The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1898-07-29
WAS JUST. A FRIEND.

1ee, SINCE my cnlldnOOO. FlaymAtt
we had been then-schoolmates, the
friends. As watched her developin
from narrow-minded youth to bea'
tiful, broad womanhood I tremble
lest In the picture knew she portra!
ed of future perfect happiness l shoul
be missing.
She was not a beauty as the worl
terms them, but the kindly smile an
true character her face reflected wei
more beautiful to me than perfect fea
ures. But her voice; what voice
was! A clear, rich mezzo, aided b
perfect execution born Of deep feelin
and power of Interpretation. She bel
a position In one OF the leadin
churches in NJ, and there. l con
TESS. l was wont to find the sermo
more interesting than at my HON
church.
One bright moonlight Sabbath, as W
strolled home from evening service
she said:
How we'll Mr.. Studley sang to
night! What a beautiful voice he has
Ralph"
Strange to say. had been thinking
how we'll her voice and his blended
before had answered she continued
He is so pleasant, too. We should
miss him more than any of the Others
In the quartet II he should leave u.s."
Eyes, Elsie, he Is a royal fellow. But
will you go with me Tuesday to heal
Campanari? His voice Is better"
II am sorry, Ralph, but Mr.. Studley
asked me to accompany him that even
ing and consented"
Very well; he sings again Thurs
day; we can 60 them" and 80 it was
decided.
The house was reached, and as we
entered I thought I had never seen her
looking SO well. Her eyes were bright
and sparkling, and the cold, crisp air
had brought rich damask pink to her
round cheeks. Removing her outer
garments in the hall, she started for
ward toward the center Of the parlor.
and as she did so I stopped her, and
Slipping my arm about her, bent and,
ere she could interpret my intention,
kissed her. Tearing herself away, her
face ablaze, she cried In voice Of
deep anger: Ralph Moreland, how
dare you-how dare you insult me?"
while I, all the holder because OF her
anger, started forward, and possessing
myself of both her hands, said:
ELSIE, angry with me, no''-as she
tried to free herself-"you shall listen
angry with one who loves you better
than his life, yes, better than all the
whole world besides, and whose one
ambition Is to make you his wife?"
With a low cry Of anguish she start
ed back. released her then.
"Oh, Ralph" she said, II never
thought you would do this. thought
we were too good friends" Two great
tears started and coursed down her
cheeks, now pale as death.
ELSIE, my darling girl, don't you
love me?"
Love you?" she reiterated; !. "love
you; when have | not loved you; but
not like that, Ralph; not like that;
could never be your wife"
In vain I pleaded, then disagree
able thought forced itself upon me.
Framing it in words, l said softly:
elsie, is there some one else?"
: Trembling, she stood there in the
mi-darkness. I could see how agi-
tated she was as I caught the faint
whisper, YES"
Then, indeed, hope died within me,
and she continued: Ralph, dear
friend, forget this. Let us be as we
always have been, true friends. DON'T"
she pleaded, "let this spoil our friend
ship"
ut shall be as you desire; but, Elsie,
Is there no hope for me. What of this
other?"
Poor Ralph, none. This other does
not even suspect that I care for him;
but, loving him as l do, it would be
wrong for me to consent to be your
wife. Please leave me now; you have
surprised me So"
And I went-alone with my grief
knowing and praying that God would
not let her wait long or in vain for
her true love to be rewarded and re- /
turned.
Two days passed and the play was
nearly over in the Il opera house,
when suddenly the cry of fire" rang
through the auditorium, caught up and
re-echoed by the terror-stricken peo-
pie. There in the first balcony were
Paul Studley and Elsie Mordant. I
watched them both as the people
hronged the narrow passageways.
They had not, I felt sure, seen me,
md resolved to remain close at hand,
Ind if necessary aid them. He made
Ter wait until the crowd was nearly
,ut; then they started. They were
within few steps of the door when,
IS though to add to the panic, the
lights were turned off. I started for
ward.
Elsie heard him say, "are you
fraid? Will you trust yourself to me?"
Il am not afraid while with you,
'aul," was the soft reply, made with
TRANCE calmness.
"You are quite sure, " he questioned,
ending low and giving her a quick,
earching look.
SIS there any danger that we can
OF get out?" she queried.
II think not. You will trust me en-
rely; let me be your protector now
he nodded as there came a whispered
yes"-"now and always, Elsie?"
Eyes, Paul." she answered; and, {
fling her gently, he bore her down
lie stairway.
l had heard all, and I knew then why
lie had not loved me. :
They are married now, and IL am :
ill her friend" Boston Post. c
Mrs. Kinder (reflrctively)-I wonder
by man never pays his wife any !.
after they are married? :,
Kinder (briskly)-He does better, my :
,ar; he pays her bills. /
The Surprise OF All.
Mr.. James Jones' of tho drug firm Of
inns 81 Snp Cnxptlpp III in snnukipp Of | -