Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1897-05-29
LEADING HEARTS.


something near your heart, and-let me
see!"
She turned the cards up meditatively
on the shining oak table and put her
hands to her head in a pretty affectation
of wisdom.
'"That means love, "laying her finger
on the five of hearts, "eternal love-the
love of some woman. 1t looks like an
old friend, and she runs in hearts, I
think. Yes, she is quite light Can you
place her?''
''As far as the coloring goes," he
laughed Il know any number of light
women-yourself, for instance"
ooh, I'm not in it! My hair is too
yellow. This one is more of the demi-
blond; something like Miss Maitland
bronze hair and blue eyes,
"My dear girl, Miss Maitland isn't a
blond at all. If you can't do better than
that for me, I'll throw up the whole
concern"
She smiled and ran off few more
cards, counting every third one in quite
professional manner.
"Well, if it's not Miss Maitland,"
shaking her head, you will have to fill
i'll the name yourself There is the ace
of spades. That's bad luck and death
and Oh, there's your wish! Have you
made wish?"
He shook his head. "You didn't tell
me.
"Well, tell you now. Make it right
away, and good one, too. for believe
it's going to come true. E"
"But, he protested, leaning forward
and resting his arms on the table, eff I
make such an important one I want
guarantee. Are you prepared to give it
to me?"
Don't be absurd, Jack; this is seri-
GUS. Now, wish something good.'
Must tell you what it is?''
"No," doubtfully. 'You don't have
to, but you can if you want to-
"Well-I will tell you if I get it.
Now, mind, this is very important.
''Select three cards then. Does it con-
Germ woman?''
eyes"
81 might have known it. Is she light
or dark?'
''That would be telling.''
"Oh, you are too provoking!" petu-
lantly picking up the cards. "It would
serve you right if 1 said you didn't get
your old wish at all"
But you won't do that?'
"Be still. Twill if you don't let go
of my hands, See! You are making me
drop all the cards. -
"Nonsense! I'll help you pick them
up. Just tell me if get my wish.''
''Well, I'll see. There's that ten of
diamonds, and the deuce, and-ah, the
ace Of hearts You will have it, sure,
but there is little disappointment just
at first. Isee-dear me, Jackl What are
you doing? Let go my hands,"
"Not until you have given me guar
antee for my wish"
'What do you mean?"
II mean-oh, well, you have known
it all along. You are my wish. No, no,
don move. Come, dear, be serious with
me for once.
But don t want to be serious" she
cried, trying to draw away from him.
"You have spoiled all my fortune.
Look! Here see gift coming"
what do | care for the cards or any
thing else in the world but you? Come,
Nell! Give me an answer. You must
have some feeling of kindness in your
heart for me, your old friend"
THAT'S it," she whispered faltering-
ly, for the first time letting her eyes
meet his. "We are such old friends.
have known you all my life-I -" rub
bing her hand on the table nervously,
81 am fonder of you than almost any
one, but how can l tell if that is love?
Jack, dear, can't we go on in the old
way? don't want to marry" Her fin
gers closed pleadingly. why should we
spoil it all by getting married."
He made a quick, impatient gesture.
"Oh, yes! know it is different with
men, but l would be contented to live
ON just as we are for years. Why, seel
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 monotonous intimacy of married
life. We would have all of the delight
with none of the despair. don't know
why marriage should be regarded as the
height and pinnacle of earthly bliss It
seems to me it is the one great institu-
tlon that destroys love-"
She gave restless sigh and let her
chin sink into the soft palms of her
hands The pink light from the lamp
fell upon her yellow hair, where it lay