The Press. (Stafford Springs, Conn.) 1883-1935, 1901-05-23
LOVES TRAGEDY.
How a Girl Was Won.

The girl was looking out of the win
dow, humming softly, with fine air
of Indifference. The man was leaning
his back against the mantelpiece,
gloomily observing the points of his
boots.
They were good boots, but hardly
worth the amount of serious observa-
ton he was giving them. To any per-
son of moderate understanding the sit
uation was obvious. To the two actors
in it it was becoming embarrassing.
The man moved first
"You are sure your mind is made UP,
GeorgieY
The girl stopped humming abruptly
and turned round.
What is the use of beginning
again?" she said, with an impatient
movement. you know one cannot
serve two masters. l am going to give
my life to my art"
But, George, you know what it
means to me. l mean you know
could never change or forget"
"Why not?" she returned quickly.
"That is just what l wanted to speak
to you about. You see''-and her proud
head was raised trifle higher-"you
only want a wife who can see that you
get good dinner every day and sew
the buttons on your shirts. You have
known us all for years. Why do you
expect me, the impractical one of the
family, to snatch at the offer of this
hnx oh
sense in asking Madge or Lillian, and
l dare say one of them might have had
you"
For a moment there was a dangerous
CLEAN in his eyes, but it changed to a
tender look of amusement as the girl
flung herself viciously into a chair
with the air of sulky child.
II suppose it would have been more
sensible" he agreed, "only don't love
either Madge or Lillian. If you will on
ly have me-" he continued, a twinkle in
his eye and abject humility in his
voice, II will do my best to overcome
my disgraceful appetite and dine off a
sentimental song if you deem it best.
I will also look out for some patent
shirt fasteners which will save you the
trouble of sewing on buttons"
George looked up quickly.
"You needn't try to be funny, Rexw
she said severely. you know quite
well l should have to become a domes-
ticated woman If l married, and l
won't. 1 am going to devote my life to
music, and if l were to sacrifice that
and marry you 1 should stop loving
you in fortnight and hate you in
month. There; that's all"'
Rex looked up quickly.
"You would stop loving me in a fort
night?" he asked. "Then I may infer
you have begun already"
"You may infer nothing, STRIP she re-
torted sharply, but her face was GRIM
son.
"By Jove, that's the nearest I've ever
gotv' thought Rex. 81 believe she does
half like me, but must make her cave
in before she'll respect me-
There was moments pause, then he
said gently:
81 beg your pardon, George. 1 be-
lieve you may be right, after all,
though it is hard to think of giving you
up" And he sighed softly, but resign
eddy. eff you are not too angry with
me, will you tell me which you think it
would be best for me to try to like,
Lillian or MadgeY
II am SO glad, Rex, you are sensible
at last! Really, l have thought it out
~ sweet and-and everything, 1 think
Madge is the one best suited to you.
You see, she cooks splendidly and
knows exactly how everything ought
to be done in a house and would be
perfectly satisfied if you kissed her
once month or SO and occasionally
said the dinner was excellent. She
really would, she is so easily pleased.
While l. Well, you know what l
am
eyes, know what you are" he re-
piled quietly. "You are very young
She misunderstood him, as he had
intended she should, and assented
eagerly.
eyes, am young-only 19-and you
are nearly 80. Madge is nearest you
in age, and l believe you could make
her love you if you tried"
'Shan I try? Do you want me tor
eyes, of course 1 want you to. 1t is
for your own sake. She would make
you better wife than I because
don't want even to be loved. 1 am
satisfied with my life as it is.
"An right, George. In a month
shall have made up my mind. and
will tell you. Goodby."
"Goodby," she murmured, vaguely
afraid Of what she had done. She
tried to reason out the cause of her de-
preston, but it seemed to have no
cause, and with a tagging step she
made her way to the sunny den which
she shared with her sisters.
Madge was sitting there alone, sew
ing and singing gayly. She looked up,
with smile, as George entered, and
an unusual merriment danced in her
eyes.
"Guess who's been hereY' exclaimed
Madge.
"Who?"
"Rex. And he's got box for The
Loves of Henrietta tomorrow, and he's
asked mother and me to CO."
I'm so glad, said George, but with
singular want of enthusiasm.
And Madge stole furtive look at
her, and the corners of her mouth
Quivered.
A month had passed. Once more
George stood at the same window,
softly humming. She was waiting for
Rex, and her face was very pale. It
was the same face still, but there was
a difference, the difference which
marks every girls face when she be-
comes woman.
She had learned her lesson and borne
her punishment in silence.
Today she had nerved herself for
supreme effort that she might do no
wrong to the sister who had stepped
into the place she had voluntarily re-
signed.
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