The Camden chronicle. (Camden, Tenn.) 1890-current, 1897-05-07
Her AFFINITY.

OF his nature and fall out again.
Clarence Hay had always maintained
that the noblest work of God was a
practical man, while next in order
came q practical woman. He had
never ceased to thank his lucky stars
that he could be classed among the
high grade elect, and he dovoutedly
hoped that when he married his wife
might be one of the second rate NOR.
tnlg,
1t was a 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
as he spoke-it was a way she had of
doing whenever she became unusually
serious-and looked at him with
steadiastness that thrilled him with
apprehension for his future happiness.
II believe" she said, THAT you
don't understand me as you should. I
think if you knew me better you
wouldn't want me-.
He was really frightened then. The
answer was so unexpected and savored
SO strongly Of secrets and mysteries in
her past life that he recoiled in horror
from the mere thought Of being bur
dened with a crowd of personal ghosts
that would ever be lowering around
him.
''I am afraid" she went on, after
brief period Of reflection" that we
should not prove congenial, and life
with person whose tastes are radi-
cally opposed to mine would be simply
uncomfortable, 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 a test by which that may be
proved. If it should prove that there
is an imperishable 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 IN
natural that Clarence leaned back in
his chair and regarded her with amaze
ment while trying to determine wheth-
er or not the shock of a sudden pro-
posal had turned her mind.
"What is the test?" he asked, eau
tiously.
"Next week." she said, ST shall
begin new story. 1t is to be writ
ten at the order of al Eastern pub
fishing house and will contain about
10, 900 words. received the letter
only yesterday requesting me to CON
tribute, and as yet 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"
Claronce's brow cleared.
"That will be easily DONE" he said,
with sigh of relief. Gas soon as you
get it written, Miss Pearson, turn it
over 20 me ana l 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. 81 don't mean
that you shall read my work first and
then illustrate it. Oh, no. Anybody
could do that. You shall illustrate il
through a system of mental telepathy.
The publishers are In no great hurry
for the story and I shall not try to
finish it in less than a 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 OF
look OF mine as to what is the nature
Of the article. All your knowledge
must be derived solely through the
communication OF your mind with
mine. Your brain must move in uni
son with mine, and the aspirations O.