The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1895-08-22
HER PREROGATIVE.

DOrOthy-Ahl this is better; anything
rather than that frightful crush. Now We
can have a nice friendly chat.
George-About the approaching eventP
Dorothy-Why did you speak OF that?
George don't know. Scarcely because
it is the pleasantest topic I can think of.
Dorothy-We've still to be friends,
George; you promised that.
George-Yes, suppose we will keep up
some form of acquaintanceship.
Dorothy-Friends,y you promised, not ao-
quaintances.
eorge-Synonymous terms in this
world of ours One thing, however, l will
undertake to say. Our friendship, be it
what it may, will be quite sincere enough
to please Lord Eastonville.
A pause.
Dorothy-How changeable the weather
George-The inevitable alternative to
subject of dissension.
Dorothy-What do you mean? never
could fathom your epigrammatical phrases
George-The weather versus your mar
rage.
Dorothy-George, you are simply horrid
tonight.
George-Strange, is it not, with every
thing conducting to my happinessP
Dorothy wish you wouldn't talk In
that way. You make me miserable.
George-What a curious power of reci-
procity some natures possesst
Dorothy-You never used to talk like
this
George-No; one does change But,
you see, it is failing common to human
ity. Some natures change, some hearts.
Dorothy-George!
George was only generalizing. (She
rises to leave. He catches her hand.)
Don't go, Dorl I suppose may call you
by the old name until after the ceremonye
admit am changed.
Dorothy-And not for the better, fear.
(Shaking her head.) Why cannot you be
natural-your old self9
George-My old selfP Ahl that being
is dead.
Dorothy-Asleep, not dead. If it died,
you would lose all that makes life worth
living.
George have lost all, except one
thing-a womans heart.
Dorothy-What do you mean?
GeOrge-Once upon time there lived q
beauteous maiden who loved and was
loved by poor man. They plighted their
troth, and he travelled into far country
determined to amass wealth wherewith to
gain her parents consent to their marriage.
When he had departed lordling rode that
way, not handsome knight but one who
bore an ancient name and of gold had
much store. He sued for and won this
fair maidens hand, but my story does
not end as fairy tales should. They did
not live happily ever afterward, for you
see, though the lordling won her hand, the
poor man still held her heart.
Dorothy-You have no right to say that.
George suppose not. (Rising)
Come, there is the music; one more waltz;
let US dance out of each others existencel
Dorothy-Gcorge, have some pity If
you only knew how I fought against it,
but mother is on his side, and that means
more than 1 can say.
George-You have told him about
about me?
Dorothy-Yes; he can, at least, never
say that deceived him. Oh, how I hate
! it ALL
George-Yet this is only your probation.
In As hours you will be joined to this
man for better or worse, until death
Dorothy-Don't torture me. What can
| do?
George-Throw him over.
Dorothy have given my word
George-Change your mind; it's
woman s prerOgative.
] Dorothy haven t strength. You don't
i know my mother. Position is everything
in her eyes, and dare not defy her.
George-Elope with me.
Dorothy-Oh, no. no; I could not do
that.
George-Why not? I am not poor now.
| We will be married by special license, then
cross over to France. 1t will be a nine
days wonder, but that will die down, and
we can live quietly abroad.
Dorothy-I must not listen to you.
George-Stay, remember you hold the
happiness of three lives in your hand
| yours, his and mine. All three will be
wrecked if this marriage is allowed to pro-
coed.
Dorothy-If were man, might do it,
! but only a weak woman. Oh, don't
tempt me.
George-Neet me tomorrow at 2 o'clock
! just within the Green Park gates at Hyde
park corner.
Dorothy-It is useless. I dare not.
George-In 48 hours it will be too late-
! Then it will be "cannot" instead of ''dare
not'
Dorothy-Yes, but
George-There is DO time to argue-4'
some one is coming. Promise you will be
| there
Dorothy-No, must not promise I
will not go.
George-You will change your mind.
Dorothy-No, no.
George GU will Cooking at his watch).
Twenty minutes past II. 1 shall wait
here until ~ o'clock for your answer.
(Enter Lord Eastonville.)
Lord Eastonville-Oh, you are here,
Dorothy. I've been looking all over for
you. How do, Railton? Beastly crowd,
isn't it? I've just been dancing waltz.
Makes a fellow beastly hot, doesn't it?
George (abstractedIy)-Eh? beg your
pardon. Oh yes, beastly.
Lord Eastonville-Come along Dollie
I'll take you down to supper That's done
well. Beastly good job they do something
we'll Ia, ia, Railton.
(Exeunt Lord Eastonville and Miss
Stanton. Half an hour later enter Lord
Eastonville.)
Lord Eastonville-Hello, Railton, still
here? Miss Stanton has lost glove.