The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1894-11-09
CONSOLATION.
A Bit Of Friendly Sympathy That
Was Expensive.

1t was Kitty who first suggested to
me that our prescription was not work
ing well. As soon as she spoke | was
bound 10 admit it. had thought that
jack WDull c,tsily get over his unfOr-
tunate attachment; | expected that,
after Il few quiet weeks with us. he
would forget Clara Wilkinson and her
di,f{racciui treatment Of him. She was,
III nay opinion, a worthless girl, and l
Erlc"e;; K, see him take the affair SO
seriously. And just at first he had ap-
pesired 20 rally. He had become more
cheerful, and more ready for society.
| said as much TO Kitty, but she point
ed out that there had been a relapse.
In fact. She was emphatic on the ques-
ton.
Hes getting no good here at ALL
she said most positively. Really, in
his own interest, | must ask you to
send him away
The sir! has spoilt his life!' I cried
an%rily. Kitty looked at me for mo-
ment. bat said nothing.
Il suppose you're right" went on.
''lle would be better in livelier
place"
''Of course he would, you dear old
stupid" said Kitty.
did not see that had been stupid.
There is nothing to distract his
thoughts here. | said.
You speak to him then?" asked
Kitty. She was decidedly in earnest
about it.
"A woman does these things so deli
cately aud tactfully." suggested.
''Oh. i couldn't think of it, Robert"
said Kitty, blushing. l admired her
dclicacy.
He was walking up and down the
gravel walk, hitting at my flowers (of
which | am rather prOud) with his
stick, and smoking one of my cigars
(l'm judge Of cigars) at ruinous
pace. WhaA | Joined him and linked
my arm t:lrpngh his. he started.
Jack, N:iid [. wouldn't you be bet
ter away from here: Come, you know
what | mean. You're no great hand at
secret
IL" he began stammering, and
in great confusion.
II know all about it," said l, eneour-
agingly. Il thought you'd get good ont
OF the place, but it's clear You haven't t.:
quite the contrary. You want to sec
new things and new people: and for
get this" l paused for word and
ended, this unhappy mistake of
yours"
Upon my honor, you are good
chap he exclaimed. There's not an
other man in England that would have
treated ne las you havc;'' and he COW
cred his eyes with his hand
''Oh nonsense. It's nothing. / hope
I'm always ready to do my friends
turn But it's no use, is it? 1t gets
worse and worse"
III 60" he said, with sigh. Il
won't stay a minute. After what you
say, l couldn't. And, old chap, don't
know how to thank you. Many fell
lows would have taken the way I've
been going on badly: most would
''Oh. we made allowance for YOU.
Young men mustn't be judged too
harshly'
but you're true friend. It makes
me feel pretty bad, 1 can tell you,
Bob"
ooh you'll soon forget it when you're
on the move"
claimed, earnestly.
do: it only needs little resolution.
Because. between ourselves, you
know, you oughtn't to be inconsol-
able"
'Eh?"
In my opinion, Jack, you've had an
escape. And you can take my word
for it. Remember l know the lady
pretty WELL" In fact. I'd met Clara
Wilkinson a hundred times, and had
perfectly definite opinion about her.
''Oh, you mustn't say word against
her." he protested. ''She's been all
that's good and kind and
''Of course, you say that" l inter-
rupted, impatiently. Il suppose you're
bound to. but it won't go down with
me. If ever there was a heartless.
worthless jade"
Bob he cried, starting away from
me; but l was determined he should
hear the truth.
III ever woman" pursued, lied a
young fellow on, deliberately, wicked
~, never meaning anything except to
get him IN her tolls and then turn him
adrlft with a laugh-tlnt's what she
meant with .ou-Oh, / know her-no
one better.''
The unharoy young man turned pale
and his lips t,embled.
Now you know the truth about her
anu nope you'll proceed to put her
Image out OF your heart l concluded.
have s-aked my life on her.-. he
murmured. 'She-she seemed sd diff
ierent. Bob, couldn't help it, she
never
ron were only the victim" inter-
rnpted, patting his shoulder.
IL shall go at once. CAM stov
nee 1nls revelation you are telling
me the truth, Bob?"