The Dickinson press., 1897-02-06

~ M 1dealist, and after
! q; : !: : :. ]: E =: !:
I'm ~ 9 that ii was not an
YIN easy matter to re-
~ N verse the recently
~ developed currents
A-l of his nature and
fall out again.
u Nv Clarence Hay
had always main
tanned that the noblest work of God
was q practical man. while next i'll
order came a practical woman. He
had never ceased to thank his lucky
stars that he could be classed among
the high-grade elect and he devoutly
hoped that when he married his wife
might be one of the second-rate NOR
tails.
1t was great shock to him to learn
that Miss Pearson was lodged several
degrees below that exalted niche. He
didn't know 1t till the day he proposed
to her. She poised her tapering fore
finger lightly against her right temple
as he spoke-it was way she had OF
doing whenever she became unusually
serlous-and looked at him with a
steadfastness that thrilled him with
apprehension for his future happiness.
Il believe" she said, that You don't
understand me as you should. / think
IL you knew me better you wouldn't
want me-"
He was really frightened then. The
answer was so unexpected and savored
80 strongly of secrets and mysteries in
her past life that he recoiled in horror
from the mere thought of being bur-
dened with crowd of personal ghosts
that would ever. be lowering around
him.
Il am afraid" she went on. after a
brief period of reflection, that we
should not prove congenial and life
with a person whose tastes are radical
ly opposed to mine would be simply
unendurable, not only for myself but
for my husband. Before answering
you, Mr.. Hay, l must be assured that
we are thoroughly suited to each other.
have test by which that may be
proven. II it should appear that there
is an unperishable affinity between us
shall be perfectly willing to marry
you and thank you for the honor done
me-"
Her words and the tone in which
they were uttered were both so unnat-
ural that Clarence leaned back in his
chair and regarded her with amaze
ment while trying to determine wheth-
er or not the shock of sudden pro-
posal had turned her mind.
What is the test?" he asked, cau-
tiously.
Next week." she said, Il shall begin
q new story. 1t Is to be written at the
order of an eastern publishing house
and will contain about 10000 words.
received the letter only yesterday re-
Questing me to contribute and as yet
I have thought out no plot or plan TO
be followed in its construction. shall
begin, however, on Monday. Now, Mr..
Hay, I propose that you illustrate the
story"
Clarence's brow cleared.
"That will be easily DONE" he said,
with a sigh of relief. GAS soon as you
get 1t written. Miss Pearson, turn 1t
over to me and promise you that l
will produce set of pictures that will
accentuate all the best points in your
story and add to your reputation and
mine."
"You don't understand, Mr.. Hay"
she replied, quickly. II don't mean
that you shall read my work first and
then illustrate it. Oh, no. Anybody
could do that. You shall illustrate it
through a system of mental telepathy.
The publishers are in no great hurry
for the story and shall not try to
finish it in less than month. During
that time you are not to see me at all,
consequently you will not be able to
gain the slightest clew from word or
look Of mine as to what is the nature
Of the article. All your knowledge