The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1894-02-17

| meant. You cannot sharpen thai
pencil; your hands are trembling
Give me the knife. Brad went on
talking IN steady voice, meanwhl E
curtin dainty ahAvings from the
pencil. Tne pencil was sharp
enough if you had left it alone. II
you were any one else should say
you were nervous.
But to return to that night that
you kissed me. You and | were
getting along on purely platonic
Or nciples, as | supposed. When
were pards in the vernacuiar OF this
wild and woolly West; but l never
heard of a partner who would hold
mans head in his lap, kiss him and
call him Brad, darling. OF course
this platonic business is played out;
you can see that as well as l. The
question is: What is to be done
about it?
Through this long speech Miss
Kingsley had been trying to find her
voice and as Brad paused for a
reply she said hoarsely:
intended ito tell you Mr.. Har
per, that l shall leave Smoky City
as soon as you are able to take the
helm again.
Brad felt the tears rush to his eyes
Brute he called himself, under his
breath, but even then he could not
resist teasing Miss Kingsley.
Don't call me Mr.. Harper. Can't
you think Of something more tender9
l much prefer Brad, darling
He threw down the pencil and
knife and tried to take Miss Klngsley's
hand but it was snatchad away from
him.
| think it is my turn now. Vir-
ginia-let me think of something
less tormal-Virginia darling, you
are not going away if l have infu-
ence with you.
Miss Kingsley rose and gathered
up the papers. l will take these
editorials and send over tor the
others, Mr.. Harper, l did as you
say | did the night you we're hurt:
l do not attempt to deny it. l am
sorry that had no more self control.
| am surprised though that you find
so much amusement in throwing my
folly in my face.
Brad's lace was very grave as he
answered.; am a brute. Virginia
Kingsley-I almost said Harper
l love you. l should have said so
like man at first, but was sure that
you knew my feeling for you, and
| did enjoy leasing you little. For.
give me! l am going to marry you
as soon as l am well, ifyou will
have me.
You say this because you are
sorry for me. You think l love you
because | acted so that night and
you are trying to sacrifice yourself
to my self respect.
1 would not do that even for you
Kingsley. Ifyou doubt me 60 into
the next room and find a letter in
the left hand desk drawer, address
ed to yourself and notice the date.
Please go and find that letter, l
beg.
She was gone long time. At
last Brad called out: Haven't you
found it yet? You have been long
enough to read all my private letters.
| suppose you have right to my
secrets now. Oh, Virginia do
come here. l shall come after you
unless you hurry.
Miss Kingsley put the letter in the
breast pocket OF her jacket and
buttoned the jacket tightly: then
she went into the sitting room.
Do you believe me now dear?
found out several weeks ago that
the platonic business had come to
an end and we had to begin on new
basis. So lets form a new partner
ship now. Come here Kingsley,
stretching out his hand. Kingsley
he p!eaded as she still held aloof.
Ihope you don't think that letter a
fake. tell you ON my honor that |
wrote that letter asking you to marry
me the day was hurt. You
believe me1
Yes.
Good girl. If you had received it
then, would you have accepted me.
Yes. very slowly.
Then by all that Is aggravatlng why
don't YOU hate me now1 asked Brad
making frantic efforts to reach her. But
she moved away. On, dear was ever a
man so shamefulIy used2 If it were not
for that gunshot wound! Don't take
such a mean advantage of cripple.
Kingsley come here. | want to show
you about this editorial.
But Miss Kingsleysaw danger ahead,
and she moved to more discreet dis
tance.
Shot or no shot, l shall walk across
this floor. Kingsley-oh confound this
leg. Excuse me. Come here, Virginia,
like sensible girl, and kiss me. l don'l
believe you care row of pins for me
have proposed to you by letter and
By word of mouth. am poor lame
devil, half sick yet, with all the signs O.
relapse coming on, and you won't cal
me Brad darling again.
He rose, and cautiously lowered ont
foot to the floor. Ow merciful good
ness, what twiuge! Oh, do bring mt
something there are salts on that table