The Washington times., 1894-11-08
p Likt!8 PrObl0nl.

Georgia walked slowly along in spite of the
drizzle that made all the other women hurry.
She held her skirt indiferently and it tapped
forlornly against her ankles, but she was un-
aware Of that fact The one advantage Of a
great anxiety, she would have pointed out TO
any one remarking her state is that il makes
one overlook minor troubles.
Georgia thought that she was struggling
with quite a difficulty that gray. wet alter
noon. She had been lunching with Clarissa
Merton and after luncheon Clarissa's brother
had come in and had proclaimed the lac; that
20 bert Winthrop's picture had been rejected
by the academy. Then Lawrence Merton had
gone on to remark:
Its ali wrong. Rob's been working hard,
but ievershly. I'm afraid he has the gold
craze. He seems mad TO make money. and |
tell you ii won't Uay-eyen financially 1
don't see why he needs TO ruin his art ior the
sake of money. He has q litt!e not much of
course But why does he need so much? He's
alone, and he used 10 be devoted 10 his work
/ don understand. There's the running of a
good artist going on II be doesn't call
halt on this penny-grabbing work ri his"
Aud George. listening, had felt herself
grow hot and cold by turns. She knew who
was responsible for Robert Winthrops anx-
iety TO get money. She knew what made him
a half-hearted worker these days. She felt
that she, who would gladly have suffered any
thing 10 spare him pain, was the cause of all
that he was suffering now. She had caused
the election Of mis- picture.
Tormenting herself with such accusations
she walked miseraDy along and finally
turned to 20 up the steps of her own house.
The curtains at the front window parted as
she stepped upon the lowest step and she saw
Rob waiting for her. She made up her mind
what to DO with a sudden decision. Her nod
to her fiance from the steps was chilly; her
smile when she entered the draWing-room
chiIlier still.
"Ah. Robr' she said. giving him her slen-
der hand with an air that made a oyerlikc
demonstration on his part impossible, I'm
glad 10 see you. want TO have talk with
with you.''
TAX away" said Rob, with great cheer
fuiness.
He doesn't know, poor boy thought
Georgia. But what she said was:
"Rob. we've been terribly foolish, and we
must end it."
Rob looked at her and she found it harder
than she had expected. But she comforted
herself with the thought that it was for his
sake-to save him-that she was doing this
So she went on:
Il want to be free again It's good that
our engagement hasn't been announced.
We've only ourselves-don look so. please.
Rob. You can see how foolish il was-both
Of US poor, you with your way to make"
''Of course. If you wish to be free again, as
you say. said Rob. there's nothing to do.
But. Georgia, only last night-why, child.
what silly notion have you in your brain now?
Do you expect me to believe that you have
changed like this in less than twenty-iour
hours? You said that you loved me-loved
me-"
well, 1 was mistaken" answered Georgia
as airily as she could.
Robert arose.
Very well. - he said, slowly. II will 60.
You are quite free. l hope that you will be
quite happy. had come at this time to tell
you some news which 1 thought might inter-
est you. Nv picture has been accepted blythe
Academy. You see, Georgia, was beginning
to succeed.
What said Georgia.
Robert repeated his statement and then in
some way v hich neither of them could ex-
plain. Georgia found herself in his arms Sob
bing out her ideas.
80 you wanted to give me up that I might
be free 10 pursue art?'' demanded Robert
when he had explained Lawrence Merton
mistake.
'Ye-es." sobbed Georgia.
Georgia dearest" he answered, 'you
couldn't have done it. You couldn't have
done it. If you really loved me you could
not have given me up.
II really loved you,' persisted Georgia,