The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1898-11-25

II am afraid you must, my GEAR.
"And you won't hate me after 1 tell
will your
"Well-"
'That depends, you are going to say
You needn't hesitate SO long. l cal
read your thoughts
"Cau you? That's convenient fol
you, I'm sure. 1 wish l could reaG
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."
'Well, Jack, If it will relieve your
mind any to know it, you have no pred
ecessors.'
"Are you sure"
Eyes, Jack. You are the first and
only"
Thanks, awfully, Doral I'm glad to
hear it; and now that question is set
tied, we will"
"Oh, no, my boy; you don't get off
quite so easy as that! l want your
confession now. About how many
dozen times have you been in love, pray
tellY'
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 truthr' she continued banteringly.
Must II" said Jack, helplessly re
peatfng her question of a few moments
before.
81 am afraid you must, my DEAR"
mimicked she.
"But 1 am afraid you will hate me
after confess"
is the record, then, so longf'
No; 1t Is very short one. have
never loEed-hut once-bef0re."
"And she-she refused you"
"No; never asked her."
'Why not? You see, want the whole
story now."
Because of pride. She was a
wealthy heiress; 1 a penniless lawyer,
with my fame and fortune yet to make.
1 loved her; am not ashamed to say it;
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 it, Jack;
I want the whole truth"
mo, l won't say that; but she was
the first, and love was a new sensa-
ton to me then, and If I had been her
equal in wealth and station l might
but, pshaw! What is the use of telling
you all this? It is all over now. Her
love was not for me. 1 have put it
1Si6n-nn6 haSi6ns 7
why are you looking so sober, Dora
Have 1 confessed too much? You
wanted the whole truth, you know"
"1es, and | am glad you were brave
enough to tell it. How long ago was it
that-that this happened?" she faitered.
''Three years."
"And her name?" she asked in low
tones.
Need tell that"
eyes, please" said Dora, family.
Edith Burton"
Dora's face grew suddenly pale.
Il thought perhaps she was the one."
she said, in voice that Jack scarcely
recognized.
''Why, do you know her" he ex-
claimed, in surprise.
Il used to room with her at boarding
school," answered Dora. She had re-
gained control of her voice now. "She
is good, noble woman, far better than
am, and don't wonder that you love
her"
"You mean loved" corrected Jack.
My love for her is in the past tense,
not the present.
True love can never die,'" quoted
Dora, gravely. wasn't it the divine |
William who said that? But there. |
Jack, we have talked enough Of love
for one evening. Don't you think so?'
"But you haven't promised to marry
me yet"
you didn't ask me that question.
You simply asked me If 1 loved YOU. |
and you got your answer, 1 believe"
"And am to take the rest for grant
ed. eh?"
..'Well, no; nothing should be taken |
for granted in this world. I'll give you
your answer, but not now. 1 think I'd |
better send it to in writing"
''My! My! How formal we are getting |
all at once! But, after all, think 1 |
prefer it that way; then 1 can carry |
your note next to my heart for a mas
cot until you are mine for good and all. |
Sha'n't run over here for it tomorrow
Pm anxious to get it soon
as possible"
mo; I'll mail it to your Office in New
York"
"An right, Dora, and now, lust one
before gor He bent down and plant
ed kiss on her unresisting lips.
Thanks. dear! Now, please forget
that there ever was any other girl, and
1on't look quite so sober the next time
call. I'll be over again Wednesday
evening, If nothing happens. Good
light, Dorar
Good night, Jackr'