The McCook tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 1886-1936, 1894-05-04
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A CONDENSED NOVEL.

that l felt sure you had quarreled.
Ethel Gndifferently)-We had. l gave
him his congo, that's all. He was cross
and rude because-well, because of various
~things-and l said L despised narrow
minded men and didn't want to see him
again, and hat our engagement had better
be broken off, as it was evident we should
not suit each other.
Rose-And what did he say?
Ethel-Jim? Oh, 1 didn't wait to hear
what he said. l had had my say, and that
was sufficient.
Rose-I really wonder that he didn't
dismiss you first, you richly deserve it,
for you nave really behaved disgracefully.
Ethel-What nonsensei I don't see why
a girl should not amuse herself because
she happens to be engaged, and for my
part l should not care if jim were to firf
with all the women in the countryl
Rose-Perhaps not if he flirted with
them all, but what would you have said if
he had devoted himself to one for the
whole. evening and sat out with her as
you did with that Mr.. Douglas? 1t was
too bad of you, because you know how
much Jim dislikes the man.
Ethel-Pure prejudice, my dear, and I
hate prejudice; it's SO commonplace! l
like men to be broad in their views, and
able to see the good points in other men.
Rose-If they possess them. Well,
think Mr.. Amesbury was right to be
angry. would not care one little bit for
a man who did not assert himself
couldn't respect himl
Ethel-My dear, you are certainly the
kindest girl in the world, and the very
cleverest. You are always trying to do
your friends good turns, but you won't
do any good here. have quite made up
my mind-Mr. Amesbury aud l are apart
forever, and not even you are clever enough
to bring us together.
Rose (asideII am not SO sure of that.
Ethel-What are you saying, my dear?
Rose-I was saying nothing-but I was
thinking.
Ethel-And what were you thinking?
Rose-Nothing. Oh, nothing-you love
Mr.. Amesbury still, Ethel, don't you?
Ethel-Certainly not. A man who can
be rude, cross, unjust, overbearing and
who dares to lecture mel
'Rose-Had he time to be all that2 How
clever of him!
Ethel-You little know men!
Rose-Perhaps not, but I think I know
women.
Ethel-You little know me, if you think
I am going to make it up.
Rose-What, never at all? You are
quite, quite sureS
Ethel-Never!
Rose-Oh, Ethel! taking her hands, /
am SO glad, so very glad!
Ethel-You are glad now. You odd
girl!
Rose-Don't laugh; it SO serious to me.
Oh, if I could only have known a long
time ago-how lightly your love lay on
you'll should have-well, I should have
been SO different in some things-in one
thing.
Ethel (puzzledII don't a bit know
what you mean.
Rose-No, how should you? And you
mustn't ever try to guess. But-do you
think any woman is justified in sacrificing
her wi happiness-perhaps only the
dream of her own happiness-for the sake
of another person?
Ethel-No, I don't, and that is why I'm
80 determined not to sacrifice mine to Mr..
Amesbury.
Rose-Oh, Ethel, dearest, kiss me and
forgive me. You have made me so happy.
Ethel-Haye I? I don't see how, but
I'm very glad, all the same.
ROse-Listen. You are quite sure you
don't love Mr.. Amesbury one little bit?
Ethel-Not one fraction of a little bit.
Rose-How differently you used to talk
once!
Ethel-Yes, indeed, once-I had not
found him out then!
Rose-And really he is very nice-so
good looking, SO delightful in every way,
so clever-such very good form
Ethel-And such temper?
Rose-Nonsensel 1 won't have him
abused. No really nice man ever had a
good temper! You shan't abuse my friend!
Ethel-Your friendl
Rose-Yes. Did you not know we were
ever so long in the country together last
August? (Excitedly). He is not your friend
nowi He is nothing to you'll He is my
friend, and you shan't abuse him!
Ethel with calm deliberation)-Do you
mean to tell me, Rose, that you, my W
friend, whom I trusted, have-have play
ed me false? You dare to tell me to my
face you are glad he and 1 are parted, and
that you-whom I once thought so loyal
that you love Mr.. Amesbury2 You firt
with him habitually, no doubt, when my
back is turned!
Rose (half sobbingH confess nothing,
Ethel.
Ethel (bitterlyeAhi I see it all now
yes, you danced twice with him yester-
dayl
RoseI did-while you danced four
times with MI. Douglas.
Ethel-It is no excused!
Rose-Fortunately, you don't care for
Jim.
Ethel stamping her foot)-You shan't
call him Jim, and I do care for him-you
know I do. I can't bear it-I-I-think
your conduct-why, what are you laugh
ing at?
Rose-At you, I'm afraid.
Ethel (after a pause)-Do you really
mean-yes, I see. Well, you can act, Rose.
But you were ever SO long in the country
with himl You said SO.
Rose-Only two days, but it seemed
"ever SO long," for he talked Of nothing
but you.
Ethel (after a sudden pause, laughing
suddenlyeWell, now, Rose, I dare say
you think yourself very clever, but what
would you say if I told that I had seen
through you all the time?
RoseI should not believe you, deari-
San Francisco Argonaut.