The free press., 1897-04-22

"Ihats it, " she whispered falter-
ingly, for tho first time letting her
eyes meet his. "We are such old
friends. l have known you all my
life-I-" rubbing her hand on the
table nervously, 81 am fonder of you
than almost any one; but how can
tell if that is love? Jack, dear, can't
we go on in the old way? don't
want to marry" Her fingers closed
pleadingIy. "Why should we spoil it
all by getting married?"
He made quick, impatient ges-
ture.
"Oh, yes! 1 know it is different
with men, but would be contented
to live on just as we are for years.
Why, see? We would never know
what it was to tire of each other. We
would not have all the romance
brushed off our love by the monoto-
nous intimacy of married life. We
would have all of tho delight with
none of the despair. don't know
why marriage should be regarded as
the height and pinnacle of earthly
bliss. 1t seems to me it is the one
great institution that destroys love-"
She gave n restless sigh, and let her
chin sink into the soft palms of her
hands. The pink light from the
lump fell upon her yellow hair where
it lay in babyish rings on her fore
head.
He stood looking at her moment,
his heart smothered with pain and
longings and love. Then he leaned
slowly forward and took both her
hands from her face, and held them in
the firm clasp Of his.
"Nell, DEAR" he said softly. "You
talk this way because you don't know
what love is Why, do you suppose
for moment that mere pleasant
companionship would satisfy man
who loved you? He would be only
half a man to accept what you suggest.
As for me, cannot go on with our
friendship. I will not take ernst
when I have asked for bread. You
cannot help it, dear, nnd / must drop
out of your life and live my own as
best may"
He dropped her hands and turning
away began to finger mechanically the
little string that regulated the lamp,
until the fame began to flicker and
finally went. out.
II beg your pardon-I have match
II can light it again." he muttered,
hastily.
She watched him in silence as he
struck light and with steady hand
once more sent soft glow over the
room.
Her eyes travelled to his face. with
the light full shining upon it. 1t
was strangely still. She felt q pecu.
liar little futtering sensation in her
throat.
"Jack," she whispered, falteringly.
He turned in sudden passion and,
catching both her hands, drew her
near to him-so near that his white
face was almost touching hers.
She did not move, but deep flush
crept over his tanned cheeks, and his
arms frightened convulsively. The
force of his clasp crushed and hurt
her. His face came nearer. nearer;
their breaths mingled; then, with a
sharp exclamation, he loosened his
hold-so quickly,s SO suddenly, that she
almost fell backward.
Forgive me-" he muttered hoarse-
ly; 'don't speak to me. Good night
Say good night to your mother, toe"
He pulled aside the curtain with q
rough hand and stepped into the hall.
She could hear him getting into his
coat. Her hands were still lingering
the cards. From the force of habit
she turned three up. Her eyes fell
upon them as they lay under the lamp
light.
A mistake--he was getting his cane
now. A-the door was opening-a
heartache. She felt the cool night
wind on her neck and turned slightly;
then there was the sound of the clos
ing door echoing through the silent
honse-a mistake.
Her eyes clung to the cards. They
seemed to mock her. She stretched
her arms out blindly toward the door
o,J triad ~ ,oll HE mama hut her Inns