The World. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1891-1896, 1893-01-20
with nr. .rman and-A.ice.

with 3-r. anman and-Aice.
Arnold started and dropped his dust
cloth. The blood left his face and the SUM-
burn thereon made him look for moment
like tippler.
What do you meant he stammered.
what do mean? / mean what / said.
went to France, Germany and Switzer-
land with Mr.. Inman and his daughter. /
came back with them. Why do you look so
surprisedY
You misinterpret my expression, Otis.
Surprise was not my dominant emotion"
Whenever Arnold called his chum "Otis"
you might be certain that he was dis
pleased with him. Harlan knew this and
he resented the present GOODNESS Of his
companion.
May ask" he said in his haughtiest
manner, what was your dominant emo
tom"
Look here. Hail." returned Arnold, re-
lenting, don't be cross. once told you
that loved Alice Inman. knew at that
time that was shooting my arrows at the
stars. But was not willing to see her Sac
rificed to man who would make her un-
happy. then insisted that you should
choose between her and Rhoca Barr. Yo1
refused You forbade me to speak OF this
IN. I can't remain silent. At that time
my words came as much from my love for
you as for her. What say now is for your
own good. If you have not made the
choice thatI pointed out"
But have" remarked Harlan quietly.
at have abandoned Calypso for Penelope"
The blood rushed to Arnold's face at this
rather fippant reference to a classic COM
| mic h.ah bod birncaif
At that moment a knock at the door in
terrupted their confab.
Come in" cried Arnold.
"a note For Mr. Otis" announced a small
boy in uniform who was red in the face
and short of breath from the unwonted ex.
ertion Of a climb up the stairs. There is
an answer"
Arnold took the envelope and gave it to
his chum The athlete had recognized the
handwriting. 1t was Rhoda Barr's.
Otis tore open the envelope with trem-
bling hand. A faint odor exhaled there
from had affected him strangely. The
note read as follows:
my DEAR HARRY:
That | should no longer call you this I
know too well, but the habit begotten Of
the happiest year Of my life is strong upon
me. Oh, Harry, come to mel The sum-
Ief ldS DeeH SO long, SO lonely! UHOuRnC
that l was strong enough to give you up,
but the last few months have proved to
me that can not let you go. | am learn
ing slowly what a womanS nature is.
hope you may never know.
Will you come to me tonight at nine?
How much depends upon your answer you
can not guess.
Lovingly yours,
RHoDA.
d. e. IL -
mingled discomfort and perplexity as he
read and re-read the note. Arnold stood
gazing at him sternly. With glance Of
annoyance at his ohum, Harlan exclaimed !:
We'll, Mr.. Conscience, still on guard,
eh?" Then turning toward the messenger
boy he said: You may go; there is no
answer"
The youngster looked surprised, but
seemed too tired to argue the question. A
beautiful woman had told that there aoas
an answer, handsome young man said
that there was not. On the whole it APP
peared as if the latter was right. so the
boy with dissatisfied look on his face, re-
luctantly left the room.
well, are you satisfied" asked Harlan,
looking at his chum.
Arnold smiled gently, I apologize, Hal.
] really did not mean to be impertinent,
but as you know, could not help feeling
/ interested in your decision"
- How did you know that was called
upon to make one2"
AIy dear fellow, your face, like your
poetry is very readable at times"
Arnold resumed his work, while Harlan
repacked his pipe. 8" wonder why he
didn't destroy the note?" the athlete was
thinking.
What does she mean? Is she trying to
scare meY were the questions that agi-
tated his companion.
1t seemed to Harlan, the longer he pom
dered her words, that there was a con-
cealed threat in the note subdued init
nation that she would not permit him to
throw her aside like a WORKOUT glove. Il
am learning slowly what a woman nature
is. l hope you may never know" What
die this signify? He could see her as she
wrote those words and the determined ex-
preston on her face was not unknown to
him. In times past he had now and then
caught CLEAN in her eyes that indicated
a WILL a perseverance unusual among
women. He knew full we'll that to accom-
plsh purpose she was never dismaVed by
obstacles. II she had determined to retain
him in her power ne felt certain that he
would be handicapped from the start The
thought made MIN nervous and as the col
lege bell tolled for chapel he refilled his
pipe and curly told his chum to go and
pray for him.