New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-12-25

Not care for it?'
Moore was so pcrplexed that he could only re
peat her words.
mo. used 10 care above everything. used
20 be striving for il all the time. But now don
think anything at all about it. Now she heSl'
tated Then She smiled in a way that made mos
fitting accompaniment TO her words Now
want TO have a good time. I'm tired Of being
conscientious Conscience doesn't 60 with this all
and sky AZ Job Maine says It's quite good
deal of trouble to be conscientious and you arc
not half as happy, either Did you ever think the
doctrine Of the first Epicureans had some reason
in it, Mr. Moorc?"
When she ceased speaking now Salome laughed
perfectly carc-frec and infectious laugh.
Moore Joined her. He did not in the least be-
eve what she had just been saying. And he ana
not believe that she believed it, And yet-why
should her face have just that expression, If she
were merely talking for fun, as he would have
said.
As for himself, Moore was extremely well aware
that high spiritual life" still a great way
from him But he had told the simple truth when
he had said he had seasons Of longing for it and
striving for H. He could not imagine that any
one could deliberately and trutnfully soy that he
did rot care for il. II was one OF Moore's fayo-
rite subjects He liked 10 talk about it. II
always made him feel better To talk earnestly
on this topic had somewhat of the effect of having
made a notable attempt toward something better.
He was not aware that. while words are a great
deal cheaper than deeds they yet bring often
times moro sclf-comp!accncy than the deeds them
selves
Moore was not given 70 the examination OF his
own soul as has been stated previously in these
chronicles but it was a truth that he did have
hig! standard of manly living. Not that he always
lived ly that standard, by any mcans-who does
But hc could not have dreamed Of denying that
standard
And he thought Salome now was icstng when
she said she did not care for these things. vi
course she cared
The young man was rot likely TO spend much
thought however, on such subjects Just nov. lie
could hardly be said TO think upon anything as
he walked BY tn" girls side
II was now noon one Of those Moons when
Florida. in the fall or early winter forgcts That
she is not really tropical country. and takes T.
herself the heats and the ors Of those Caribboc
isles which lie not 50 many miles 70 tn" south.
The air plimmcrcd holly over the sand. There
was very little wind. In some pools Of water
that shonc in the sun frogs We're piping monot-
onously Salome liked the frog cries II was
sound that told her. day after day. ana NIGHT
after night that there WAS no real winter in that
land whore she had come.
When n mocler flew past her anil. alighting on
tree sang to her, her heart beat with l,ud of
suGocaing Joy and pride in this world ard in
mere animal life.
The mockins-bird cunr 10 :hc branch Of the
wild orange AMI gave ont his scnsuous and yet
spirit-moying song
Salomc tuinrl 10 Moore AL found hi, cvcs on
her absorbeiv. That gaze made her 'tammor
slightly n first. but she aid with sufficient clear
ncs5 speaking ont her th"r"ht:
We are given mere animal life here AMI II Is
50 Iovclv-so lovely. NoH dor'i feel III seem
to know for thc first time tiat inst Nh" breath of
our nostrils may be- exquisite joy. Doa't you
thin, &c. Mr. Moorc'7
Think So don't know. I'm not capable Of
thinking today. I'm orly living
Yes yes. That's IT, 10 be- only living" -h"
returned Il hoped you would understand me
IfIsay ANYTHING like this to mother she hqS snch
ricycd. anxious look como OYER her face that
cannot go on And then I've been brought up
so wcll'-smillur J yously-"th She thinks |
am CHANGED And am am
TIE girl azln stopped in her walk. She
stretched ont her arms with gesture Of happiness
and Abandonment 10 the delight of III" atmosphere
and the sunlight md Tie mood that was upon her.
Moore, gazing at her. wished that her arms had
been extended toward him But something held
him back from touching her.
"Forida has come into my lcart. she said fer
vcntly
Her arms cropped to Ter side and she BEGAN TO
walk on a9ain.
Moore took lcr band and held il closely. keep
ing step viii. acr. Many watm words came to
his lips to be- spoken. but he did not uttcr them.
1t was enough TO be walking thu, with her. Why
should he want - speak?
Once she turned TOWARD him her pale face which
wore lis look OF cNlated enthusiasm.
Then he rut IN, quick question again
." Are you happy
How stupid you are" she cried, speaking
lightly lest she might reveal 100 much
q" Eat tell me, lac urged
Wei, then, if yon will have 1t: am
wrctchcd: am miserable
II don't believe it, quickly. and pressing
nearer her.
She smiled at him.
Then ii you do moi credit what | say, you will
not believe me when | tell you | am happy.
Try me and scc.
Now she laughed
No. 10. | Will nos risk it Let US hurry.
mast tell my mother. She like sou, Mr.. Moore
YoI Ole enc whom every body likes. How strange
tlat mus, re. An. mir Moore. l wish to BAY
something TO you"
The sIi stopped again il her walk she IaC
her hand from Lcr companion.
Il all listening. Lc ond. arc WISH 10 'us-
gest to NoI ,ha, ) oil nigh; calI ue something De-
,lde MI. Mooic.' ,
she made no Iclly to this remark lie I'M
mcdiatciy asked. -
"Nhat do you wish to say to mc?"
He was wondering how he could ever have |
.lsc the word.
III you VIII promise 10 stand perfectly quiet
and not 10 como near me
Yes, / promise he said. There was u soft |
sparkle III hcr eyes ana there was Il trcnIblc upon
or smiling lips,
Sig. claspcd her hands with a movement full OF
ndc>crIDdDlc iCrvOr
She looked up at him, and then her eyes in |
SANITY dropped below his gaze. Shc MAS silent |
ON, what Is 1t p he askcd.
Il tnOugnt 4 could say IL u you, she answered |
after pause. But I'm AFRAID | cannot"