Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1901-12-21

To be sure the men did Aot stand
by Ashbee as Dalbiac had guaranteed
nor did the aforesaid gentleman wish
him God-speed in his run. Its all
very we'll" he remarked eloomfly.
but Ashbee's heart isn't marbly any
more"
Comfort yourself with the refiec-
ton that the substance that affects
marble Is acid" Van Ness laughed in
rejoinder. He alone of all the men had
been impervious to the effects of Ash
bees glories. The affair had rather
entertained him and that despite the
fact that before the conqueror's arrival
Rozelle had vouchsafed him some few
favors in the way of promenades. Still
he had never made further Roadway
and seemed contented with whatever
gifts the petite goddess provided him,
always good-naturedly laughing over
the tuning Of others, assuring them
that the game was not worth their
agonies.
At about the end Of Ashbee's second
week, however, it appeared for the
moment that the young woman had
returned to the old love. She rose
with her customary abruptness from
the circle of trousers. remarking that
perhaps Van Ness would fancy an air
ing. He sprang up hurriedly to take
advantage of this wonderful sugges-
ton with every mark of delight. But
they were not away long. Soon Ash
bee, with a suspicion of vainglorious-
ness, asserted an unimpaired power
over the belle by drawing her away
for a walk of his own, thus summarily
repudiating and avengirg his sights.
In the secret places of his heart,
however. there was the most penetrat-
ing humility. Its marbleness was
merely a shrine for very penitentiai
prayers. Ashbee had fiirted and gay
ly deceived ever since he had first
donned the insignia of his sex's dress.
or even before, but he still bewailed
every gentle heart he had afflicted. He
felt now that it would not do to have
this one more girl imagine he was
serious when-well, when everything
was a joke Rozelle must be warned,
even if it was going to be very hard
and very awkward. So when they
came out among the walnuts whare he
had always waxed most sentimental he
began softly and slowly with:
Miss Rozelle, 1 wonder whether
you can understand really frivolous
man, a regular chump, you know that
goes and does all sorts of things he
ought not to, plays with fire when he
a very vulnerable place-and all for
his own amusement"
Rozelle said nothing.
'Rozelle, girl, you hurt me when you
are so quiet, and I've got to tell you.
I'M, inc hof ri Of vii 1oin
it's mighty tough to say it. But don't
you know I've acted the simple since
I've met you. 1 don't"
His interlocutor continued ominous-
~ suppressed. He Numbered the
more. But there are lots of nice
fellows who would roll over in the |
mud if they thought it would please
you. I've been thinking, and hoping |
hat perhaps you cared for Van Ness |
L trif1e, Now, he's a fine fellow, that |
boy. He's worth your while. I'm not; |
I'm
Then the lady spoke
stop it, Mr.. Ashbee. Never mind. |
It's all right. I'm villain, too. Mr.. |
Van Ness has told me all about it |
rom the beginning You see I have |
Known that he's worth while. I'm |
married to him. We're on our honey |
noon; we thought we'd do something !
,ut OF the ordinary, you know. and it's
been lots OF fun. But between you
md me, we're going back to the COM
non rut of cooling bridal couples to- !
morning, way up in the noun
aims all by ourselves. So goodbye.
Mr.. Ashbee, and don't feel too sur
,rised and don't try it on other girls