The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-12-24
TWO IN TIE PARK.

They came down the steps and walked up
the avenue. She looked up smlingly into
his face. A woman can smile in the midst
Of good deal of headache, though man
can never dissembe his feelings.
.'Sbal we go to the park ?" he questioned.
She nodded. "Oh, yes; you know that is
my favorite walk" Then, after little
pause, she added, You remember it is
where we first met, so ii is fitting that we
should part there"
He wished he was sure he heard her voice
falter little when she said I've should part
there" Yet he strobe more gloomily on,
for II would indeed be parting to him, as the
end of his holiday had come. 1t was differ
emit with her-her days were all play days.
They walked on a little farther in silence,
then he said:
at is very good in you to walk with ME"
at was very good in you to ask Inc, she
rejoined, trying to speak lightly.
He ground his teeth. Would she never
give a serious reply to anything he said, but
always turn 1t into small talk in some con-
veBtional way?
perhaps it is too far for you to walk?"
he said, which was entirely unnecessary,
considering the fact that they had walked
there every day during tie last month.
You know that exercise is one of my
hobbies" Then, willing to punish him a
little for his obtuseness, she murmured,
do you realize how many times we have
been there?"
coQueterY and walked glOOmlly along; then
she for want IF something better TO say,
remarked:
How lovely the day is. Ineyer tire of
the throngs % this avenue"
mo? Well, you will have plenty op-
Il l,.,r ~
rAs l told you last night, this Is my last
day in New York"
Then there was a long pause and they
strolltd on.
But his thoughts were not of the people
and the place ere they were. He was
wondering whether or not she cared straw
for him. Last night, for instance, she was
tender and sweet, and he fanciei that she
had chung to his arm little closer than
usual when they promenaded between the
dances.
Tonight she was cold and Indifferent. He
dared not trust himself to look upon her
beautiful face, for he had decided to keep
his secret.
She, by many feminine wiles had tried to
draw him from his gloom. She looked upon
him, and saw a handsome, brOad-chested,
Well-deyeiOped youth, with stern look
about his mouth and sadness speaking from
his eyes. She auailed a little as she saw
what he had considered q secret, then
smiled softly to herself. After vainly try
ing to coax him into more social mood
she looked back, saying: Il must get back
III time for the drive before dinner"
He then realized that a precious hour had
gone, and looked at her beseechingly. "Oh,
wait just moment" he SAID.
But she seemed memorable.
at is half-past 4, and Mr.. Willis expects
me-"
Certainly, pardon me, am at your COM
mand." Still she fingered looking out to-
ward the park.
This is beautiful place So quiet, so
restful. | could stay here all the afternoon"
Mr.. Willis expects you," he replied stift1y.
She pretended not 10 hear, but was ap-
parently lost in reyerie.
Where did you say you go?" she asked,
softly, turning her eyes full upon him.
ITO Leipsic for year"
"Nlll you have to study hard?"
''Wretchedlv."
And then?" Her eyes were still upon
him.
Then ?"-he turned away "Then-I
shall practice law, if have any clients"
That was an unfortunate question of hers.
II brought him to the stern reality OF life.
But you VIII enjoy LepSir," she ven
tured. feeling her way back to safer ground.
He looked at her IN way that made her
eyes droOp and her color rise.
'Leipsic does not mean paradise to me-"
he replied. "Eou-you-will be in whirl
of gayety."
ION, yes, it is only my second year-but
We shall miss you"
You are very kind" he replied. bitterly.
1T will be surprising il you have time to re-
member me-"
How qnkind You are" she replied. re-
prOachfully. You know"
know what?" he asked, more tenderlv.
His heart began to beat violently. IF l
could only believe" Then, controlling
himself; Yes, we must go. Mr.. Willis
will be waiting, and my boat leaves at
O'clock"
''She sighed, but did not start
81 must say good-by here" lie cried i'm
petuou>ly, his self-conrol leaving him.
70 my darling, love you SO! l had 10 tell
you-l did not mean 10 speak-to tell you
don't be angry!" He seized her hand.
Tel me you forgive me-" he begged. Il
Don't speak that way" she said with in
decision, longing to say so much more.
There is no other way for me to speak
this, to you is only seasons filtration,
while to me-great heavens"
She drew back ami turned her face away.
Look at me just once" be pleaded.
t'What, tears? Are they for me?" He
seized her hand desperately. They had
turned Into a bride path now, leaving the
throng OF drivers and pedestrians out of
tlght behind the bare trees. ut is pty-I
cannot bear your pity"
She sobbed little. "You are so stupid"
He drew her down on rustic seat beside
him. DO you really love me?"
Have you really loved he from the yery
first time you saw me?" she asked by way
of reply.
"Worshped! he solemaly replied.
II don't see why" she protested wanting
to hear over and over again the sweet rea-
sons-because she was so beautiful. her
hair, her nose, her mouth, her complexion,
her Inquire, her carriage; because she was so
bright, so genuine, so loyal, SO loving, so ac-
complished, so bewitching.
And you are so handsome! l should
never marry an ugly man," she murmured.
y gu are SO strong so clever"
but you said was stuDid" he tested.
You might have known | love YOU"
How is man TO know when a woman
loves him? She is the same to every one -
How stupidl | knew you loved me and
was determined you should tell me-"
"Oh, you diplOmatI" And he kissed her
by way of punishment.
Il wonder" he said, "why there is so
much written about the fickleness of the
fashionable girl"
That IS because people so little realize
the depth OF the so-called fashionable girl.
as II II were nothing bat dancing with one.
tennis with another, walking with a third
and theater with fourth"
They suddenly realized that It was grow
Ing dark and looked about in mild surprise.
MI Willis must be waiting for YOU"
ana am afraid you have lost your en-.
gagement, she said in the same breath.