The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1892-09-10
CHAPTER Nv.
MARGARET DISCOVERS HER NEED OF CHI

MARGARET DISCOVERS HER NEED OF CHANGE
Margaret could not make her headache
serve her another day without arousing
suspicion, SO she was forced to come to
breakfast next morning, where she
found Brian before her. He greeted her
with warmth that expressed variety
OF emotions, while she endeavored to
show no change in her manner toward
him.
L hope the h adache has quite gone,
he said, taking his cup of coffee from her
hand.
Yes, entirely" she answered; Il feel
quite we'll this morning"
Her appearance belied her words, and
SO Brian thought as he regarded her
rather intently from his end of the ia
BILE. Then a constrained silence fell
between them. Margaret searched her
mind for some remark. She found moth
ing but the question which she regret
ted as soon as it had passed her lips.
-Did yvu enjoy YOURSELF"
A change passed over his face, and he
answered with an embarrassed air:
Perhaps you wouldn't call it enjoy
ment, Margaret l don't know. Some
times l wish could think and act like
you do. 1 would at least be spared the
misery OF regret, anu dareSay "ould
be happier"
Indeed you would" she interposed,
quickly. Not TO think and act as | do
precisely. / do not mean that, of course,
because could never set myself up as
an example; but if You would only
be different. If you would not do the
things which bring regret"
That Is easily said, Margaret. l
oh no haf ha
l am unfortunate in the possession of a
disconnected nature. and it cant be well
helped now. I believe people are born
to certain things, and l am born to
nothing. There's Wilson. l was talk
ing TO him the other day. He's good
fellow, but a crank in his way. / call
him natural doctor. Takes to it like a
duck to water, and is in his element
when he's tending a lot of sick, dirty
children. or course people admire
those things; call him noble, unseltish,
and all that. Well, I do, too. Yet 1
can't do what he does. I'm of different
caliber, suppose. Some time ago he
told me he could get me in hospital.
1t was a splendid opening, no doubt,
and any number of fellows were hungry
for it, SO 1 told him I'd be charitable
and let some other poor devil have it.
He couldn't understand my refusal.
Why? Because his ideas and habits
are different from mine. / am sorry it
Is So"
And I am sorry you have thrown
away so many advantages, Brian. 1t is
really shame. can have no patience
with you"
Brian was silent under this outburst.
Margaret's ideas might be right in the
abstract, but he had no desire to prac-
tically apply them to himself.
You blame me for very common
falling" he said after moment. There
are any number of men in New York to-
day who have no business Of any kin d.
They are well-to-do, of course. and they
find plenty to fill their time. Here
however, it is different. There are no di-
versions, and one
Must go to the city to seek them. /
understand" said Margaret. Under
the circumstances it is surprising
that you honor Elmwood at all. Why
not take up your residence in New York"
He regarded her with more than sur
prise.
Would you wish such an arrange
ment2" he asked, with much warmth
Are you so ready and anxious to be rid
of me? How would you like the neigh
borhood to discuss our affairs, and"
Margaret laughed bitterly. The
neighborhooih has already discussed them
to its hearts content Be sure Of that
l don't believe l can be hurt more than
have been on that point. As to get
ting rid of you, you talk without reason
or sense, Brian. There'd be no getting
rid Of you, even if regarded you in the
light Of milestone around my neck;
which l don 't-quite. Now, I've been
thinking great deal, and l have de-
cided that as you cannot endure life
here I'll have to endure life in New
York 1 am going there next week"
TO New York" repeated Brian,
scarcely able TO credit his ears. Il
thought YOU said il would break your
heart to leave Elmwood."
Margaret dropped her fork and stopped
TO pick it up before she answered:
Don't bring up things I've said, she
returned, with some Impotence. One
cSn't be accountable for every word. l
am determined not to be talked about,
and | want to see something of this
wonderful New York. where life is so
flexible that it an bend to every caprice.
Your expression, sir. You will have TO
find me resting place. Not a house;
that would be a bother. 4 small apart
ment will be lest; please look for one,
| if you can find time from your important
social duties"
Yes" said Brian, gradually recover
ing from his surprise. IN do what l
can, notwithstanding your sary astic ref
| erence to nv duties, Thos. sweet .ip.