The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1891-10-16

to conceal from myself the reason for
my remaining in New York. 1t was Mr..
Primes society that held me there, and
decency babe me to put an end to our
relations at once, but on his account
far more than on my own; for while
aattered myself that my heart was I'M
touched save by the emotion of a warm
friendship, could not dismiss the con-
viction that his feeling for me was rapid
ly approaching the point at which friend
ship becomes an impossibility. Unjust go,
and Immediately. 1t was foolish and
culpable of me to have staid so long. A
girl in the first blush of maidenhood
might excuse herself on the score of not
recognizing the signs of more than
platonic interest, but for me such an
apology could not be other than sub
terfuge. Mr.. Prime had worry enough
already, and why add to it the pain OF an
unrequited attachment? | would go on
Monday. Tomorrow we were to walk
once more and would frame some ex-
cuse, which he would never suspect. for
severing our connections.
But parallel with these reflections was
a certain element of curiosity in my
mind as to whether Francis Prime would
be ever so far carried away by his liking
for me as to ask me to become his wife
me, Alice Bailey, his poor, hired clerk!
] wondered that | should be especially
interested in the matter, for its ludicrous
side was at once apparent; that is to say,
the situations portrayed in cheap con-
temporaneous fiction, of beautiful work
ing girls led TO the altar by ,ne sons of
rich bankers, Immediately suggested
haunted me, and did net feel altogether
the degree of contrition O. the idea of
having captivated him that | perhaps
should have done. If it was not for my
self alone that be loved me. what was
his love worth? IF The lowliness of my
position deferred MIN from asking me
to marry him, was wasting sympathy
upon him and taking needless precau-
tons.
The idea reused me strangely, and l
found myself talli3g sides against myself
in an imaginary debate as to the proba-
bilities of his conduct. It. made every
vein in my body Jingle to think that
birth or fortune might be able to affect
his decision; and it seemed to me, as I
sought my pillow that night. that / al
most hated him.
In the morning decided that had
probably overesli.natel his feelings to-
ward me, and thar although had better
go home on the following day. there was
no reason why should / aat Mr. Prime
other than as usual. He was NOS in love
with me; or II he were, lie was not man
enough to acknowledge it.
should refuse him if I've did, but
hated to feel that had been expanding
so much friendship on man whose soul
could not soar beyond birth and fortune.
Had he not told me that money was the
greatest power on earth? So, too, he
had said to my face that lady could
not be made, but was born. [ was ir-
rational, and I was conscious of being
irrational, but did not care. would
make him vince at least, and feel for a
time the tortures of a love he did not
dare to express. Ali but such love
was not worthy of the name, and it was
I who was become the fitting subject for
the finger of derision, because | had put
my faith in him.
These We're the thoughts that harassed
me before | met Mr.. Prime. on Sunday,
and we turned our steps with tacit
unanimity toward the park. walked
in silence, chatting inwardly, and he too,
fancy, was nervous and self absorbed,
though paid little heed to his emotions,
SO complex were my own. We had not
proceeded very far before he turned to
me and said simply:
"What is the matter? Have offended
you in any way?"
''Do you think then, Mr.. Prime, that
my thoughts must always be of your"
answered.
calais! no. But something has hap
pened. You cannot deceive me-"
was silent moment. Eyes, some
thing has happened. am going to leave
New York. .
'sGoing to leave New York;" He
stopped abruptly and looked at me with
amazement.
CO, oct1N LII tSuIj iISS
sent for me, and it is imperative that
should go. She is in trouble and needs
me. It is a long story, and one with
which | viii not weary you. It is not
necessary that you should be burdened
with my private affairs; you have enough
troubles of your own. Let us change
the subject, please. But you viii have
to let me so tomorrow, Mr.. Prime
am very sorry to Inconvenience you, but,
as / have already said, it is imperative"
My words were so cold that could see
he was puzzled, and my heart softened
toward him little. At least he had
been kind to me. He walked on for a
few moments without speaking. We en-
tered he park and turned into a path
WHERE, we should be unobserved
81 have no right to inquire into your
private affairs, | well know. he said
presently. but wish you would let me
help you
81 am sure of your sympathy, Mr..
Prime: and If you could be of any
service in the matter | would call
upon you"
"Where does your aunt live?"
81 had rather not answer that ques-
tion.''
He looked grave, and as | glanced at
him frOwn naSSad over his face SHo