The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1894-08-11


ard became, at least, very firm friends.
to admit this much. In the four chap
tiers which, by an unfortunate combi-
nation of circumstances, are lost to the
world, it would have been seen how
these two had at least good founda-
ton on which to build up an acquaint-
ance in the fact that Margaret's brother
was a student in tie university of
which the professor was a worthy
member. They had also a subject of
difference which, if it leads not to
heated argument but is soberly dis
cussed, lends itself even more to the
building of friendship than subjects of
argument. Margaret held that it was
wrong in the university to close it's
doors to women. Remark had hitherto
given the subject but little thought,
yet he developed an opinion contrary
to that of Margaret and was too hon
est a man or too little of diplomatist
to conceal it. On one occasion Yates
had been present, and he threw him
self, with the energy that distinguished
him, into the woman side of the ques-
ton, cordially agreeing with Margaret,
citing instances and holding those who
were against the admission of women
up to ridicule, haunting them with
fear of feminine competition. Mar
garet became silent as the champion of
her cause waxed the more eloquent:
but whether she liked Richard Yates
the better for his championship, who
that is not versed in the ways of women
can say? AS the hope Of winning her
regard was the sole basis of Yates un-
compromising views on the subject, it
is likely that he was successful, for his
experiences with the sex were large
and varied. Margaret was certainly
attracted towards Remark, whose
deep scholarship even his excessive self
depreciation could not entirely conceal,
and he in turn had naturally school
masters enthusiasm over a pupil who
80 earnestly desired advancement in
knowledge. Had he described his feel
ings to Yates, who was an expert In
many matters, he would perhaps have
learned that he was in love; but Rem
mark was reticent man, not much
given either to introspection Or to be-
ing lavish with his condolences. AS to
Margaret, who can plummet the depth
of young girls regard until she her
self gives some Indication? All that
reporter has to record is that she was
kinder to Yates than she had been at
the beginning. =
Miss Kitty Bartlett would not have
denied that she had sincere liking for
the conceited young man from New
York Remark fell into the error of
thinking Miss Kitty a frivolous young
person, whereas she was merely girl
who had an inexhaustible fund of
high spirits and one who took most
deplorable pleasure in shocking Sc
rious man. Even Yates made slight
mistake regarding her on one occasion,
when they were taking an evening
walk together, with that freedom from
chaperonage which is the birthright
of every American girl, whether she be-
longs to a farmhouse or to the palace of
q millionaire.
In describing the incident afterwards
to Remark (for Yates had nothing OF
his comrades reserve in these matters)
he said:
'sShe left diagram of her four fin
gers on my cheek that felt like one of
those raised maps of Switzerland. I
have before now felt the tap of lady's
fan in admonjition, but never in my
life have met a gentle reproof that
felt so much like censure from the
paw of our friend Tom Savers"
Remark said, with some severity,
that he hoped Yates would not forget
that he was, in measure, guest OF
his neighbors.
''Oh, that's all right,'' said Yates.
''n you have any spare sympathy to
bestow, keep it for me. My neighbors
are amply able and more than willing
to take care of themselves"
And now as to Richard Yates him
self. One would imagine that here at
least conscientious relater of events
would have an easy task. Alas! such is
far from being the fact. The case of
Yates was by all odds the most COM
pick and bewildering Of the four. He
was deeply and truly in love with both
of the girls. Instances of this kind are
not so rare as young man newly en-
gagged to an innocent girl tries to make
her believe. Cases have been known
where chance meeting with one girl
and not with another has settled who
was to be young mans companion
during long life. Yates felt that in
multitude Of counsel there is wisdom,
and made no secret of his perplexity to
his friend. He complained sometimes
that he got little help towards the
solution of the problem, but generally
he was quite content to sit under the
trees with Remark and weigh the diff
terent advantages of each Of the girls.
He sometimes appealed to his friend
as q man with mathematical turn OF
mind, possessing an education that
extended far into comic sections and
algebraic formulae, to balance up the
lists and give him candid and statis-
teal opinion as to which Of the two he
should favor with serious proposals.
When these appeals for help were
coldly received, he accused his friend
- . T. IL I. -