The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-19
In Her Confession Book.

protested.
That would never do. The confession;
have to be quite innpromptu."
But, suppose I can't make UP my
mind?
1T would be Z reflection upon the mind,
said she, severely.
l turned over the leaves doubtfully and
shook my head The questions are terri
bly, searching. Why, 1 should have to con-
fess enough to- hang mei'
why Motif you deserve hanging?
dare say you do. you know" 1 hadn't
looked al it like that
''Ye-es, but I'm not in a hurry
Il am She opened the book and laid
out the blotting PAD. you see, your con-
fession is very important. haven't been
able to get really bad and depraved
character previously" I groaned.
Tomorrow, perhaps
Now" said she, firmly, this is a ] pen
you use a ], don't you?" She planted
the writing material in front of me with
an air Of determination.
"Well-if must" 1 took up the pen
and stared blankly at the ceiling. What
am to do?"
First you write your name-here." She
came and stood beside me, and pointed
over my shoulder. So I subscribed my
self hers to command. Now, your age"
What does that matter?'
1T shows how much wisdom may be ex-
pected."
Five" I proposed promptly.
mo, nor she cried, catching hold of my
hand. You mustn't be silly" OF course,
1 didn't mean to be, but 1 was bound TO
pretend if it made her do that
'Thirty-one, then, if 1 must; it's awful
ly old, isn't it?'
! That's right"
Hadn't I better add my address, for
birthday presents?"
'Or bills? You don't know who might
see it,
NO; that's the deuce of it. And the
next?"
Now, you must answer the questions
! What is the thought uppermost in your
mind?"
IF any?''
"A mind" said she, positively, us as
sumed What is the thought uppermost in
it at the present moment. That is the
question"
Your pleasant company"
"Oh, whatever will people think?'
THAT I've got one answer right I
leaned back triumphantly in my chair.
But you shouldn't. They might think
you really"
Meant it?''
"Of course not"
But do. Shall add a sworn declara-
tion?"
She laughed and shook her head ct
won't have perjury in my dear little book.
Now, you must be quite serious, please.
This is a very important question. Is life
worth living? No! You are not to write
till you have told me the answer
AT the present mOment-yes.'
You must answer generally-for al
ways
I'm the present company-yes."
You are not to mention me- I won't
have it," She nodded her head decisive
ly.
Then my Inspirations gone" I laid
down the pen.
"Pleaser 1 took it up again.
eff the liver works. Will that do?"
1T isn't original she objected. -Four
people have written it already
Il know said I, Selling the book and
writing rapidly. 1t depends on the an
swer to another question, when 1 ask
it.
That's altogether too vague
"Shall 1 make it more explicit?' looked
right at her. and she was prettily pink.
There's no room for any more" said
she. hastily, "Now, you turn over. You
have lot more questions to answer
Then l committed myself to the state
ments that my favorite author was Shake
speare (she wouldn't hear of Kipling), my
favorite composer, Wagner (Which wasn't
true), my favorite drink. beer (Which
was). and various other important facts.
That's very nice" she said approving
ly. when had recorded that my motto
was Pluck for luck and my favorite
recreation reading sermons
Now for your esthetic tastes. Your
favorite colors?'
Blue in eyes and brown in hair;
Whatever color my lady wearI
''ShaH ] add gray at PRESENT. I inquir- |
ed. OF course that was what she was wear |
ing.
Il don't know what color your lady
wears; didn't know you had "a LADY,"
There is one 1 should like to have
But that isn't the question:" she said |
quickly.
But it's going to be-
Never mind, Go on. Your favorite
Edith. of course. That is her name, you
know
You're making game"
Indeed, I am not"
90. but you are! And you mustn't Now
your favorite qualities in woman. Seri-
ously. mindi l really want to know"
Yours" 1 announced, decidedly. She
hastily removed the ink pot
Il won't have any more nonsense"
You told me TO put down the truth"
Il shall have 20 tear II all out"
We'll I sighed, "In put something else
but II won't De so true" She released the |
ink All. 7 wrote.
Your favorite proverb7"
Faint heart never won fair lady I'll |
try not to be faint-hearted"
The addition was quite unnecessary"
she commented severely. Everyone
knows you are dreadfully forward"
The next question is a poser" I re-
marked. IF not yourself, who would
you be?'
Some great hero-or writer-or paint
Err she suggested, looking over my shout
Ter. Her hair just brushed me-and that
made my mind uo.
I'm not so ambitious as that"
Well. put down whatever you wish, so
ons as its something nice
"She-it-is very nice"
But il mustn't be anything silly"
I'm! I'm afraid, perhaps, what I
want"
Want to be-
ITO have" ,
"Oh. no! That's not the question at /
Ill" II
But suppose that my ambition is 10 ;
possess something-or somebo-''
That isn't the point she interrupted. /
Do answer properly
4 know" Whomever you liked best ! {
You viii make me smudge the book" I / {
demonstrated. as she attempted 20 snatch ,
: away
Every one viii laugh at you"
4 don't mind niboIed the pen-holde- :