Orange County observer. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1880-1918, 1897-04-01
HER AFFINITY.

OF his nature and fall out again.
Clarence Hay had always malntained
that the noblcft work of God was a
practical man, while next in order
came n practical woman. He had
never ceased to thank his lucky stars
that he could be classed among the
high grade elect, and he devoutedlv
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 several degrees
below that exalted niche. He didn't
know it till the day he proposed to
her. She poised her tapering fore
finger lightly against her right temple
rs he spoko-it was way she had of
doing whenever she became unusually
serious-and looked at him with
steadfastness that thrilled him with
apprehension for his future happiness.
II believe" she said, "that you
don't understand me as you should.
think if yon knew me better you
wouldn't want me"
lie was really frightened then. The
answer was SO unexpected and savorcd
so strongly Of secrets and mysteries in
her past lie that he recoilcd IN horro or
from the mere thought Of being bur
dened with crowd Of personal ghosts
that would ever bo lowering around
him.
81 am afraid sho went on, after o
brief period of reflection" that We
should not prove cOngcnlal, and life
with u person whose tastes are radl
cally opposed to nine would be simply
uncomfortable, not only for myself but
for nv hus band. Before answering
Won. Mr. Hay, l must lie assured that
we are thorough suited to each other.
| have test by which that may be
proved. If it should prove that there
IS an impcrishable affinity between us.
I 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 50 un
natural that Clarence leaned back n
his chair and regarded her with amaze
ment while trying TO determine wheth-
er or not the shock OF sudden pro
posal had turned neT Inlud.
"What is the tcst?' he asked, eau
tiously.
.Ncxt week" sho said, 81 shall
becin n new story. 1t IS TO be writ
ten at the order of an Eastern pub
fishing house and will contain about
10 600 words. | received the letter
only Yesterday requesting me TO con
tribute. and as vet | have thought out
no plot or plan to be followed in its
constructor. shall begin, however,
on Monday. Now, Mr.. hay, pro
pose that you illustrate the story.
Clarcnce's brow cleared.
"That will be easily done. lie said,
With n sigh Of relief. ".is soon as you
cet j, writtel. Miss Pearson, turn i
over 20 me snu promlse yon that
will produce u set OF pictures that VII
accentuate MI the best points n vou'
story anu add to your reputation al,
mine. -
lyon don't understand, Mr.. Hay.
she replied quickly. i don mean
that YOU shall read my work hrst an
then illustrate it. Oh. no. Anyood,
conld do that. Iou shall illustrate !
through system Of mental teIepatAy
Tho nubllshers are IL no great hGrr.
for tho story and / shall not try !,
finish it in less than month Dnrin'
that time you are pot to see me at al
Consequently cons YOU will not Be abb, able t t
~ the slightest Glow from word
- ~ nine as to what Is the natur
OF Of the article. All yonr knowleds
U,,st I've derived solely through Ia
nan,r,nni,atiou ~ Of yoar mird WI
.,e;ne Your brain must move IN IN
con with mine, and the aspirations