The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-08-14

not admit it to himself. to enjoy his own
sweet will without any clog.
These things were hidden as yet from
anything but the young mans subconscious-
ness. AS he finished dressing slowly, he
decided to go at once after breakfast and
tell the young woman of his happiness. The
thought ought to have suggested a trium-
plIal procession, but only presented itself
as logical and obvious proceeding. Also,
If his feelings had been what he imagined
them to be, he would have babbled out his
good fortune to the other late-comers at
breakfast. He believed that it was ro-
mantle to reserve the news for the young
woman but the belief was artificial.
He found the young woman sitting in the
sunshine on the lawn. She was looking,
too, preposterously healthy and happy, con-
sidering the circumstances. He was able
to explain quite intelligibly what had hap
pened, and the young woman listened, and
watched him quietly. In some ways he was
a very transparent young man, and she was
a young woman of perception.
so, now" he concluded, ''of course we
can be married just as soon as ever we
Married? You want to marry me?' she
said, dreamily. as though he had suggested
a new idea, which, as matter Of fact, was
Why. what's the matter, Kitty? Aren't
you glad?' he asked.
I'm very glad that you'll be rich' she
answered, with smile. What are you go
"Oh, have good time. generally" he
repeated, slowly.
What is the matter, Kitty?" he inquired.
pu not sure T DO yet she said
Surely. after last night he burst out.
Last night" she said. Il refused you be-
cause you were poor. And last night was
You surely don't think I'm such a cad
as to let that make any difference. OF
mo, know you're not cad. Jack. You
happen to be a gentleman. That's what
complicates things so" she said.
Il don't understand at ALL he said
You're very, very young, jack she an
sWered. He did look very young that morn
ing, in his new aspect of possible hus-
I'm no younger than was last night"
he urged.
eff you said yes? Don't you care for me
Still?' he asked.
Wait moment she answered. eff I
said yes. we should be married soon. Then
We should settle down to quiet. humdrum
uneXciting life. Do you realize that? Next
year you wouldn't want to dance with me
all the evening".
Then, do you mean you don't care for
me?'' he asked.
mo, ] don't care for YOU" she said, de-
liberately. She had watched his eyes for
.'the light that never was on sea and land"
but it had died away since the night be-
fore. And I'll tell you why. Last night
been the prettiest thing in a life that wasn't
very pretty. Now I'm only very very
small part or your life. That wouldn't
satisfy me-"
Surely, you don't mean what you say?'
he pleaded.
"Oh, yes, 1 do" she said, with a little
laugh. Il shouldn't be adequate and you
wouldn't be adequate. 1t wouldn't do Be-
lieve me, Jack. it wouldn't. We like each
other, but we don't love each other Don't
let's be- foolish any more Let the dead
past bury it's dead. You've lot of arrears
of enjoyment to draw, and you'd better 90
away and play now, without making too
much of this"
81 never thought" he burst out.
mo, Jack, / don't think you ever did,"
she said, 'or you'd agree with me. / know
you want me just for the moment, because
I've said no, but that's the only reason.
Run away and play. Goodbye, Jack; I'd
rather you'd go now"
Goodbye. Jack" the young woman said
with a smile, holding out her hand
The young man took it, and strobe away
angrily. For several days he said evil
things to himself about the young wome n,
and decided that she was not worth caring
for. Soon afterward, he decided that he
never had cared for her. After another
brief interval he came to the conclusion
that she was an unusually nice girl, and that,
some day. perhaps, if he met her. he might
try his luck again. When the young woman
married another man he felt sorry for her
and the other man. being under the inn
preston that he held a permanent first
mortgage on her affections. which was
mistake, because the only mark which he
left on the young woman'S mind was a
capacity for approaching the other man
But the whole thing was pity 1t might
nave been such an excellent little piece of
romance in two peoples lives and 1t de-
generated into the exposure of a filtration.