The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-29
AT THE CHARITY BALL
why. Mr.. Browning. you at auytr

OF her misty pink dancing skirt, with Its
| rufies and lace
Il have just one dance left a schottische
Shall it be for you?" she said.
IF you will so honor me. But as I can't
dance anything but the waltz. am going
to ask you to come with me to that little
alcove retreat over there. where we can
talk and watch the figures"
For answer Mildred Erickson laid her
gloyed fingers on his arm and raised her
brown eyes to his face as they walked
away from the group Of dancers now form
ing for the schottische.
The little alcove retreat" was at one
end of the long ballroom, and was massed
with cut flowers and ferns. Mildred threw
her huge bouquet of bridesmaid roses. her
fan and lace handkerchief down beside her
and took up two-thrds Of the divan with
her full skirts Browning sank back lux.
uriously in the silken cushions at her side.
Everyone seems to be here tonight
she said.
Yes. Even L.
There is Maud Jones. now, in that pale
blue chiffon. Do you know she is to be
married next week to Jack MARSHALL
she? This is only her second season,
isn't it,"
Second, No. only her first" Mildred
said with a laugh and shrug Of her plump
white shoulders.
Her first? You are more sensible. Mss
Erickson. Why this is your tenth season
Don't you remember | was at your coming
out tea?"
Yes, and you we're old then-twenty-
eight; just my age now" She picked Up
her bouquet and buried her face in the
fresh pink blossoms.
And you were in white and carried pink
roses. just like those. Mildred"
But not so large a bunch and she re-
gan pulling the flowers out and tearing on
the petals. while Browning watched her
color come and go.
And | sent them"
And you sent them"
Browning shifted his position slightly.
Il wonder what Marshall wants to marry
that little Miss Jones for" he said
LAS she is not an heiress, he probably
thinks he loves her. | hope it does not
worry you, Mr.. Browning"
Me? Not at all. | suppose you've often
wondered why I've never married"
Mildred's cheeks assumed the hue of her
roses.
q? Not at all. Rather should wonder
If you did get married. 1 am so used to
you single. you know
And ! should wonder at il. too. I Ike
women. They are beautiful creatures. to
be admired adOred, and dealized. but kept
at distance if a man wants to retain his
peace Of mind. Don't you think so, Miss
Erickson2"
Can Mr. Browning be wr0ng?"
Thank you. Now, suppose | had mar
ried when / was. say, twenty-eight. Ten
years ago I'd have a wife who never
thought Of me or my home, but always Ct
her own personality and social engage
ments. My home would be no home at ALL
because | should expect things OF her
which she would never do.
Miss Erickson was uncOnsciOusiy pulling
the flowers to pieces and watching MIR.
Browning with studied courtesy.
Browning continued: "As it is. | have
my bachelor fiat. in which / am king. My
servants, whom no one ever inter
feres with. l go and come when I please
to the club. to the opera. to dinners. OF TO
Europe. Ny horses and carriages are
mine. and no one ever complains Of them.
My house is solitude itself unless I wish
to make it noisy. Don't you think l am
sensible man.
1T really had never occurred to me,
Mr. Browning Mildred said, laughing
slightly.
my example and remained single"
But not alone. There is mamma and
papa and Joe and the girls. Mr. Browning.
Oh, l should not care for solitude nor en-
joyment alone"
You are not so selfish"
No"
What"
NO. Mr.. Browning I am not selfish.
And you would be happier if you we're
not"
Browning looked at her in silent amaze
ment. Then he said:
Il suppose I have given up lot for my
selishness. 1t might be nice to have a
wife always waiting for me and planning
little surprises for my comfort and enjoy
ment, if she were sweet and nice and
charming like she would be before | mar
ried her. And to always have some one to
take out with me whenever I-or rather
she-cared to go. And to entertain my
friends as some women can do And to
see great tall boys and gentle girIs-my
children-growing up about me. But a
man must have a lot Of nerve to ask a
woman to give herself to him alone
Not necessarily" Mildred's lips were
parted in a smile
Her freedom. her childhood home. her /
name. all girlish pastimes. every bit Of
question
she regards it all as pleasant sacIi- .
fee, if she loves the man. Mr.. Browning. /.
And if she loves the man will she want
to 10 all this if he asks her tO2''
Men are positive and women negative !
80 you advise ne TO marry"
Il advise all men to marry
Then why are you single, Mildred
q? Oh, I am a woman" AID she laughed
softly
Browning watched the gay scene of the
ballroom in silence moment. Then lie
said.
Mildred, shall tell you why I never
married o"
The girl buried her face again in the
roses.
Yes" she said.
Because / never thought you would ave
me. You were so bright and gay. and ten
years younger than l."
Mildred leaned forward until he felt her
breath on his cheek. She spoke rapidly.
for she saw Mr.. Bixby coming to claim
waltz.
shall 1 tell you why 1 never married,
Paul.
Yes"
Because YOU never asked me"
Mildred"
Browning spraug forward ON the silken
cushions and caught her hand But size
withdrew it hurricdly, aud with her flce
all wreathed in smiles caught up her flow
ers and fan and lace handkerchief and said +
as she walked away.
Come to NE tomorrow afternoon 1t 3, !
Mr. Browning"
And q moment later Browning saw her
floating through the steps OF the va Il On
the arm OF George Bixby.-St Louis Star. .