The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1898-01-29
"Mv love for her is in the past tense,

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
sop
"Bet you haven't promised to marry
me yet"
"You didn't ask me that question.
You simply asked me if I loved you,
and you got your answer, 1 believe
''And am to take the rest for
granted, eh?"
"Well, no; nothing should be taken
for granted In this world. I'll give
you your answer, but not now. l
think I'd better send it to you in
writing"
my! My! How formal wo are get
ting all at once! But, after al, l
think I prefer it that way; then l can
carry your note next to my heart for a
mascot until you are mine for good
and all. Shan't I run over here tor 1t
tomorrow morning? I'm anxious to
get it as soon as possible"
"No; I'll mail it to your office in
New York. -
"All right, Dora; and now, just one
before I go!' He bent down and
planted 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 call. I'll be over again We'd
nesday evening, if nothing happens.
Goodnight, Dora!'
Goodnight, Jack!"
When Jack Vernon reached his
Office in Temple court next morning
he found Dora Stevens note awaiting
him. Tearing it open he read:
BROOKLYN, N. Y, $50 p. m. March Is.
Dear jack: The love l expressed for you
IN hour ago find has turned to pity, ana
an going to make you happy by sending to
marry. After hearing your confession, and
knowing what do, could never be happy
with YOU. know you think you are In love
with mo- but the tendrils Of your heart are
still entwned around that early love, and.
and she needs you more than l do. l told
YOU she was my schoolmate years ago; l
still regard her rs one Of my dearest friends,
and, though we have never met since we
graduated, we have always kept up CORE
spondence. l enclose my latest letter from
her, received two months ago. I did not
know until tonight who tho man was that
she loves. know now, and wish you both
all the Joy that life in each others society
can bring YOU. Go to her, Jack, and make
her happy-and my blessing and prayers
will 20 with you. Not good night this time,
but good-by! Ever your friend, DORA.
The Enclosure ran as follows:
ROCHESTER,, N. Y, Jan, a..
My Dear Dora: No, am not engages yet,
and never expect to be. 1have had plenty
of chances Is confer my hand and fortupe-.
especially the latter-upon aspiring appli-
cants, but have declined them all. I have
never met man really cared for. except
one, and believe he cared for me at time:
Perhaps he does yet; but ,alas! he discovered
that was an heiress, and then pride (he
was young lawyer, with plenty. Of brains
and ambition, but no money! held him back:
He loved me; my heart told me that; but
fortune-hunters were tluttering around me.
like moths around a candle, and l suppose
classed with the rest-just as though the
alchemy Of o woman's love could not detect
the gold among the dross!
HAh 1valIl ho Ia Onna Qn6 fharA'9 no nae
mourning for the past. cannot help sigh
ing. though, to think that the very money
which attracted 50 many society moths shoul(
drive away the only man ever loved! ).
There, Dora you have my secret, and
know why l shall evermore q maiden be-
but please don't tell Wishing you q lover
true, some time, dear Dora (not being bur
dened with wealth, you won't have so many
unworthy ones as y and hoping to hea
from you soon, remain, with oceans o
love, yours sincerely, EDITH BURTON.
Late that afternoon Dora Stevens
received the following brief messag'
from Jack Vernon:
My Dear Dora: Many thanks for you
kind note and the Enclosure. There are a
least two angels left on earth. You are on
OF thom. May heaven ever guard and bles
you! Yours gratefully, JACK.
P. ST. start for Rochester at once, an
will mail this on my way to the train.
And as Dora read these words, sh
smiled one little, wee ghost Of smile
and whispered:
"Bettcr my heart than hers!"-
Chicago Record.