The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1900-08-21
Short Story OF
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Chicago Tribune.
Tom Chapman sat on bench in Lin
coin park, a picture Of dependency
Only a few days before he had been dis
charged from the hospital, after being
invaded home from the Philippines.
His brief soldier career was over, but he
could not return to his beloved profess
sion, for his right sleeve hung empty at
his side. Never more could he WELD
brush or pencil. He had hoped to do
great things, and others had prophesied
them of him, for he had no little talent,
and before he enlisted his clever sketches
had attracted wide attention. Original
and spirited, as they were, he and his
brother artists had regarded them as
only the earnest Of what was to come.
Nothing will come now" he said to
himself, bitterly. "All is ended. At thlr-
ty 1 have practically lived my life.
shall drag out a miserable existence on a
beggarly pension. Yet were 1t not for
the pension should starve. Perhaps it
would be better not to have 1t, though.
l had rather die than live dogs life,
with no work to do-nothing to look for
ward to-"
Tom eyed the passers-by as though in
a dream. He saw weary-looking moth
ers carrying babies or trundling baby
infants, cIinging to their skirts. Bronzed
young men and sunburned girls sped by
on their bicycles; lovers Strolled along,
oblivious of everything but their own
happiness, and innumerable other people,
in quest of fresh air and GOODNESS, saun-
tered idly past.
Presently young woman, quite differ
ent from all the rest, came into view.
She was tall, MISUNDERSTANDING and
fauItlessly dressed. She started as she
caught sight of the dropping figure on
the bench and turned quickly, coming
impulsively toward him.
why, Toni she cried, holding out
her hand. 81 am so glad to see you.
You have made all your friends proud of
you. How long have you been home?
Why haven't you been to see us? You
know mother leaves town in August. It's
one of her hobbies that home is the best
place in summer"
Tom had risen awkwardly and taken
he extended hand. He had not yet learn
ed to use his left arm gracefully. He
could not speak, although he felt that
she was talking to cover his confusion.
Miss Hunt sat down on the bench as
naturally as though she had come there
for that purpose, and Tom resumed his
seat.
81 must congratulate you, Miss Hunt,
on your good fortune" he said at last.
81 know of no one who deserves wealth
more than you"
The girl blushed Thank you, Tom:
but you didn't answer my qGN>stion Why
haven't you been to see us?'
fOh I'm back number. I had better
learn to keep in the background.
YOU heror exclaimed Elizabeth,
with a shy glance at the empty sleeve.
81, a useless man, Miss Hunt; without
a profession and almost a beggar."
There was a long silence. Tom looked
on the ground, ashamed of the words
almost wrung from him. Elizabeth star
ed ixedly before her. keeping back tears.
Tom she said, with great effort, do
you remember what you asked me be-
fore you went away?"
ELIZA beth!'
do you remember, Tom, and do you
still love me?"
Good Coo Elizabeth. Don't you see
the difference between US now?"
do you love me, Tom?"
Elizabeth, you torture me-"
You must answer, Tom
Tom looked at her, his soul In his eyes
Il love you better than life" he said
Then he added bitterly: II forget; my
life is worth too little for me to put that
way"
''Do-do you-will you-won't you marry
me, Tom?''
You love me. then? Is it possible? 1t
can't be. You are sacrificing yourself be-
cause you pity me, Elizabeth. Do not
tempt me. [ am still a man"
TON, you make it hard. I could not
talk to you this way unless / loved you,' -
and the girl covered her face with her
hands
'Yeu are an angel, dear, but I cannot
take advantage of your goodness. You
young, happy, wealthy mutilated, with
only my pension, my future blighted.
should be a coward to listen to YOU"
Il am not happy I am wretched. o,
why didn't 1 marry you when I was poor?
But 1 thought a wife would hamper you
in your art L believed so in your future,
and would not for words have held you
back from success"
The man rose from his seat, forcing
himself to be cam. 81 must leave you,
Elizabeth. You tempt me past endur-
anee."
You are dreadfuIly lankind Tom. It's
mean for you to tell me that 1 am I'M
maidenly. L can't help it. It's your fault
What made you make me love you so?
And stately Miss Hunt burst into tears,
regardless of a hundred spectators.
Utterly aghast, Tom sat down and en-
deaHored to comfort her. In ten minutes
time he was her abject slave, and they
had pledged their troth.
AS they left the park Elizabeth descend
ed from the heights 80, Toni" she
cried suddenly, what must all those peo-
pie have thought of me?"
Darling" said her happy lover, -"did
you never hear Of being alone in a crowd !?
Each little group was busy with its own
tragedy or comedy"