Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1900-09-01
TWO FAILURES;
ONE SUCCESS.

she was seated on rustic Dehcu be-
meath the trees. and he paced moodily UP
and down before her.
Il can't understand it," he said. paus-
ing at last. You refuse me fatty, and
yet you say you love me-"
I'm sorry, John-awfully sorry-but
you must understand now that it's FINAL
l have told you my reasons for the refu'
sal, and you must see they are good rea
sons. And, as for the love, / don't feel
any Of that hysteric and overpowering
passion that the story books tell about
but love you" ~ rrw go
"Humph."
"1ndeed | do. But just look. Neither
you nor have a dollar, and we are both
orphans without prospects"
II can make money, Kate"
81 don't believe it"
"You ought to give me a chance, Kitty.
It's not fair Wait a year and only give
me q grain Of hope, and I'll prove to you
what can do" .------~s----.--~~~'-~rEss,
TITS Of no Use whatever" said the girl
firmly. you can't make money. You
haven't got the gift You're not thrifty.
No, won't wait at all. | won't delude
you with even a grain Of hope. la fact |
have decided to put speedy end to this
nonsense. ! am going away-of to the
city to seek my fortune, John, and if I'm
lucky"-and she laughed a little sadly
Il shouldn't mind TO send for you to come
and share my fortune with me-"
The young mans face flushed.
you've got very poor opinion of me,
Kitty"
How hard you make it for both Of
u.s." she exclaimed. But listen, John.
If | should marry you and hard times
came upon US, as they would surely come,
poverty and humiliation and grim and
grimy want aud desolation, / should hate
you, John. And you would perhaps take
to drink or commit suicide. Oh, it's too
tragic! 1t would be sinful to tempt fate
that way"
Il didn't think of all that" he said
brokenly. Il only knew that | loved
you"
And now. John, dear, dear John, good
by" she said, rising. Let as part
friends"
He turned and caught her pdssionately
in his arms and covered her face with
kisses, swearing that he would never let
her go.
For a moment she drank in his ca
resses. Then, more angry with herself
than with him, she pushed him back.
Leave me-" she said. Il will never
speak to you again.
It was late in the afternoon of a sum
mer Sunday, and the park was filed with
the usual restless and motley throng-gay
ladies in gay turnouts, toll worn work
ingmen with their wives, babies rolling
under the trees. troops of bicyclers whirl-
ing along the graveled ways. maidens
shy and sweet lovers whispering divine
nonsense into eager ears-all the breath
and blood and brain and bone of the
great city stretching itself out for an
hours rest and enjoyment.
a young maiden, standing alone by the
shore of the lake looked YEARLY at the
stream of life that flowed by her. What
did it matter to one Of all that throng if
she hungered for sympathy and compan-
ionship? How much alone and how lone
~ she felt,
a little farther down young man
stood, and he Gazed, not at the boats, nor
at the water, bat at the girl who seemed
so forloru.
at looks like her" he murmured;
colder and whittier and thinner, yet so
much like her-us she might have looked
after sickness"
lie came closer, and the girl turned
about. facing him.
John"
kitty"
1t seemed lame greeting. They clasp
ed hands. Each looked at the other,
thinking of the day they parted beneath
the trees. uncertain as TO how their
friendship should be renewed,
"IIaye you been sick Kitty"
ono; do look diiapidated?'
you look pale" he said gravely. HAS
the city treated you unkindly:'
1T has given me my fortune, John"
II am glad to hear it. glad indeed"
"Yes," she said, with nervous little
laugh, Took AT this dress, John, and at
this last years hat and at these shabby
boots They tell the story l might be
only too glad TO conceal
"Why. | thought YOU were in the very
height Of the style!' he exclaimed. Il
am sure never saw you 50 handsome"
There was look of glad pleasure in
her eyes at this praise, but she shook her
head
I'm a failure in this big town, John.
And that's the fortune l found
Mine is 10 better. l have been here a
year now. and my career has proved the
truth of your prediction. When You re-
fused me that time, Kitty, you were
fortunate girl"
do look fortunate, JohuE' she asked
softly
"Nou look like an angel" he said and
looked as if he believed it.
But you, you." and with critical gay
city She surveyed him from head to foot,
you are well dressed, sir. You have
watch and a diamond and patent leather
shoes. Why, John, / declare, you are
regular swell"
81 get SD q week" he said, laughing.
"Iliuk of il. and I only get 50. Twelve
dollars "a week. Why John, l tell you
that's richc,.'
You wouldn't advise man to marry
on IT, would YOU, Katef" he asked, try
ing 90 look In her eyes
BUT she turned her head away and
pretended not 10 hear.