The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-08-21
A SANCTUM ROMANCE.


The editor OF the weekly visitor leaned
back from his becluttered desk, pushed his
spectacles up and set the tips of his fingers
together, as is the fashion of some people
when they talk. AT his right hand sat a
handsome, self-possessed, alert-looking
young woman; on his left pale, studious-
looking young man, whose proud sensitive
face and reticent manner betokened one
who thought and felt but did not wear his
heart upon his sleeve Both were listening
intently to what the editor had to say.
II will furnish the theme continued the
latter, pursuing subject already preached,
land the theme is this: A man loves a wom-
an, but there are reasons why he should
not confess it. Every dictate of prudence
is against it, his position in life, his ques-
tionable ability to meet the responsibilities
of marriage and a scrupulous sense of honor
which looks to the good of the woman he
loves all forbid it. On the other hand,
there is his love in all it's strength, the lurk-
ing belief that it is returned, and the pos
sibility of loves fulhlment. What shall
he do?"
The editor was aware that the young lady
shot at him one penetrating glance, and
that the young man, a very visible pink
spreading over his fine features, looked him
steadily in the face. But he paid little at
tentlon to that, and went on:
Il take up case of this sort because
there are enough young men to-day in just
that predicament to justify a canvassing of
it, and it occurs to me, by way of literary
novelty, to have the question answered in
story form from two standpoints-that of
man and that of a woman. 1 do not mind
saying that you two are about the bright
est contributors we have, and so 1 have
nj Iy
care to-" 1t was an unprofessional and rath-
er dangerous piece of fattery, but the edi-
tor qualified it as much as possible by the
word about" and by making his admis
sion in a perfectly cold business-like man
ner. Nevertheless, the two bright contrib
utorS" looked pleased, and, as struggling
young contributors are not thus taken to
the editorial bosom every day, their acqui-
escence in the literary experiment went
without question. Write out your stories
then" he continued, and each of you give
what you consider fttlng solution. When
finished submit them to me, and another
time We will all three meet again to dis
cuss them. In the end, if they prove avail
able-mind you, however, you must run
that risk-and We conclude to lay them be-
fore the readers of the Weekly Visitor,
will pay you our highest rates"
A fortnight later the two bright con-
tributors' again sat beside the editorial
desk waiting to be judged. The editor sat
with the two manuscripts opened out be-
fore him.
WELL he said, "these stories are not at
all available for the Visitor. Yours" TAX
ing up one of them and turning to the
young woman, SIS a very clever bit of PEN
work-very clever indeed, but it fails of
the idea entirely. After reading it carefully
| haven't the slightest glimpse of your
4 4p Mon you think your nero ought
peeTed for a moment into her face, but it
was the unmoved face of a sphinx. Then
swiftly passing smile f1ickered to her eyes,
but ii was an enigRatical smile. Yes, it
is clever-very clever, indeed he remarked
in rather irrelevant way. AS for yours, ,.
turning TO his other visitor, who was drawn
within his shell like a box tortoise Il hard
ly know what to say. In the first place it
is not story at all, because in your in
tense concern for your lover you quite for
get plot, incident, movement and all that
goes to make a story. Your plea for the
lovers right in the face of all circum-
stance Is wonderfully well done-wonder-
fully genuine and strong, / must confess.
1t is not forced-it is manifestly born of
fervld convictions of the heart, but the pru-
Dental side OF the question you have ig-
nored altogether. want this thing dealt
with practically. It's all very well TO pour
out ones love regardless of consequences
in fiction where it doesn't make much diff
ference, but what ought to be done in ac-
tuai cases? Briefly. if you were really in the
place of your hero would you plead for
his?"
The other shrank together still more, but
in the retreat he met his questioner with
look that was akin to glare. The editor
nibbled his pencil reflectively, then went on:
4 was SO uncertain about your story that
l submitted it to your collaborator---"
What did you do that for?" quickly
blurted the other, reddening.
For her literary judgment, of course.
Why, was there any reason / shouldn't
mo, l suppose motif was not a private
letter. and to carry further the smile of
the tortoise he closed his shell sltirely.
/ inn
the autocrat blandly. IF your judgment
was as good as hers maybe would have
youm pardon par me- TRen oI turning his sH con- con-
versation to the lady once more: Il have
faith in your insight-what, now, is your
opinion as TO the sincerity, the veracity of
this story? Does it seem to you a man S
real conviction, such as he would actually
carry out, or is it simply a bit of sentiment,
agreeable to mans wishes, but incon-
elusive as to practice?"
She smiled sweetly placid smile. 81
think you ask rather too much of my in
sight was the answer. Just how the sum
total of a mans arguments will operate on
his actual conduct must confess have no
skill to know.
Wei, then" retorted the editor little
testify, II come directly down to the ques
ton. If man loves woman and worldly
nober part to frankly avow that love? Our
friend herein his story-evdently thinks
yes. You have opinions on other subjects
say?S 49,
She looked steadily out Of the window for
a space. II should think" she replied eva
sively, lit would depend altogether on how
much he wanted to ayow it, Then a blush
pretty to see, swept over her cheeks The
young fellow, magically aroused, leaned for
ward, his eyes riveted on her, all the po-
tential strength of his face bIossoming into
life Neither of them seemed conscious of
the EDITORS presence, and that worthy, who
was something of an observer of faces and
of people, wanted to see more, but just then,
as it happened. discovered some proofs that
he thought had gone down to the compos-
ing room. So he was obliged to excuse
himself and take them. When he returned
after being delayed in the composing room
a subtle but manifest change had come over
his vistors-a kind of subdued tenderness
such as befalls people who have surren-
dered themselves to that which brings hap
piness and peace.
I'm sorry" said the editor with mis-
chievous twinkle in his eye. I'm sorry YOU
wasted your time on those stories; but
really, they're not available at ALL
s'Oh. never mind it, replied the Miss.
Eve young writer's must learn to endure
disappointments with fortitude--it is all so
much training, you know.
I'VE are only sorry said her companion
innocently, that we have failed you in your
little literary plan. What will you do abou;
that?"
The editor looked at him over his specta-
Gle rims in a fatherly sort of way. MY
boy" he returned, do you really think /
wanted to advertise the matter in the
Weekly Visitor? warned you beforehand
you know, that the stories might not be