The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1898-02-15
LOVED HER FRIEND.

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 l ought to know. Still, If
there are SO many of them
please stop, Jack. l 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.
"How dare you" she exclaimed,
latter the way you've been talkingP'
"Well, if you don't want me to say
things why don't you answer my ques-
tion?''
Unjust l, Jack?"
all d1Id1Q yOu uuuStJ NY QChIs
"And you won't hate me after tell,
will your"
"Well'-
THAT depends, you are going to
say. You needn't hesitate SO long. 1 can
read your thoughts. .
"Can you? That convenient for you,
I'm sure. wish l could read yours;
then I'd know the answer to my ques-
ton.
Would you really like to known
"Why, yes, or shouldn't have asked
it."
"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 Iwant your con-
fession now. About how many dozen
times have you been in love, pray tellP''
Jack Vernon WINGED. He hadn't
counted 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 few minutes
before.
81 am afraid you must, my dear,
mimicked she.
"But am afraid you will hate me
after confess.
Is the record, then, SO long?"
"No. 1t is very short one. I have
never loved but once-before. y
"And she-she refused your
"No; I never asked her"
"Why not? You see. want the
whole story now
Because of pride. She was wealthy
heiress, penniless lawyer, with my
fame and fortune yet to make. / 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 1t, Jack.
1 want the whole truth"
"No, won't say that, but she was
the first, and love was new sensation
to me then, and if l had been her equal
in wealth and station l might-but,
pshawl What's the use of telling you
Rll this? 1t is all over now. Her love was
not for me- | have put it aside-and,
besides, have you. But why are you
looking SO sober, Dora? Have confess
ed too much? You wanted the whole
truth, you know. !"
eyes, and am glad you were brave
enough to tell it. How long ago was it
that-that this happened?" she faltered.
tThree years.
"And her name?' she asked, in low
tones
NEED tell that?'
eyes, please said Dora family.
edith Burton. F"
Dora s face grew suddenly pale.
81 thought perhaps she was the one, ,"
she said in voice that Jack scarcely
recognized.
"Why, do you know herP' he ex-
claimed in surprise
81 used to room with her at boarding
school, answered Dora. She had re-
gained control of her voice now. "She
is good, noble woman, far better than
l am, and don't wonder that you love
her.
"You mean loved,' corrected Jack.
"My love for her is in the past tense,
not the present. -
" True love can never 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 so?"
"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 1 am to take the rest for grant
ed, chr"
"Well, no. Nothing should be taken
for granted in this world. I'll give you
your answer, but not now. think I'd
better send it to you in writing.
"My, myl How formal we are get
ting all at once. But, after all, think
1 prefer it that way; then can carry
your note next to my heart for mascot
until you are mine for good and all.
Shan't run over here for 1t tomorrow
morning? Pm anxious to get it as soon
as possible.
mo I'll mail it to your Office in
New York .
"All right, Dora, and now just one
before go.' He bent down and plant.
ed kiss on her unresisting lips.
"Thanks, dear. Now, please forget that
| there ever was any other girl and don't
look quite SO sober the next time l call.
I'll be over again Wednesday evening
if nothing happens Good night, Dora. >
GOOD night, Jack.
When Jack Vernon reached his Office
in Temple court the next morning, h'
found Dora Stevens note awaiting him.