Tected in rather Spidery hand, with a
flush on his face: but as he reads his
face changes. The flush born so quietly
dies. and gray pallor takes its place:
then his head drops on his folded arms.
The afternoon wanes and the shadows
deepen, but still Dorm sits there. At
last the door opens and the office boy
comes in. MIR. Dorn.'
Philip raises his head. "Weil. Joe.
I'll be ready for you in minute" he
says. and takes up Kitty's note. The
words are few:
Dear Philip: received your note TODAY
and, after reading il. think that our most
mistaken engagement had better come to an
end. do not think we agree we'll enough
ever TO be able to make one another happy
and so release you from your engagement
remain, KATE LANGDoN
Philip reads the lines over again, and
then lays the fancy sheet of paper. to
whIc faint scent of violets still clings,
down and lakes up his pen. He writes
steadily for a few minutes. These are
the words of his answer:
Dear Kityl: Your note just at hand. Per
haps Won ara right. and il is better we should
part: still. hope in the future we may meet
rs friends Trusting that now your most
mistaken engagement is at an end, you will,
when you turn your attention TO love matters
AGAIN, make more fortunate choice re-
nam, PHILIP DORM.
Philip seals the note. and then turns
to Joe. ''All right, Joe; lock up," he
says.