The St. Johns herald., 1900-09-22


 {Trom the Washington Home Magazine,
 oy Special Permission.)
 TRAcEY CHANNON and = Annis Wydeman, residents of the same city, met for the first time one bright summer day at a certain oceaD-side re- sort. A few evenings later they were chatting rather confdentially as they stroIled along the beach in the twilight. He was saying:
 T have never yet found the one ire sistible woman, and do not intend ever to marry. But I'm fond of the la- dies-nice ones-and I mean to enjoy their society so long as they are will ing to take me in frank. friendly way without expecting me to turn lover, signing like furnace after few days scqaintance.
 Here's my hand on that. Mir. Chan non. have long waited to know the man who isn't studying ones availabiI- Fly as wife. or looking aghast if she caste friendly glance in his diree- fion."
 "You and I need not be afraid of each ether with such an understanding, need wei" asked Tracey.
 ''Not in the least. shall enjoy you ssnmensely, I know. for though I expect 10 marry when the right man presents himself, I do like to be myself without constantly standing guard against low SITS and proposals"
 "You can be yourself with me. I'll fake my own heart risks, Miss Wyde- man."
 Annis had left her debutante season behind by less than half dozen years. Tracey was older by a decade. She was an orphan of tempting fortune, and ranged at will between comfort able city quarters in winter and select seaside resorts in summer. As bach eior he was independent as 10 fortune, and inclined to take life easily.
 When Annis reached her room after tbe twilight stroll, she laughed and said to herself:
 "Now. Miss Wydeman. you have been fairly warned, and if your rather un- susceptible heart should happen to prove 6 target for Cupid's markham ship you will have to make your own repairs. No gallant Sir Knight de CEannon will take pity on you. I won- der If he warns of all the girls in the same way. and I'm glad ans wered him just as I did. Perhaps that is his way of storming hearts. But IF stand by the compact we've made and prove that oae woman at least can enjoy mans society and still withstand his charms. Never, never will show the faintest sign of heart interest. l simply will not fall in love with Tracey Chaunon ifIsee him every day for 40 years"
 Accordingly. during the reminder of the season and after their return to the city. whether Tracey came often or seldom Annis made him equally well come. When he danced attendance on some belle of the hour she smiled as sweetly and remained as cordial as when he was paying devotion at her ahrine. She had other admirers. but as they came tentatively. one by one. found her preoccupied, and saw Chan hons semipossessive position. they went their way.
 Months rolled by and Tracey grew apparently absorbed in Annis' society. more pointedly devoted, more appro- priative. He even showed signs of con- semplating matrimony seriously and fatorably.
 Annis was one day denouncing hus- band of her acquaintance who. as she saw it, had manifested indifference to his wife's happiness. stVo,,r Jaa 'c q altnna&h har fOn htOh " Tracey protested. 'No ordinary hu- man being would suit you. You are looking for an angel"
 "Pardon the contradiction, but am not looking for anything with view to matrimony. And may hold as high Ideals as l please. for I can wait till 1 find the man to fit them. I am perfect ly comfortable as am, you know"
 "I am happy to hear that. But no man, however earnest. will ever dare to offer himself to you. unless you cul- Stvate less independence of manner, al- low me to suggest"
 '.This is among the least of my troubles. but if ever am seized with fever for marrying I shall hie me to some enchanted land where nl, women are above par. even independent ones." "plhen you are ready to go on that quest will you kindly let me know?"
 ''Ch. yes. Mir. Channon. I'll have it published in all the society papers and the reason therefor"
 When their acquaintance was some what more than year old. Tracey went away for an indefinite sojourn. Annis found his absence intolera bie. The fu- ture without him loomed up dreary blank. She was consumed with a jeal- ous fear lest another might fill her place in his esteem. lest he might drop hers into the list of bygone friend- ships. Her misery and loneliness would not be sub6ued. She awoke enc morn ing to the discovery that she was in Eoxe. She blushed before her mirror, shook her fist at in rage. She covered her face in shame that she had let her heart go where it was not wanted. She could not blame Tracey Channon. She would control herself whatever it cost. ID spite of her efforts to forget. the painful yearning seized her at times % strongly that she longed to hate the man that she might be at peace with herself. She reviewed his character and conduct to find something inconl-