The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-02-25
HEADS OR TAILS.

down at her hands, which were twisting
bit of lace that she called handkerchief.
She was smiling before began. She now
looked distressed.
tressed, for she then looks as if she were
going to cry, and a crying woman is not
pretty. So for the minute laid aside my
own affair to comfort Marie.
Marie, - began, venturing with much
trepidation to lay my hand softly upon
both of hers, whats the matter?"
She looked up. Her lips were CULVER
ing, and a tear, balanced for the start,
stood in each eye.
81 don't know what to d." she whis-
pered brokenly.
''Well2" I said inquiringly, inviting her
to continue.
She hesitated nervously for several sec
onds Then she went on almost inaudi.
bly,:
''You see, Mr.. Transome told me last
night what you told me just now"
"D-n Transomer' I said to myself,
and to Marie "Well, Philip Transome is
a fine fellow, you know"
"Of course, said Marie, acquiescing
little too readily, thought.
And he's good looking"
Eyes
"And rich"
eyes"
This itemizing rivals good points to
comfort the woman you love is rather
straining on ones generosity. 1t ism t so
bad if the woman rewards your generos-
ity as, of course, she should. But Marie
didn t. So I stopped.
well, where's the trouble, thenf' I
asked at length.
81 don't know what to do, F" she replied
repeating her former wall.
began to see. 1t is hard to decide be-
tween two lovers. I could sympathize
with Marie, for had once been in a sim
liar predicament myself.
Marie did not notice the sympathy. She
merely looked uncomfortable at this bald
statement of the difficulty, but she did
not deny it.
"You like mo. don't your" I ventured,
with some fear in my heart.
Marie nodded. felt very complacent
And you like Philip TransomeP''
continued.
She nodded a second time. believe ]
swore at Transome again.
but you can't decide between us. Is
that it?'
''That's it," acknowledged Marie
weakly.
You have tried every wayP"
81 have, and can't''-here Marie
blushed, but it was blush did not like,
because it was for Transome as much as il
was for me-''and can't tell which OF
you like the BETTER
The person who sits in the seat of the
And any decision is better than no deci-
sion. This also 1 knew. So out of the
sympathy which I had for Marie I made
up my mind to help her arrive at some de-
eision, even though I lost by it. But
did not intend losing if I could help it.
thought for long time, but nothing
came. Then looked up at Marie. Her
eyes we're fixed expectantly on me, as
though she had instinctively learned of
my intention to help her and was await.
ing my plan.
Well, said I, Selling on an idea that
just then popped into my head, "since
you have tried all other ways, suppose
you toss up for US"
"Whatl'' exclaimed Marie, half starting
from her chair.
tToss up for u.s., repeated calmly.
Marie sank back in her chair and gazed
at me in amazement.
Marie's surprise at my suggestion an
gered me somewhat OF course I can IN
derstand that choosing a husband in such
a way may seem a little queer to some
girls, but they needn't act as though it
were so unusual. Besides, there are worse
ways.
'Toss up for youl'' Marie managed to
gasp out at length.
Certainly, - replied, with some asper-
ity. "Have you anything better to sug-
gestf''
A reluctant emo" came from Marie.
You'd better toss up, them said de.
cisively, draw ing "a quarter from one of my
pockets and offering it to her.
She took it and gazed at it for long
time. I began to grow impatient, for the
coin was like any other of it's kind, and ]
could see no reason why she should study
it. Then I saw that her look was the look
Of one who is thinking Suddenly she
raised her head and gazed steadily at me,
and then a smile that I liked strangely
well slowly came into her eyes.
"No, you do it, " she said, returning the
coin. 81 don't know how"
We both stood up. ''Heads, it is Tran.
some; tails it is I2'' suggested briefly.
Marie nodded.
balanced the coin on my first finger.
felt sure of the result, for the man never
lived who is as lucky as am. even be-
gan to pity poor Transome, but before
this feeling had much opportunity to grow
Tipped the quarter whirling into the air
and as it struck the floor placed my foot
upon it.
I looked at Marie. (Which shall it be2'
asked softly.
you" she whispered.
I slipped my foot aside, and we both
stopped. The laurel wreathed head OF
Liberty was up.
1t was TransOmel
We both Strengthened up. looked at
Marie, and Marie looked at me. She was
pale, and I could not have been otherwise.
I had risked all on the turn of coin, and
it had turned the wrong way. Without a
word, for was not wise in the ways of
woman, walked out of the room, secured
my hat in the hall and started to open the
door and go out into the street.
As my hand was turning the knob some
thing touched my arm. I turned and
looked around. There stood Marie with
little smile-a little beseeching smile
on her face.
Dick she whispered and then was
silent still held on to the doorknob.
"Dick''-this time the smile was still