The Hocking sentinel. [volume] (Logan, Ohio) 1871-1906, 1898-01-06

before began. She now looked dis
tressed.
l do not like for Marie to look dis
tressed, for she then looks as II she
were going to cry. And crying wo-
man is not pretty. So for the minute
laid aside my own affair to comfort
Marie.
Marie" l began, venturing with
much trepidation to lay my hand softly
upon both of hers, whats the mat
ter?'
She looked up. Her lips were quiv-
ering, and tear, balanced for the
start, stood in each eye.
81 don't know what to do" she whis-
pered brokenly.
"Well?' l said, inquiringly, inviting
her to continue.
She hesitated nervously for several
seconds. Then she went on almost in
audibly:
"You see, Mr.. Transome told me last
night what you told me just now.'
Damn Transomew / said to myself;
and to Marie, "Weli, Philip Transome
is fine fellow, you know"
"Of course" said Marie, acquiescing
little too readily, l thoughc.
"And he's good-looking."
"Yes.''
"And rich"
"Yes.''
This itemizing rivals good points
to comfort the woman you love is rath-
er straining on ones generosity. 1t
isn't so bad if the woman rewards your
generosity. as of course she should.
But Marie didn't. So l stopped.
well, where's the trouble them? l
asked at length.
81 don't know what to do she re-
piled, repeating her former wall.
81 began to see. 1t is hard to decide
between two lovers. could SYM
pathize with Marie, for had once been
Ill similar 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 me, don't you?" ventured,
with some fear in my heart.
Marie nodded. l felt very COM
placent.
"And you like Philip TransomeY' l
continued.
She nodded second time. 1 believe
l swore at Transome again.
But you can't decide between us.
Is that it?''
That's it," acknowledged Marie,
weakly.
you have tried every way?"
II have, and l can't"-here Marie
blushed, but it was blush l did not
like, because it was for Transome as
much as it was for me-"and can't tell
which of you like the better
The person who sits in the seat of the
undecided sits not easily. This l knew
And any decision is better than no de-
cisiOn. This also l knew. So out of
the sympathy which l had for Marie
l made up my mind to help her arrive
at some decision, even though lost by
it. But did not intend losing if
could help it.
l thought for long time. but moth
ing came. Then looked up at Marie
Her eyes were fixed eXpectantly on
me, as though she had instinctively
learned of my intention to help her and
was awaiting my plan.
'"Well," said l, seizing on an idea tina;
just then popped into my head, 'since
you have tried all other ways, sup.
pose you toss up for us"
'Whatw exclaimed Marie, half start
ing from her chair.
"Toss up for u.s." repeated, calmly
Marie sank back in her chair and
gazed at me in amaZement.
Marie's surprise at my suggestion
angered ME somewhat. OF course
can understand that choosing a hus
band in such way may seem a little
queer to. some girls. But they needn't
act as though it were SO unusual. Be
sides, there are worse ways.
Toss up for your Marie managed tc
grasp out at length.
Certainly" | replied with some as
perity. ''Have you anything better tc
suggest?"
4 reluctant "No" came from Marie.
You'd better toss up, them | said
decisively, drawing u quarter from one
of my pockets and offering it to her.
She took it and gaZed at it for Il Ions
time. l began to grow impatient, fol-
The coin was like any other Of its kind
and ! could see 10 reason why Sh,
should study it. Then | saw that hel
look was the look of one who is think
ing. Suddenly she raised her head ant
gaZed steadily ut me. And then smile
that liked strangely well slowly cam,
into her eyes.
mo, you do it." she said, returning
the coin. Il don't know how"
We both stood up. Heads, it i.
Transome; tails. it is II" | suggested
briefly.
Marie nodded.