Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1898-01-15
LOVED HER FRIEND.

nv LII n 1LkG Il ~
She had whispered, Eyes, Jack, /
love you, in response to his question.
His kisses were still warm on her lips.
Their hearts were beating III 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 confessions after
the manner of lovers on the threshold of
an engagement.
How many times have 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,
so it doesn t really make any difference
about the others. They re done for now,
but think | ought to know. Still, if
there are so many of them.'-
PLEASE stop, Jack. won't have you
saying such dreadful things, and with
that look on your face, +" she interrupted,
playfully placing her hand over his
mouth, but quickly Withdrawing it
when he attempted to kiss it.
Chow dare you," she exclaimed,
latter the way you've been talking?"
"Well, if you don't want me to say
things why don't you answer my ques-
tion?"
Must |, 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. can
read your thoughts. y
"Can you? That S convenient for you,
Pm sure. wish / could read yours /;
then I'd know the answer to my ques-
ton"
Would you really like to know"
"Why, yes, or l shouldn't have asked
1T"
"Well, Jack, if it will relieve your
mind any to know it you have no prede-
cessors. -
Are you sure, Dora?'
eyes, Jack. You are the first and
only"
"Thanks awfully, Dora. I'm glad to
hear it, and now that question is settled
we will"-
"Oh, no, my boy You don't get off
quite so easily as that want your con-
fession now. About how many dozen
times have you been in love, pray tell?'
Jack Vernon WINGED. He hadn' t
connted 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 p she continued banteringly
"Must I?' said Jack, helplessly re-
peating her question of a few minutes
before
81 am afraid you must, my dear "
mimicked she.
"But 1 am afraid you will hate me
after confess,
els the record, then, so long?"
"No. 1t is IA very short one. L have
never loved but once-before.
"And she-she refused your
"No; l never asked her.
"Why not? You see, want the
whole story now"
| Because of pride. She was a wealthy
heiress / penniless lawyer, with my
| fame and fortune yet to make. l 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.
want the whole truth.
"No, won't say that but she was
the first, and love was "a new sensation
to me then, and if had been her equal
in wealth and station l might-but,
pshaw What's the use of telling you
all this? 1t is all over now. Her love was
not for me. l have put it aside-and
besides, Rave you. But why are you
looking so sober, Dora? Have confess
ed too muchf You wanted the whole
truth, you know"
Eyes, and am glad you were brave
enough to tell it, How long ago was i
that-that this happened" she faltere6
"Three years. y
"And her name?" she asked, in low
tones.
"Need l tell that?"
Eyes, please, said Dora family.
edith Burton.
Dora's face grew suddenly pale.
II thought perhaps she was the one, :
: she said in voice that Jack scarcel,
recognized.
why, do you know her?" he ex
claimed in surprise.
~ used to room with her at boarding