The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1895-03-15
BESS MONTR0SS.


trees we're bending and wailing before
the sweeping wind. Inside was light
and music and the gentle murmur OF
well-bred voices. Outside, an Alabama
forest; inside, the comfortable parlors
Of a winter hotel.
At a small table were two persons
a man and a woman. While the music
went on they talked in a careless,
haphazard way, as II the matter under
discussion were only Of the slightest
interest; yet, when the music made
pause, they, too, were silent.
An open magazine lay upon the table
before them. Some one was playing
a waltz in bad time, and under It's
cover the young man again took up
the conversational ball where his COM
panion had dropped 1t.
81 am sorry you don't like my story,
Eugenia," he said. II rather fancy 1t
is the best thing l have done. II
could only have had space to expand
the idea. However"
1T is just the idea l don't like" re-
piled the girl whom he addressed as
Eugenia. 1T is too greatly expanded
already. AS usual, you have finished
off every phrase, every sentence, every
paragraph with the utmost polish OF
which your art is capable; and 1t is
capable of a great deal. 1t is as flaw
less" she hesitated an instant for the
comparison, "as the most perfect
pearl. And is as cold"
The young man flushed a little with
pleasure at her words of measured
praise, but relaspsed into his habitual
composure as she finished.
That is what l mean It to be-" he
answered; I'VE have had somewhat too
much of the human passions in our
literature. People are being taught
that purely platonic affection cannot
possibly exist between man and
woman. / think differently"
And 80 you would have them marry
without loving?" She said this with a
suggestive gathering Of scorn about
her mouth.
by no means" he interposed; but
Just then the music stopped again and
he toyed with the eyeglasses in his
hand. AS he was about to resume Eu-
genia interrupted him.
Yet you make your hero, Palmer
Ainsworth, choose his wife as he
would a horse-with a calm considera-
tion Of what was best suited to his
needs
BY this time the suggestion Of scorn
had deepened until 1t indicated posi-
tive contempt, and the flashing glances
from Eugenia Kingdoms eyes denoted
clearly that she, at least, would not be
chosen in that manner.
THAT is quite right" said her COM
panion, with the stubborn persistence
that authors always show in defending
their work, whether they are right or
wrong; you see, it led to happiness
for both"
''In your story-yes. In real life II
would have been misery and shame
and humiliation-to the woman-when
she came to know how easily she had
given herself up"
'She would never know" He spoke
with quiet emphasis that seemed to
invest the conversation with some per-
sonal element that 1t had before lack
ed. Eugenia took advantage Of another
lull in the music to avoid an immedi-
ate reply.
Some one suggested dancing, and the
various groups about the parlor dis
integrated and reformed about a COM
mon centre to discuss the proposition.
Eugenia rose to take part in this,
while her companion remained and
turned thoughtfully the pages that
scintillated with the bright and epi-
grammatic, but icily cold, offpourings
of his pen.
Suddenly a voice interrupted his re-
very:
Come, old man, don't sit here moon
ing. We are all going to the dining
room to dance. Let's see II we can't
make noise enough to keep out the
sound of the wind. 1t howls tonight
as If the witches were abroad"
Aylmers looked up curiously into
the bronzed and bearded face above
him.
"Ah, Featherstone, you are here, are
you? Didn't know you could leave the
mine and the black diamonds long
enough to show in society-even the
society Of the piney woods. And, by
the way, since when have you been
troubled with fancies about witches?"
Featherstone laughed softly.
Not so long as you have about pla-
tonic love, Judge, Gordon. At least,
/ have not attempted to develop nv
fancies into cult. Yes, I've read ii.
Deucedly clever sketch, but I'm sorry
for you IL you believe IT,"
Eugenia had come up and stood lis
tsning as the men talked. At the FIRST
pause she turned to Aylmers:
Shall you dance Gordon?" she ask
ed.
mo, you know don't care for It,"
I'VE must do something to break
the monotony of this awful place. You
won't refuse, hope" she said, with
an appealing glance at Featherstone.
only too happy, II Gordon will per-
init" was the ready but half-sarcastic
answer.
"Oh, don't mind me. I shall 20 out
and look for your witches, Hugh"
And we will discuss your theory of
platonic love-" replied Featherstone,
leading his companion away where the
strains OF the violin were already call
ing the dancers.
1t was very dark in the pines, now
that he was beyond the lights from
the hotel, and Aylmers started at find
ing some one crouching beside his
path. Pressing forward, he was able
20 distinguish the form of n woman