The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1896-10-09
Mary, the tears brimming up into her

L
was rejected. 1t was such blow, for
I had been counting on the money to
buy Jenny's summer dress. She was
rather cross when told her she must
wait while longer" -
my dear little SOUL" said the young
| man, "you are overworked. That is the
| simple explanation OF the whole mat
ter"
The kindness OF his tone seemed to
/ altogether break down Mary's compos-
| ure, for. after Il momentary struggle
for calmncss, she dropped her head into
her hands and cried heartily.
John Redmond's face presented Gu
| rlous study, SO many were the emotions
that passed rapidly over it. He made
| an involuntary movement toward the
little weeping figure. but the next mo-
mcnt checked himself and waited
quietly until Mary herself spoke.
Il don't know whatever you will
think OF me-" she said rather shame
facedly, as she wiped her eyes. Il don't
know what made me do 1t. But I am
so much obliged to you for letting me
have it out am better now"
ITO be sure you do" said John, with
Il friendly and rather tender laugh. Il
have always understood that a good
cry was great luxury to young la
dies"
For PHYS sake don't call me
young lady" cried Mary, with an as
sumption of her usually energetic man
ner. Il do hate that phrase"
Just as you please" returned John.
easily. What shall call you? Novel
list! Journalistic
Neither one nor the other" said
Mary, flushing Il little, n shade of her
late despondcncy again falling upon
her. Il am nothing in the world but
writer Of penny love stories. and los
ing even the small amount Of capabil-
ity required for that"
THAT is nonsense" exclaimed John.
now speaking earnestly. LAS l said
before, you are overworked. You have
been doing too much. Your brain needs
rest, and it ought to have one, Mary"
well, it can't just at present" said
Mary, shaking her. head very decided
ly. .There Is Jenny's new dress and
the grocer's bill. shall know no peace
until those two things are Off my mind"
John was silent for minute, but he
loohcu
"If I could just get an idea" said
Mary, more hopefully, Il think could
work it out l seem to have used uD
everything! l have written about lost
heirs and lost wills-about the hcress
who pretended to be poor and the ad-
vcntureSS who pretended to be rich. l
have told about the man who express.
ed the utmost dctestatiou OF the new
woman and ended by falling madly In.
love with one. l have related the hl
tory Of the girl who determined to hasa
career and finally gave up all fol
love. These things are all worn out
John! They have become so feebl
that I am ashamed to press the pod
things into further service" u
John smiled.
'''rhey are far from dying. Mary.
They are full of vitality yet"
''Weil. somebody else may have
them" said Mary. returning the smile.
AT least. for Il while. l may be glad
TO fall back on them some day. but
just now / should Ike something fresh.
All sorts Of queer things are constant
ly happening in real life if could only
get III hear them. John. haven't You
an idea of any kind? Or some little
thing that has come within your own
experience! Anything that holds
tiny spice os romance, you know"
John looked az her moment and
seemed inclined TO speak. Then his
mind apparently altered and he shook
his head.
oh" cried Mary dsappoin,cdly.
that Is too bad. You look exactly ns
II YOU had an idea
WELL" said John slowly. ~ faint
glimmcring did seem to come to me.
but 1 am afraid You will think it silly"
"Do tell mo" exclaimed Mary. Il
shall be so grateful"
And l don't know that it il partic-
nlarly new" Went on John in the same
doubtful way.
We'll, never mind" said Mary. in
a huSincSslik" way. "A great deal de-
pendS on the treatment of Il subject.
Sometimes u very hackucycd theme
can be made t. sound quite fresh.
have noticed it III several Instances.
Go on, John
She liked her eyes; on him cXpcctant-
ly. and Il smile dawErl Ia the young
wn:uau'.; eyes - hr looked at her
is i! huInprouS:'' ASKED MARY limo
Gently, aS she saw the smile
Il don't know" answered John re-
lapSing into gravity. "Tha; entirely
depends upon how they regard il.
Th:ngs appeal so differently 10 differ
cnt minds. don't thry:"
''ih"y do" r"ioincI Mary promptly
'':;oar:im"S | have written things