The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1895-11-19
MY BEST FRIEND.

For centuries past moralists have been
lamenting the decline of love. But moral
lists must sigh over something. Are they
right? They may be, but I assure you
that I care very little; for in spite of all
they may say or do have friend, veri-
table friend-a friend such as one hardly
Syer finds.
He is not a Philnite, neither Is he an
A1ceste, but q sage. He does not exagger-
ate, nor is he partial He sees the world
as it is and interprets it correctly. So
much the worse for the people if he is
sometimes ugly to behold.
He has but one motto-frankness and
loyalty. Do not ask Of han the fatal COM
plaisance Of the hypocritical fatterer or
the forced appreciation of the shameless
parasite. But ask of him counsel, disin-
terested and reliable, his candid opinion
even though the latter should mortify for
a moment-en fin, ask of him anything
you should expect from a faithful compan-
ion, and he will never betray your conf
dence.
The first time I learned to appreciate
him-we had already been on intimate
terms, but I did not prize his worth and
loft him in the shade-the first time, I
say, that learned to appreciate him was
On certain night. l was invited to ball
which should be preceded by private theat-
ricals consisting of a parler concert and
comedy. Partly through vanity and partly
to be obliging l had accepted role in
both. I hoped to be successful and several
of my friends assured me that played like
the deceased Tal1na and sang like Eilevion.
l was about to go out, when suddenly
the idea came to me to try certain part
of the play before him whom had neg
lected to consult. We we're alone in the
- l. 1ol@- ~
ney.
I commenced TRADE with gestures;
but interrupting me at the first words, he
said:
what! Have you lost your head? Do
you not perceive that you arc grotesque-
that this comedy is trap, and that you
are blinded by hattery?"
And yet
".Yet' makes no difference. The panto-
mime is awkward, your face puckered,
your arms like wires. You will bs ap-
plauded openly, but scoffed at secretly.
OF this l warn you"
You viii at least yield to the three
verses of my romance In A hat?''
THAT still worse. Your mouth screwed
up and your eyes uplifted. Do you really
wish to pose as a caricature?'
For a moment was vexed, but on ex-
aiming myself I understood the correct
a soiree I can never sec a victim dabbling
in proverbs or laundering in romance
without secretly blessing my friends in
reference
Henceforth we swore eternal friendship
to each other, and trusted him without
reserve.
But where will one meet such marvellous
perspicacity2 1t is impossible to hide any
thing from him. At first sight he begins
to question me.
GOOD day. What is the news today
The devil! We are displeased with our
selves. We are annoyed by poor scheme
or prosecuted by remorse. Take care my
friend; renorse is a melancholy compan-
ion. -
Or else:
"Wel and good. like this bright face.
I'll venture to say you've just performed
a good act. do not congratulate you, as
it is evident you are already repaid. -
And the good fellow always divines
rightly, SO that one of these days I shall
become altogether good under my friends
influence.
Therefore if I had daughter
Some perfidious tongues have on this
subject spread bad reports concerning my
friend. They say that he exercises dan
gerous influence over women. But per
sist in maintaining that these rumors are
false.
Therefore-I repeat tiff had daugh-.
ter, it is to him would send her for ad-
vice, and think he would say:
MY dear, you are young and beautiful.
May these two ornaments always adorn
you. Others will ask the luxury of useless
iinery. Always remain simple, that you
may be loved
Besides, there is hardly a physician more
observing. 1t is true, he belongs to no
%I0a I'll
the homeopath. He has invented no secret
remedy; neither has he made any an
nouucement on the fourth page Of the
newspaper.
But for this is he any worse9 For my
part, I think him wiser, for his science is
based Oh self evident facts. He is never
mistaken, you may be sure.
HIM, h-ml We did not sleep well last
night?''
why dissemble? We sat up too late
We are in lover We sat up too late, as the
dark circles about the eyes clearly prove.
prescribe to retire early today or I'll not
be responsible for the result. And, really,
the case is graver than I thought it. You
have been glutton this week? Do not
deny it. That yellow color says indiges-
ton
1t is not long since we had an alterca-
tlon was passing MIN one Gay Wltnoub
thinking of any harm when he accosted
me at the passage.
"Do you know that you are commenc-
ing to turn gray?''
You don't say SCAT my age?''
tbs only warning"
"With which I could very we'll dis
pense. y
But which does not prevent my seeing
beautiful white hair on your temple.
only tell you this that you may be prepared
to relinquish your youthful pretensions,
which would become ridiculous
Really, you weary me-
81 am very sorry
A little more and all would have been
i over between us. But he, without being
reused, continued:
There is another fault. I had never
yet seen you in q temper. Do you know