The Canton times. (Canton, Miss.) 1893-1906, 1894-09-21

Alicla-And Aunt Laura's health IL
so wonderfully improved, Helen writes
me.
Raimund Enthusiastically - I'm
proved You never saw anything like
It, And the girls are really--well, real
ly beauties, both of them. They are
coming on to New York, I suppose
Helen has told you, very soon now.
Alicia-She has not spoken Of it.
Raimund-Oh! they are coming; al
least, 1 hope they will - that is,
think-they ought to.
Alicia DECENTRALIZATION confused he
seems. ALOUD, smilingly). Why do
you think they ought tor Aren't they
quite happy In San Francisco?
Raimund-Well, I'm selfish, sup
pose. I'll miss them good deal.
Alicia (spmpathetically)-Oh! I can
understand that. Helen is SO charm
ing, don't you think9 l said at once
when l knew you were to stay in San
Francisco that Helen would be just
the friend you needed there.
Raimund-She certainly is splendid,
butts curious-somehow, took to
Amy more.
Alicia-oh, did you? She's very
young.
Raimund-I liked that. never had
such companionship before. l mean
err (reddening lightly)-ah--Im glad
Amy is your favorite, too.
Alicia (slowly)-But I've scarcely
thought of her, except as child. We
have not met in three years, you
know
Raimund-She is child-or rather
child with woman's heart. But If
you've not seen her in three years you'll
be surprised and delighted. have her
picture here. (He detaches little
locket from his watch chain and hands
it to Alicia.) That is just as she looks
now.
Alicia Tin surprise)-ls 1T possible
she allows you to wear her picture?
Raimund (calmly)-Yes. She fas-
tened it on my watch chain before !
came away.
Alicia-How strange! But (smiling
faintly) perhaps 1t isn't strange. Per-
haps there was good reason.
Raimund-Well-ye Twill tell you
the reason in minute, but you must
admire her lovely face little first.
Alicia do, extremely.
Raimund-And she's such a darling
the best of darlings, the sweetest
and sincerest-why, what's the mat
ter. Alicia?
Alicia (bravely)-The matter? Moth
ing.
Raimund-The is; you're SO awful
ly pale and-you're crying!
Alicia with a sob)-Oh, not crying
sweet young face-and I'm
Observation-Disclosures may be
very, very happy, Raimund!
Raimund very gravely)-That is for
you to say, Alicia.
Alicia-And l say it, with all my |
heart. Be happy! Yes, I wish you to
be. Don't mind few tears. They |
only come because (hysterically) l am
Raimund with soothing tenderness)
because you are glad to see me-
that's right It's all right! Let me dry
your tears, and then 1 must ask you
one little question which Amy told
me to ask.
Alicia Gmploringly) : Oh, wait
wait-give me moment Doyou think
have no feeling-no remembrance OF
what is past? You and Amy have all
your lives to be together-all the days
and years that are coming
Raimund Tin astonlshment)-I and
Amy? What in the world are you
5alking of, Alicia? What do you mean?
Do you suppose-you don't suppose
Alicia-Ah, dear Raimund, l know;
know! And it is natural-it is just
What should be. There l won't be
elfish any more. Now talk and tell
ne about her. Pour out all that is in
,our heart.
Raimund (still astonished) - But
here isn't anything to pour. Amy
,nly wanted me to ask you if you
would let her be your bridesmaid
vhen-we are married.
Alicia - Raimund = oh, Raimund!
Sobs wildly in his arms.)
Raimund (enraptured but perplexed)
My blessed grill Oh, don't, Alicia!
You break my heart! What is it dear
st? What makes you grIeve? Oh!
turning pale) you can't
-ou don't mean to-cast me off after
IL!
Alicia from his coat collar -Does
like casting you off?
Observation-Disclosures to me,
or Heavens sakel
Alicia with an effort)-Oh, l
bought you had come to tell me YOU
owed Amy and wished to marry her.
Raimund-Loved Amy? How could
on get hold of such an idea?
Alicia-You wore her picture.
Raimund-She was sending it to
GU, dear, locket and all, and snapped /
IL. l.. 4