Gulf Coast breeze. [volume] (Crawfordville, Fla.) 1897-19??, 1898-01-28
DORg'S SACRIFICE.

She had whispered, "Yes, Jack, ]
love youl"' in response to his ques-
ton, his kisses were still warm on her
lips, their hearts were beating in
unison, though not so unanimously as
before, and now that the first rapture
and thrill were over they were asking
questions, and making their little con-
LESSONS, after the manner of lovers
on the threshold of an engagement.
''How many times have l been in
love before? Now, Jack, do you think
that is fair, question:" she asked,
meeting his look with rOguish
glance.
"Why, certainly it is, Dora" he re-
piled, earnestly. "You say you love
me, 80 it doesn't really make any
difference about the others; they're
done for now; but think 1 ought to
know. Still, il there are so many of
them -"
"Please stop, Jackl l won't have
you saying such dreadful things, and
with that look on your facet" she in.
terrupted, playfully placing her hand
over his mouth, but quickly withdraw
ing IL when he attempted to kiss it.
"How dare your she exclaimed,
"after the way you've been talkingl"
"Well, if you don't want me to say
things why don't you answer my
question:"
"Must I,Jack?"
81 am afraid You must, my dear"
"And you won't hate me after tell,
will your"
"Well-"
"'That depends, You are going to
say. You needn't hesitate so long; 1
can read your thoughts"
"Cnn you2 That's convenient for
you, I'm sure. wish could read
yours, then I'd know the answer to
my question" >, =.
"Would you really like to know"
"Why, yes, or 1 shouldn't have
asked it.
swell, Jack, il it will relieve your
mind any to know it,you have no pre-
decessors.
"Are you sure, Dora?"
"Yes, Jack. You are the first and
only"
Thanks, awfully, Dora! I'm glad
to hear il; and now that question is
settled we will"
"Oh, no, my boy; you don't get of
quite so easily as thatl L want your
confession now. About how many
dozen times have you been in love,
pray tell?'
Jack Vernon WINGED. He hadn't
counted on this, exactly.
Come, young man, you are now on
the witness stand, sworn to tell the
truth, the whole truth, and nothing
but the TRUTH" she continued,
banteringly.
"Must II" said Jack, helplessly re-
peating her question Of few min
utes before.
81 am afraid you must, my dear"
mimicked she.
"But am afraid you will hate me
after confess"
els the record, then SO long,"
"No; it is a very short one. have
never loved but once--before.
"And she-she refused your"
mol never asked her."
"Why not? You see, want the
whole story now"
because OF pride. She was q
wealthy heiress, / penniless lawyer,
with my fame and fortune yet to make.
I loved her; / am not ashamed to say
il; she was woman that one could
not help loving; she was all to me
then that you are now, and"
"And more. Go on and say II, Jack ;
want the whole truth"
"No, u won't say that, but she was
the first, and love was new sensa-
ton to me then, and il ! had been her
equal in wealth and station I might
but, pshaw! What is use of telling
You all this2 1t is all over now. Her
love was not for me. have put it
aside-and, besides, 1 have you. But
why are you looking so sober, Dora?
Have / confessed too much? You
wanted the whole truth. you know"
''Yes, and I am glad you were brave
enough to tell it. How long ago was
it that--that this happened?" she
faltered.
"Three years"
"And her name?" she asked, in low
tones.
"Need / tell that?'
"Yes, please, said Dora, family.
edith Burton"