The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-06-29
ONLY a Friend.

Yes, since my childhood. Playmates We
had been-schoolmates, then friends. As
I watched her developing from narrow
minded youth to beautiful broad woman
hood 1 trembled lest in the picture l knew
she portrayed of future perfect happiness
I should be missing.
She was not a beauty as the word
terms them. but the kindly smile and true
character her face reflected were more
beautiful to me than perfect features. But
her voice; what a voice IL wasl a clear,
rich mezzo. aided by perfect execution
born of deep feeling and power OF inter-
probation. She held a position in one OF
the leading churches in NJ, and there
I confess. l was won't TO find the sermon
more interesting than at my home church
One bright, moonlight Sabbath. as We
stroled home from evening service. she
said:
How well Mr.. Study sang tonight
What beautiful voice he has. Ralph!"
Strange TO say, had been thinking how
well her voice and his blended; before l
answered she continued:
He Is so plea SAINT. too. We should miss
him more than any Of the others In the
quartet If he should leave u.s.
Yes. Elsie, he is q royal fellow. But
will you go with ne on Tuesday 10 hear
Campanari? His voice Is better"
II am sorry. Ralph, but Mr.. Study ask
ed me 20 accompany him that evening aad
l consented"
We'll, he sings again on Thursday, we
can go then, and so 1t was decided
The house was reached. and as We en-
tered l thought had never seen her look
ing so we'll Her eyes were bright and
sparkling and the cold. crisp air had
brought a rich oAmask pink TO her round
cheeks Removing her outer garments
in the hall. she started forward toward
the center OF the parlor, and as she did
so 1 stopped her, and slipping my arm
about her, bent, and, ere she could inter-
ppet my intention. / kissed her. Tearing
herself away, her face ablaze. she cried
in voice of deep anger: Ralph More
land. how dare you-how dare you insult
me?" while 1. all the holder because of
her anger. started forward, and possess
ing myself of both her hanos, said:
Elsie, angry with me- no"-as she tried
to free herself-"you shall listen-angry
with one who loves you better than his
life yes, better than all the whole world
besides, and whose one ambition is to
make you his wife?'
With a low cry of anguish she started
back I released her then.
90 Ralph she said, II never thought
you would do this. / thought we were too
good friends" Two great tears started
and coursed down her cheeks, now pale
as death.
Elsie, my darling girl. don't you love
me?"
Love your" she reiterated: love you
when have 1 not loved you; but not like
that, Ralph; not like thai; l could never
be your wife"
In vain I pleaded, and then a disagree
able thought forced itself upon me. Fran
ing 1t in words, 1 said softly;
elsie is there some one else?"
Trembling she stood there in the semi
darkness. 1 could see how agitated she
was as I caught the faint whisper;
Yes"
Then, indeed hope died within me, and
she continued: Ralph, dear friend, for
| get this Let US be as we always have
been, true frineds. Don't she pleaded
''let this spoil our friendship"
1T shall be as you desire; but. Elsie
is there no hope for me? What Of this
other?"
Poor Ralph, none. This other does not
| even suspect that care for him; but, low
| ing him as do, it would be wrong for me
to consent TO be your wife. Please leave
me now; you have surprised me So"
| ing and praying that God would not lei
her wait long or in vain for her true love
| to be rewarded and returned.
Two days passed and the play was near
! " over in the L opera house, wher
| suddenly the cry of fire rang through
| the auditorium, caught up and re-echoe6
! by the terror-striken people. There ir
! the first balcony were Paul Study anC
Elsie Mordant. watched them both as
! the people thronged the narrow passage
ways. They had not, I felt sure, seen me
! and / resolved TO remain close at hand
| and if necessary aid them. He made hel
wait until the crowd was nearly out; ther
they started. They were within a few
! steps of the door when, as though to ado
/ to the panic, the lights were turned OF.
started forward.
Elsie" I heard him say, ARE yor
afraid? VIII you trust yourself to me-
Il am not afraid while with you, Paul.
was the soft reply, made with strange
! calmness.
you are quite sure" he questioned
bending low and giving her a quick
| searching look.
is there any danger that we canno
get out?" she Queried.
Il think not. You will trust me entire
! ly; let me be your protector now"-sht
nodded as there came whispered yes
now and always, Elsie?"
Eyes. Paul" she answered; and, llftinl
| her gently, he bore her down the stair.
way.
had heard all, and knew then why
she had not loved me.
They are married now, and II am still
| 'her friend. Boston Post.