Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1898-02-07

"My love for her is in the past tense,
not the present"
True love canneyer 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
sop
But you haven't promised to marry
me yet. -
You didn't ask me that question.
You simply asked me if [ loved you,
and YOU got your answer, | believe. "
And ! am to take the rest for
granted, eh?"
''Well, no; nothing should be taken
for granted in this world. I'll give
You Your answer, but not now. l
think I'd better send it to YOU in
writing"
my! Ny! How formal we are get
ting all at once! But, after all, /
think l prefer il that way; then / can
carry your note next to my heart for Il
mascot until you are mine for good
and all. Shan't | run over here for it
tomorrow morning? I'm anxious to
get it as soon as possible. "
''No; Eli mail it to your Office in
New York. "
"All right, Dora; and now, just one
before / go'' He bent down and
planted a kiss on her unresisting lips.
Thanks, dear! Now, please forget
that there ever was any other girl, and
don't look quite 50 sober the next
time | call I'll be over again We'd
nesday evening, ii nothing happens.
Goodnight, DORA"
Good night, Jackw
When Jack Vernon reached his
Office III Temple court next morning
he found Dora Stevens note awaiting
him. Tearing it open he read:
BROOKLYN, \. v. $50 p. m. March Is.
Dear Jack: The love | expressed for :Uu
an hour ago find has turned to pity. and |
am going to make yoa happy by sending to
you the only woman you have right to
marry. After hearing your confession, and
knowing what do. could never be happy
with you. | know you think you are in love
with me. but the teudrils OF your heart are
still entwined around that early love, and
and she needs you more than l do. | told
yon she was my schoolmate years ago; |
still regard her rs one of my dearest friends.
, and. though we have never met since we
graduated. we have always kept mp CORE
spondence. ! enclose my latest letter from
her, received two months ago. | did not
know until tonight who the man was that
she loves. / know now. and wish you both
all the joy that life in each others society
can bring you. Go to her, Jack, and make
her happy--and my blessing and prayers
will 90 with you. Not good night this time,
but Sood-by. Ever your friend, DORA.
F The inplogIlpa van oS fpllnwS.
( ROCHESTER,. n. y. Jan IA.
I Ny Dear Dora No. / am not engaged yet,
and never expect TO bc. 1 have had plenty
! of chances to confer my hand and fortune
especially the latter-upon aspiring appli-
/ cants, but l have declined them all. L have
| neyel met man really cared for. except
= one, aud | believe he cared for me at a time.
| Perhaps he does yet; but. alas! he discovered
/ that ! was an heircss, aud then pride che
/ was Il young lawyer, with plenty OF brains
and ambition, but no money held him back.
/ He loved rac: my heart told mo that: but
| fottune-hunters were ilutterng around me.
/ like moths around Il candle, and l suppose
/ he was afraid if he spoke he would be
. claSsed with the rest Just as though the
alchemy OF n wonan's love could not detect
( the gold among the dross.
''th, we'll! he is gone. and there's no use
mourning for the past, ! cannot help sigh
ing. though. to think that the very money
which attracted so many society moths should
drive away the only man / over loved,
There Dora. yoU have my secret. and
, know why l shall eyermore IA maiden be-
! but please don't tell. Wishing you a lover
true, SOME time. dear Dora mot being bur
leued with wealth, you won't have SO many
unworthy ones rs IL and hoping to hear
/ from you soon, remain. with oceans Of
love, yours sincerely. EDITH BURTON.
Late that afternoon Dora Stevens
received the following brief message
from Jack Vernon:
Ny Dear Dora; Many thanks for your
/ kind note aud the inciosure. There are at
1 least two angels LETT on earth. You are one
of them. May heaven ever guard and bless
You, Yours gratefully, JACK.
( p ST start for dorchester at once, and
will mail this on my WY to the train.
And rs Dora read these words, she
smiled one little, wee ghost of smile,
and whispered:
Better my heart than hers!'-
Chicago Record.