The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1900-06-10
Windows of Her Soul.

II was \ foregone conclusion that the
interview would be a painful one. Both
realized that. and yet both also real
ized that il vas necessary lsabel e Nor
ris enceave-ed 10 relieve herself Of the
responsibility oy the reflection that she
had not sought it-iRdeed. had tried to
avoid it. She would have preferred 10
| let her brief little note demanding \ per
sonai explanation, and-welI. II she had
to give him pain, Il WAS his own fault
At least she would speak plainly. Ne
other course was possible
He. on the other hand. excused his
persisteney on the plea that an explain
alton was due TO him She had acted in
a most extraordinary manner. and II was
his right 20 know why and 10 know Il
from her own lips. II the interview
proved distressing 10 both OF them. the
fault lay with her. The course she had
unusual complications.
Isabelle he exclaimed when she en-
tered the room
Mr.. Willision-Edward," she returned
in kindly tone. and yet with an air OF
dignity that checked him as he was ad-
yancins TO her side. please do not make
this interview any harder than neceS-
| sary."
Harder" he cried impetuously. why
is IL necessary al alp Why did you
lead ne 10 believe that YOU loved ne
and then suddenly request me 10 return
your letters and cease to call upon you?
Have l done anything TO forfeit your
love or your respect? Tell me. Have
u"
He was close 10 her now, and she drew
back little. Her eyes were averted
too. he noticed. She did not look at him
with that frank. clear gaze TO which ne
was accustomed.
Il am not girl who Is CAPABLE Of
great love-" she replied quietly. "ani
there are other considerations that enter
into the question OF marriage / d
ike you, and l sin ike you. but it Is
not love"
You do not love me?' he demanded.
NO"
Look me in the face and tell me so
and I Will be content" he persisted.
Il do not love you. she answered
rather family but she was looking at
the figures In the carpet.
And you do love this Mr.. Parkin-
SOM"
She flashed Up Instantly.
You have no right to speak that
way she exclaimed Il am u marry
him; that S sufficient. ] told YOU so q
my note. Besides. II is not altogether a
question OF love-
Not question OF lover he repeated
NO. l have already told you that
mine Is not nature capable OF great
/ love. Is not that confession enough? 7
am worldly. II you will have il so Mr.
Parkinson is wealthy. That is not much
in itself, but 1t may mean much. He
can give me social position As his wife
l will receive the social attentions 10
which I have been in a measure accus-
toned and which mean so much 10 me.
And-and he is friend Of papa's"
You malign yourself, asserted Willis
ton bitterly.
sir"
Il beg your pardon, Isabelle-Miss Nor
ris," he said apologetically. II dId not
mean that. but this IS so unlike YOU
You compelled me to speak plainly"
she said; and ! have done so. I am
sorry If I suffer in your estimation as
result. but l am just beginning TO
know myself
You are not" he answered doggedly
Il shall leave the ROOM sir" she ex-
claimed haughtily, turning 70 20.
NO. Nor he pleaded.
IF We're rich would you marry me?'
Her eyes were fixed on a ring with
which she was toying.
Possibly l might-yes, think
would she said family.
.'And you are throwing me over be-
cause l am not wealthy
why are you so brutal?" she asked.
Because | want TO KIN X"
We'll. then, yes / am But 81 was
evident that this was said with an e.
fort
He looked at her long aud hxeily
Goodbye" he said at last. and held
out his hand. She saw the hand with
out seeing him. and quietly placed her
own in it. He held It so long that she
Involuntary looked up. and then for the
first time their eyes met
you are letting me go" ne said be
cause-no; look at me when you answer
because you do not really love me-
Because I do not really love you"
she repeated
Because you are Incapable OF deep
and lasting love-the love OF the heart
and the soul"
Don't say it, he exclaimed. suddenly.
1T would not b. true.
An instant later he was holding n
weak and unresisting girl in his arms
and whispering in her ear. are you not
the one who Is socially and financially
ambitious; and you love me. I know f..
I saw II through the windows Of your
soulv "
And Parkinson-wel, Parkinson Il Just
a. good a catch" as before. and there
are lots OF girls who succeed in keeping
the windows" closed Daily story.