Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1893-03-14

conversation, tor on TINS occasion II
gave Bob's mind the little start it
needed. Il haven't seen you for some
time"
NO; noticed you took particular
pains not to see me on the street yes
terday." said Bob.
Il didn't know you were anywhere
around-were your"
Bob did not answer. He could hard
a success so far.
II want to have a serious talk with
you" he said solemnly.
why, l hope l always talk serious
~. But go on. l am dying tc hear
you say something.
"Will you tell me, if YOU can" he
went on, why don't get along bet
ter with people? People seem to hate
me instinctively, and why should
they?"
don't know why they do" replied
tone, for she really did not know very
well. 1--we never heard any girl say
anything about you one way or the
other. ont I've known Helen SO long
that perhaps they wouldn't say any
thing to me on that account. How
can you tell that they don't like you?"
"Nell-I don't know - for various
reasons" replied Bob.
Il guess the trouble is that they
don't fulfill your expectations. You
know that Il persons Self-esteem is
equal To his success divided by his ex-
pVctations."
But why do You yourself 20 out of
Your way To ysnub me on all occasions?
| sh?nJ think we might DE good
friends
"Sur2ly. want to oe good friends
with ANY body thai ! see a. often as |
do YOU. have never meant - hurt
your feelings never Amew that
could But did you bring me in here
to give me lecture on manners?
Frankly. Mr.. Gardner, | don't think
YOU are the person"
No" interrupted Bob. Il brought
you hithcr TO ask YOU why YOU treat
me 50 badly, becauSe-I love YOU. and
A shrek Of laughter interrupted thf
poor fellow. and Miss Shepard ross
from her chair almost convulsed. AT
this moment Helen Gardner and Tom
Smith, Miss Shepard's cousin. came
into the conservatory together. Miss
shepard. still laughing immnderately,
exclaimed:
Your brother there proposed. Oh,'
A. Boo made his escape the COM
oincd shrieks of the three reached his
ears. but his sisters laughter was
faint. in Justice to her. let u> say.
Poor Bob. his head in a whirl. feel
inc like an abieci fool and crushed by
the blow TO his vanity. no less than
chagrincd that he had made such a
confession 10 his enemy. as he thought
he regarded Miss Shepard. hung around
his mother and the older Ladies for the
next half hour. How he hated and
cursed himself. 1t seemed to him
that if he lived forever he must al
ways feel like a fool now. But finally,
as~he was wandering around, he caught
si@hI Of Miss Shepard in the hall with
her things on. about to 90. Seeing
that she was alone he stole quickly up
to E-.'.
Miss Sheravd" ne began, with a
heavinc>> 1T MS heart. Il am very sor-
~ that va saw lit to make pub what
l told You ami made me ridiculons. /
had a better idea OF YOU than that.
What | told YOU was true-why could
YOU not respect my feelings, even if
they did seem absurd to You? ! think
Il haven't time To talk now" inter-
ruptcd the Young lady bru>quelv, but
with the shadow of a smile: those
girls there are waiting for me- And |
hope, Mr.. Gardner. that you will find
out very soon why You cannot get
along with most people But Bob"
she continued. dropping her voice.
don't be too angry with me. for your
sister and my cousin came into the
conservatory IN instant before you
kEe-: it. and might have made fun of
YOU anyway. II it is any consolation
- N,,u-I have decided 10 accent yOu."
VI