The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1898-03-04

ask MISS BrannOn why Sne naQ not IN
formed him of her desire to come to
the theater. She frankly replied that
she had felt no special wish to do so
until Sidney unexpectedly called and
asked her to accompany him. This she
told him with manner SO devoid of
coquetry that he felt reassured, and
left her with a complacent feeling that
he was quite sure of her affection.
He called to see her the next evening
as usual, and nothing was said of the
recent incident. Clarence's brief jeal-
ousy was forgotten, and he calmly ac-
cepted the old condition of things.
Why should he be in haste to marry
even the most charming girl in the
world?
He hesitated to give up the freedom
and luxury of bachelorhood for the re-
straints which marriage must inevita-
bly, bring. Lulu was such delighted
companion and sweetheart! Would
she be equally charming as a wife?
Whether or not she wished to marry he
never conjectured. He had always
lived for his own comfort, and self was
his first consideration. So when he left
her that evening the words were still
unspoken which would bind her to him.
and he was yet free man.
A fortnight passed as usual, with no
change in the relations of the two.
Lulu was a proud girl, and Mrs. Cor
mans look of inquiry every time they
now met was hard to bear. Matters
reached a climax on the day when
Belle incautiously said:
81 have been scolding Clarence about
YOU, Lulu. 1 tell him he will rue his
Indifference when it is too late"
.Indeedv' Lulu's laugh was rather
forced. "And what did my lord say?"
80, that he was sure of you, or some
thing of the sort. He is abominably
conceited though he is my brother"
care not all men 500" asked Lulu,
lightly; but her eyes were like sparks.
When at o'clock next evening Clar-
ence called to see Miss Brandon, the
maid Informed him that she had just
"went out with Mr.. Lawrence" Again
the green-eyed demon seized the tardy
wooer, and this time it wonderfully
quickened his latent love. He resolved
to ask the important question at once.
Early the next morning he went to the
home of his sweetheart, only to find
that she had gone out for the day.
Clarence was seriously disturbed. He
felt that something was wrong. If he
could only see Lulu for a few minutes
matters would be settled to his salts
faction, he assured himself. But, alas!
that little word, ''if,' has often proved
a barrier stronger than prison walls or
iron bands.
For weeks he was baffled in every at
tempt to see Miss Brandon alone, until
he was forced to admit that she pur-
posely sought to evade a meeting with
him. This only made him more eager
and determined to bring one about, but
more than two months elapsed before
he succeeded in securing the long and
much desired interview. At last he
wrote her a note, requesting somewhat
imperatively to be allowed to see her
privately. The reply was brief, simply
stating that she would receive him that
evening at o'clock.
Promptly at the time designated
Clarence entered the familiar parlor
and was greeted cordially by Lu, who
vet evaded the accustomed lover-like
caress.
"'Great minds run in the same chan
nell Clarence. At the moment l re-
ceived your note l was writing you an
invitation to CALI
This little speech quickly dissipated
l.
mind at his reception, and he resolved
to state the object of his call without
delay.
'Dear Lulu" he said, taking her hand
in his, 81 have come this evening to
ask you to name an early date for ouI
marriage 1 want my wife as soon as
possible"
She allowed him to retain her hand
but the crimson deepened upon the fair
cheeks as she replied:
clarence, 1 have something to say
which may give you pain. During the
last few years l have been dimly con-
scious that we are not exactly suited to
each other, although a month ago
should have Indignantly refuted such
an implication from any one else. l am
now fully convinced that If united we
should not be happy. More than this,
here she spoke very softly and tender
ly, 81 have been mistaken in the object
of my affection, and now know that
1 have never truly loved any one but
Sidney Lawrence"
Speechless and pale Clarence's eyes
sought hers beseechingly. At last he
realized the magnitude of his love fol
the woman his selfshness had put for
ever from his life. But he read no hope
in her face, and in silence he rose and
left her.
Years have passed since then. Clar
ence Curtis has never married, and the
gossips say the handsome bachelor 81
lently worships the wife Of Sidney
Lawrence.-Waverley Magazine.
ATCHISON GLOBE SIGHTS.