The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1896-09-16

me PAIN. Experience has taught me
that if a man saw much of you he
generally cared for you, and you tried
to ward me off. But you cannot keep
the moth from the candle, and loved
you in spite of your GOODNESS. 1t al
most looks as if there was something
in your theory, doesn't it?"
Miss Doaue gathered herself to-
gether. Stewart did not know it, but
she was summoning courage to tell
him the truth about herself. She
loved to be we'll thought Of, aud it
was genuine sacrifice to speak, but
she could not, in common honesty,
allow him to remain under his de-
lusion.
"You must not think too we'll of
me-" she began.
81 could not" he cried. "One
rarely sees so much youth and beauty
and simple goodness united as find
in you"
Simple goodness The words
scorched her.
"You are all wrong" she cried,
with burning cheeks. 81 am not the
least bit like that. Don't you see?
Can't you understand? 1t vexed me
to have you laugh at my theory, SO l
determined to make you an example
of its truth. It was from no good
motive-not to ward you Off or to
save you pain, but with the distinct
intention of making you care for me,
that pretended to be indifferent. "
Stewart got slowly to his feet.
"And so" he said, Sin support of a
theory, for the sake of proving your
self in the right, you could play with
mans heart and make havoc of his
life. Fool, fool, that i was, not to
understand !" and he struck one palm
sharply against the other. ''Well, !"
with sarcastic courtesy, "the point is
gained, the poor dupe is at your feet.
/ hope You are content.
"Coutentl" she cried. 81 was new
or so sorry in my life. 1t seems
strange should care, doesn't it? As
you say, 1 have gained my point-and
yet"
"Yes, he said, "and yet?"
Instead of replying she turned her
head swiftly away, but not before he
had seen that her eyes we're full of
tears. lie stood irresolute, overcome
by surprise; then he approached her,
Don't cry like that" he said,
"You never N cant to hurt me; it was
pretty bit of acting to you, and if /
was stupid and overdid my part you
are not to blame. There, look up.
What will your cousin say if he learns
I distressed your
"What is it to me what my cousin
thinks?"
Mr.. Stewart started. ''Pardon me,
but 1 thought that being engaged to
him"
81 am not engaged to him. Moth
ing is further fro n my intention.
A silence followed. Then Miss
Doaue rose to depart, but Stewart,
whose mind had been adjusting itself
to the changed situation, put out de-
tanning hand. "Kate," he said, "if
you are not going to marry your cous-
in, perhaps there might be a chance
for some one else. "
"Perhaps."
He drew nearer. 81 know I'm a
| perfect 1901 10 ruSn on my Iate, DuJ
what's worth having is certainly worth
asking for. Kate, will you marry me?"
She smiled, but her eyes were very
tender. 81 believe you do love me-,
she said.
"Well, q little"
"And il marry you, know 1 shall
be happy. You are SO strong and
true, and have my confidence so ut
terly, but l have been horrid to you, sc
rude and disagreeable that don't see
how you can stand me"
"Whv, you are going back on your
theory"
"The girls will certainly laugh, and
Carl will never leave me alone about
it, but 1 don't care" lifting her face
resolutely, 81. love you, and there's
no use pretending l don't"
A little while later she looked up.
"I always said l would never care
for anybody" she remarked, "what
will this prove?"
"That you are woman," he said.
New Orleans Times-Democrat.