Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1900-06-26

4 nave just one dance Ieft, a Scn0t-
1ische. Shall it be for you?" he said.
IF you will so honor me. But as l
can't dance anything but the waltz |
am going to ask you to come with me
so that little alcove retreat over there,
where we can talk and watch the fig
ares"
For answer Mildred Erickson laid her
.glOved fingers on his arm and raised her
brown eyes to his face as they walked
away from the group of dancers now
CORNING for the schottische.
The ''little alcove retreat" was at one
end Of the long ballroom, and was
an2ssed with cut flowers and ferns. Mil
dred threw her huge bouquet of brides
snaids roses, her fan and lace handker-
chief down beside her and took up two
thirds Of the divan with her full skirts.
Browning sank back luxuriously in the
siilken 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
10 be married next week to Jack Mar
shan?"
she? This is only her second season,
ISN'T it?'
Second! No, only her first" Mildred
said with laugh and shrug of her
plump white shoulders.
Her first? You are more sensible,
Miss Erickson Why, this is your tenth
season. Don't yor remember / was at
your coming out tear
Yes, and you were old then-2S; just
my age now" She picked up her bou-
quiet and buried her face In the fresh
sDlnk blossoms.
And you were in white and carried
pink roses, just like those, Mildred"
But not so large a bunch" And she
began pulling the flowers out and tear
Eng off the petals, while Browning
watched her color come and go
And l sent them"
And you sent Them
Browning shifted his position slightly.
Il wonder what Marshall wants to
anarry that little Miss Jones for?" he
said
"As she is not an heiress, he probably
thinks he loves her. 1 hope it does not
worry you, Mr.. Browning"
Me? Not at all l suppose you've
often wondered why I've never mar
sried"
Niildred's cheeks assumed the hue of
nCr roses.
'I? Not at all. Rather, should Won
der if you did get married. l am so used
20 you single, you know"
And | should wonder at 1t. too.
6ike women. They are beautiful crea-
Gures, to be admired, adored and ideal.
aZed, but kept at a distance If a man
wants to retain his peace of mind.
Don't you think so, Miss Er;ckson?"
Can Mr. Browning be wrong?"
Thank you. Now, suppose 1 had
married when l was, say, 2S. Ten years
ago. I'd have a wife who never thought
of me or my home but always of her
own personality and social engage
rnents. My home would be no home at
all, because 1 should expect things of
her which she would never do"
Miss Erickson was unconseiously
puiling the flowers to pieces and watch
ing Mr.. Browning with studied cour-
tesy.
Browning continued; "As it is,
nave my bachelor fiat, in which l am
king. My servants, whom no one in
rterferes with, / go and come as
please. 10 the club, to the opera, to
dinners, or to Europe. My horses and
carriages are mine, and no one ever
complains of them. My house is soli-
tude itself, unless / wish to make it
noisy. Don't you think l am a SEN
slble manf'
1t really had never occurred to me,
Mr. Browning" Mildred said, laughing
slightly.
'Of course you do, for you have fol-
lowed my example and remained sin
gle"
But not alone. There is mamma
and papa and Joe and the girls, Mr..
Browning. o, should not care for
solitude and enjoyment alone"
You are not so selfish"
No"
"Whatg"
mo, Mr.. Browning. l am not selfish.
And you would be happier if you were
not"
Browning looked at her In silent
amazement. Then he said:
Il suppose have given up a lot for
yly SeliShneSS. 1t might be nice to have
a wife always waiting FOR me and plan
ming little surprises for my comfort
and enjoyment, If she were sweet and
nice aud charming, ike she would be
before married her. And 10 always
have some one to take out with me
whenever I-or rather She-caTe 70 go.
And TO entertain my friends as some
women can do. And to see great tail
boys and gentle girls-my children
growing up about me. But man must
have lot Of nerve to ask woman to
give herself TO him alone"
Not necessarily" AIildred's lips were
parted in a smile.
Her freedom, her childhood home.
her name, all girlish pastimes, every bit
Of" Browning went on. answering
ais own question.
"She regards 1t all as pleasant sac
rifice. ii she loves the man, Mr.. Brown
ing"
And If she loves the man win she
want TO do all this If he asks her tog''
'den are positive and women mega
tive"
so you advise me TO Martyr
Il advise all men 10 marry"
%Then Why are you single. Mildredr