The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1896-12-24
She Wouldn't Tell.

To this day I live in perpetual fear oi
meeting him. indeed / am continually
haunted with the belief that he is
securing the earth for ME, thirsting for
revenge, and that Is why l shun the
haunts of men and live a solitary, Sc
cluded life, only venturing out at dusk
and wearing a beard (Which doesn't
suit mel and blue glasses (Which don't
heed) as means of disguise.
OF course 1t should never have hap
pened. admit that. 1t began with a
very simple mistake on my part. l was
lounging on the pier at Eastsea one
morning in September, listening tc
the Grand Selection from the Bohem-
fan Girl (they play this every day at
Fastsea) and watching the promenad-
ers, when my eyes fell on young lady
who was sitting In quiet corner read
ing a novel.
l could not see her face, for 1t was
hidden by crimson parasol, but her
general appearance at once told me
that II was Flo Beresford, one of the
prettiest girls l know.
So absorbed was she in her book that
she did not hear me approach, and to
attract her attention q know her very
well | playfully tapped the sunshade
with my paper She looked up in a
moment, and then. to my horror, l saw
had made a mistake--it was not Flo.
but a stranger.
stood paralyzed, trying to frame an
apology. but before l could get the
words out l was amazed to see lovely
smile of evident recognition, and still
lovelier blush overspread a charming
face.
George che cried in a joyous tone
This is a surprise! When did you
come? But there, sit down"
Now l know that this was where
made the fatal error. l know ought
to have undeceived her, to have MUIR
INJURED a few words of apology, raised
my cap and gone away, but l did not
do this. She drew her skirts aside
and I sat down.
What made you come $3.50 sud-
denly?" she said.
WHAT" then recovering myself,
"Why you, of course" She blushed
,divinely.
Couldn't you wait for my answer"
she murmured softly.
NO" l said, Il couldn't"
She turned over the pages of her
novel in distracted fashion. On the fly
leaf I caught sight of some writing
ITO Lucy from George" and the date.
Then sudden inspiration struck me
bent my head close to hers, so close
that stray tendril of her brown hair
brushed my cheek.
Lucy" l whispered, almost putting
my lips to her shell-like little ear,
what is your answer"
She laughed.
\ vn,, tito 10 cs1,o q
said, Il posted the letter this morn
ing"
"In-in answer to my letter." l put
In, taking step in the dark.
"Yes, in answer to your letter. And
you'd have had it tonight"
And as 1t is I've missed it."
"Yes, you've missed it."
But you'll tell me what-what you
said?"
I've half mind not to-just to
tease you" she murmured.
do you want to drive> me distract
ed?' / cried.
"a ripple of laughter came from her
rosy lips.
you see If you'd only waited
But i couldn't wait Lucy, you
will tell me?"
"Not-not now" tfXIa de-.
"When? 2" "'N ~
"To-to-night perhaps" 3.,
"Here?" ~r{-
"Yes, here"
Then / wondered what 1t was he had
asked her. 1t seemed to me that il
could only be one thing, but-Ah! ]
had 1t.
Have you kept my letter?, I asked
! Kept It? o, George-yes. Why, !
nave 1t here" putting her hand to her
breast.
"Just-er-let me have a look at 1t q
moment"
Let you? o, so you want to draw
back, do you? Well, you can if you
My darling, II only wanted to sec
If had spelt necessary with one OF
two"
Necessary" she said. why, there:
no such word in the letter.
Isn't there?" l murmured. Let me
see."
Yes, I read 1t, but / don't think II
would be right to let any one else dc
so. My theory was correct, however.
Il am wrong" / said, as | returned II
30 her Il didn't use the word"
Il knew you didn't"
We talked of many things after that
one TOLD me ABOUT her mother, who wa
nm invalid, 1t appeared.
And l shan't be able to come ou
This afternoon" she said, "but you'll
come up and see mama?"
Yes" / said, "but, do you know
IT'S very funny-but, the fact Is, Nv,
actually forgotten where you are stay
Ing. Ha! haw
20, you stupid boy! South Parade
Of course"
"Of course. Number?~
Eleven"
''To be sure"
mama will be so pleased to Sc
you"
Il shall be pleased to see mama"
aesponded. ~