The Saint Paul globe., 1899-03-26
The PASSING OF A THEORY

back again at the bright girlish face opposite
him.
Yes" she was saying, re1ectively; "theo-
mes are very well in their way. That is for
persons who care to indulge in them, with
neither idea nor intention of ever putting
them into practice. They have, too, the un-
qualified advantage Of being made to fit in
every ywhere-without reference to facts
He looked at the girls earnest face, as she
finished speaking, and half smiled at the bit
of SkeptciSm.
Don't you agree with me?" she uueried
good-naturedly.
Wen, no. Not exactly. You see, a true
theory IS a belief, which, without actual
proof. is based on such sound facts as to ad-
init very reasonable hypothesis"
please be serious for once, Jack, and don't
begin airing your hateful sophistries. You
can't Illustrate what you've just said with a
single live example"
well, to begin with"
He paused and looked earnestly at the lit
tie breakers as they scampered merrily up
to the beach.
NWeH-go en-. You don't expect me to fin
tsh for you?" She tailed her hand leisurely
along the surface of the water, after the
fashion OF gTfs in boats, and looked at him
out OF the corner Of one eye. It is surprising
how much a woman can see out Of the corner
or an eye, and it squinted. at that
Jacks gaze came back again and rested on
the face of his companion.
AS was saying" he resumed; when you
interrupted me-to begin with-I-love some
one"
'-oh." She shot quick look at him and
REDEEMED.
"Ees-mdeed. And what's more-that is,
I consider, a sound fact"
Il don't see what that has to do with the
subject" she replied with some dignity.
FWait and see You won't give me half
chance The fact have stated. Now, if she
loves une-there is the other fact. Isn't it
natural to suppose that there will be a reas-
enable conclusion?"
But the proofs?"
Il have not-yet"
~Because?"
~BecauseI haven't told her"
oh, WELL" she retorted with pink cheeks;
Il can assure you Of the result. She loves
you"
.tNinas
'Yes,'' she continued; ''she told me so.
She's my best friend, you know, and we tell
each other-everything
"Oh, you do!'' unsnl1ingly
ITO be sure and" she went on sweetly;
IT am so glad. Dear Kitty, I hope she'll be
happy"-dwelling pensively on the last words
But, by Jove-'
Jack she interrupted. dreamily.
@Yes?" %H<laE =, sT,s- y. tp,, --..4a
May be the first to-congratulate you?'
'Oh, if you think
Never mind that Listen to me for few
M1nuteS. She is my dearest friend, and
want to see her happy. She cares for you
I'm sure Of that-and-'
Jacks head went up.
"Oh. stop. So does my best friend love you.
too. but that don't cut-what's the matter?"
THAT is immaterial to the subject" she
retorted
tTelI mes' she inouired after silence.
do you love her well enough to give up all
-everything-for her happiness? Herself if
need be, to another?'
Jack Voorhees, stared at her moodiy There
was blank wonder in his eyes, too-and in
credulity.
DO you believe in that?" he asked slowly
'Of course do,' she returned with en-
thusiasnn There is no love without sac
rifice
"a theory" he said, doggedly. "One of
your kind"
Il don't see why.
Would you put such a thing into prac-
tice?'' he demanded.
Most certainly
Cheerful and encouragng" said Jack
ut is the nobility of soul that 1 admire"
She continued, the color coming and going
IN her cheeks. Self -effacement-'
Excuse a personal question: he inter-
rupted; "but-do you-care for any one?"
What is that to you?" she answered,
nervously.
who is he? What's his name?"
The girl made nc reply.
81 knew it. It's Will Anstruthers-my best
friend 1 see it eil now-what you were driv-
ing at
She opened her mouth once-twice, but said
nothing.
He looked across at her with a pathetic
smile.
Granted he ventured after while:
that your idea of secrifice, etc, is right.
Would you be willing to give him I'D to some
one else, just because that some one else
loved him-and happened to be your best
friend?"
Butt isn't necessary she returned,
clasping and unclaspng her hands. II
don't love him.
.'Wel-he loves you. He's the best friend
I have and he-told me-so.'
"Oh!' family.
''I don't love Kitty, either" suggestively.