The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1901-09-09

to my question as to what she vas
like
! allowed my lip 10 curl slightly
not much you know, for Jack never
could stand scornful woman. The
third Miss jenkins spoiled her chance.
But that is another story
Charming" | said My dear Jack,
knew that. Every woman is charm
ing"
He acknowledged tho truth of this
statement with a bow.
What | meant, however. was that
she was unusually charming, and
I'm fact, the very essence of charm -
| interrupted.
"'rhe treble distilled essence. Dora.
You haven't the least idea"
But it wasn't likely that was going
I" listen to his praises of another
woman when-it was only to myself
whispered it--I wanted him very much
myself
"Of course ! haven't" | put in cheer
fully. Il haven't any idea that any
woman is more than usually charming
eNcept'-and here I bowed mocking-
ly-"your humble servant"
He smiled
"H'm-G don't deny that you have
'Hdi ulSr lpld' Dut she
This WAS more than any woman
| could he expected to stand
You might tell me her name" sug-
gested, ard then commenced to hum
an air just to show how utterly in
different | was.
Would that he fair?" he asked
"Would-if you were in my place, do
you think you would like it?"
I laughed.
"Oh Jack. you foolish hoy. can't
imagine myself in her place at all-be-
| ing loved by YOU, | mean. It's too
| absurd"
| Il don't see it," he returned, YOU
| well-if it wasn't for her | believe I
| would ask you To marry mo-
! Thank you-for nothing" I said
| sweetly. though my blood was boiling
Perhaps, il she refuses you, you may
| think it worth your while to-"
"To propose to you? Perhaps I-but
| l do hope she won't refuse me"
"Sn do |, Jack. because to get two
refusals isn't the best thing for a
| mans dignity"
You would refuse me?" He seemed
surprised
"Oh, no; would-jump at you,"
| returned sarcastically.
| He grew thoughtful, and after a mo-
ment or two | asked:
when do YOU intend to-er-ask
herr"
can't tell any one what 1t cost me-
to ask that question. II was like ask
ing whensi was to he executed.
well. | don't know" he replied.
"You see I'd ask her at once, but I
am afraid that by doing So"
Faint heart" L interrupted. Don't
you think it is much better to know
the worst than he kept in suspense"
"It depends. Dora. II she were an
ordinary girl ! dare say it would be;
| but she is
why did he return TO that? 1t was
| most calling.
| "Oh, / know" I said, hastily. "Have
| you a photograph you could show me-"
II have her photograph" he replied
slowly, but I couldn't show ii to you"
| could have killed HIm
Dear me-" cried "She must be.
BY the by, is she pretty?"
| Pretty? Oh dear no: not pretty
| beautiful. Her eyes are like
spare me, please, Jack" I said.
with the laudable idea of sparing my
self. I'm sure IL wish you all sue
| CCSs'
Thank you" he said.
lie spoke rather gloomly, and M
spirits rose Perhaps she would refus,
him after all, and then-and then
IL wish you both every happiness,
said as ! prepared to go.
"Eh-er--Dora." he stammered, anc
| paused.
"Yes. Jack"
"Its-cr-awfully good Of you to-er
listen to me. I-er-cant tell you
how much you--hclp me. l.
"Oh. nonscnce," l cried,
| "Oh, but il isn't. You're so--beastly
kind. and ! wanted TO ask If you"
Was he going to practice on me?
"Plcasc say plainly what you want.
Jack. !"
"a kiss, Dora"
"A kiss. A--kiss! Is that what you
asked for"'
lie nodded,
| "JuSt-cr-onC, Dora
NV impulse was to refuse hut be.
fore doing so IT struck me that what he
wanted wasn't 20 very unrea sonahe
and, moreover, that IL might be-woull
| bc--Very nice.
We'll Jack, we've been good friends
for long time. don't mind
II was weakness on my part, and
when his lips touched mine | despsed
myself thoroughly.
In a moment, however. forgot about
that, forgot about everything, indeed,
for pair of strong arms were around
me and a hoarse voice whispered in
my ear:
"Oh, Dora, Dora! My darling
| freed myself as speedily as | could
and surveyed him in some astonish-
ment,
Jack, what would she say | asked
reproachfully; for, though l was
angry, my first thought was Of hcn
What do you he asked, and his
emphasis was on the verb,
Me? why? oh, i"
1T is easy for you to say. l-oh, you
know what | mean"
Up till that moment | had not know
but his eyes told me then,
You lOve-me,'
"Of course /"
That's all right" I said But tina,
other girl--the treble-dis,illed essence
of"
'Is your dear little self" he inter.
rupted Il wanted to make you jeal.
Gus and when | found l couldn't IL
lost hope,
How little the dear fellow knew!-
The kins.