Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-04-25
BICYCLE FOR TWO.
1t is Not Wise to Have Lovers Quar-
rels on a Bike.

From Black and White.
"On a bicycle built for two."-Old Song
Characters-Francis, fellow; Annette, a
girl.
Scene-A level country road upon au-
tumn afternoon. Propertes-One pocket
handkerchief. Tandem discovered travel
ing homeward, Francis B.. Annette F.
Annette-"I'm sure this machine does not
run as easily as it used TO do
Francis-"That's because We are married.
| (Remembers, after they were engaged, how
he used to exhaust himself to the point of
death going uphill, lest she should tire, be-
cause she was so pretty.
Anrette-'What do you mean?"
Francis-"Why. We don't work so hard"
| Remembers, before they were engaged
| how he used to take her flying for hours
| that she might think him strong because
| she was so pretty.
Annette-"No, 1 think you don't: but /
do" Remembers how when she formerly
forgot to work II did not matter.
Francis-"No. Netty."
Annette-"How rude you are. I"
you'll have US over"
Annette-"Good gracious. shouting like
that and know how to balance as well as
you; I've been on a tandem oftener than
you have"
Francis-''That's good. considering have
always taken you"
Annette-"Oh, have you?"
Francis takes no notice, though he wants
tadly TO know what she means; sees her
waist and her neck, and her pretty hair be-
fCre him; thinks she is not so pretty as she
was; thinks she does not do her hair the
same; notices wrinkles across the back of
her bodice; is sure she never used to put on
her jacket sol.
Annette (after a short pause)-"No, you
did ha-ha"
Francis-''Yes, before"
Annette-"No, afterward."
Fraucis-'Do you mean that you let that
bowling brute Spencer"
Annette-"He's not a brute,and he doesn't
howl"
Annette-"Now you're angry"
t'rancis-"No I'm not: don't believe it,"
Annette beginning to like him again.
No? Well, don't"
Francis-"Anyhow, that does not affect
the point 1 was often out with-Td better
not say who"
Annette-"Oh, well, before"
Francis-"No, not before
Annette-"Now you're talking"
Franciscan /? Did no one ever tell YOU
about May Fletton?"
Annette Rnowing a great deal of May
Fiction, but not enough)-"Frank, you
Francis-"Be careful; you'll have us
over
Annette-"Frank. you didn't2" Cries to
look around at him again)
FranciS-"Be careful, silly: yes I did
Annette-"You shan't speak like that; I'll
get off,
Francis (making up the pace with a few
hard bar, strokesl."That's what little May said:
I'll get off, once, when / But she
didn't mean it," bicycle goes at the rate
Of twelve miles an hour)
Annette tslghing in vexation)-"Oh! How
dare. you! Little May you know she's
tons! Oh, I wish mamma could hear you
III never come out again, neverr'
Francis Ito himself working hard)-"Dear,
dear, little thing" (Sees stray curl and
her little ear: is awfully sorry: wishes he
had not vexed her; tries to see by her back
whether she is going to cry or not; thinks
she isl .Netty, you know 1 don't mean
anything" (She docs not answer; he leans
forward, his face over her shoulder, in
stinctively by practice.)
Annette-"Don't." Swings suddenly aside
Bicycle lurches violently
Francis (bracing up and recovering)-"By
Jove. You nearly did it that time It's a
FOOLISH trick. Do you want to break both
our necks?' SLOWS DOWN.
AhnetteI'Now you've called me fool
yes. you did, you called me fool-you did
yes. you did don't want to hear-don't-
Cont speak to me-you said 1 was a fool
you called NELL tell mam-Pll nev-Tu
g (Sobs; he sees her hand come round
for her handkerchief; bicycle goes very
slowly
Franc:s-"My own dear little girl, YOU
must not, really; you know 1 did not call
you any such thing. nor ever could-you
know it. Netty. was hasty, but don't;
don't; know it was wrong. / should not
On, my girl-don't cry like that, you'll
make me"
Annette-"G-go-on; I want to get
home"
Francis-"No, no; we must make II I'm T
can't bear this Gin her ear dearest-aI you
are to Observation-Disclosures lHe
leans over and kisses her; she tries to turn
to him; bicycle upsets.)