Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Benton County, Or.) 1900-1909, 1902-02-28
A Matter of Opinion

@HERE are degrees in friendships,
but there are no degrees in love.
q We either love or we do not"
There was a tone of finality in Kate
Gordon's voice-a depth of conviction
that arrested her friends attention.
"You speak as if you and love were
old acquaintances, Kate. If didn't
know how you keep all your admirers
at arms length, would think you had
at last surrendered that proud citadel,
your heart"
Twilight had fallen; the room was
full of shadows, and the crimson wave
which overspread Kate's face. painting
her ears and neck and brow vivid
carmine, was lost upon her companion.
She did not reply for moment. When
she did, her tone was low and even as
usual.
You foolish Amy" she said, trying
to speak lightly. Il wish you would
leave off weaving rOmances about your
friends. Believe me, real, living char
acters are not nearly SO satisfactory as
the accommodating puppets of the nov
elist's brain. The heroine in novel
always does the proper thing at the
proper time, and in the end either mar
happily ever afterward, or nobly and
unselfshly gives him up to the other
GIRL" and is sweetly resigned all the
rest of her days. Which would you do if
you were in the heroine's place"
why, I'd marry the prince, of course!
No grand heroics for me!' returned
Amy, promptly and decidedly.
But if the other girl loved him very
much, and her life was cramped and
narrow. And if you had everything else
in the world to make you happy? Don't
you think it would be your duty to re-
sign him to her when she had only that
one thing-and you had so much?"
Her hands were clasped tightly in her
lap, and her voice had grown earnest
intense.
IF he loved me, I'd marry him.
should not think the other girl would
want him if he loved me! And, besides,
1t wouldn't be fair to him. His happi.
ness ought to be considered, too"
But if he were brave and noble and
strong? To such a nature would not
the knowledge Of having fulfilled a
duty-at whatever cost of pain to him
self-bring happiness?"
You are getting beyond my Depth"
said Amy, shaking her head.
IF he had known her first, and had
been content and happy until he met
your Kate demanded with strange in
sistence. Would it be right for you to
take her all when you already have so
much?'
You are Illogical, Kate. You do not
consider the happiness of the prince.
From my point of view, it would sim
ply be sacrificing two lives instead Of
one to give him up"
"Oh, no, no, nor Kate cried, striking
her hands together with sudden vehem-
ence.
why, Kate, one would think the
story real, and you it's heroine! ex-
claimed Amy, laughing. You have
missed your vocation. What a pity that
you are the wealthy Miss Gordon-ex-
elusive, fastidious-else you might
make a sensation on the stagep'
The maid turned on the light as Amy
rose to go, and in the sudden glare of
electric light she was startled by the
look of suffering on Kate's face.
Kate, you are ill. And l have tired
you out with my long visit!" she cried
with compunction.
mo. My head aches and the weather
is somewhat depressing" She pushed
the hair back from her temples with a
peculiar nervous movement that told of
suppressed feeling Of some kind. 81
suppose l shall see you at the Grant
leys' tonight" she said, accompany
ing her friend to the door.
As they stepped into the hall they met
a man who had evidently just come in
from the street. 1t was raining, and
there was suggestion of dampness
about his clothing.
"Good-afternoon, Miss Gordon! he
said in a quick, eager tone, his dark
face lighting and softening uncon-
sciously.
his eyes went no farther than Kate's
face. He was obivious Of Amy's pres
ence.
lis your father in? 1 must see him
at once. have discovered a flaw
which l am afraid will necessitate a
great delay in the work. Part Of it
will have to be constructed on a new
plan"
You will find papa in the library, Mr..
Austen" The color had come back into
kate's cheeks, and her eyes were
bright. THE drafts and plans seemed
perfect. One little flaw may not sig
nifty SO much"
There must be no weak spots. A sim
gle flaw in the contraction condemns
the whole structure
He spoke in a rapid, repressed tone.
That is cruel view! Why should
whole beautiful editice be condemned
because of one small weakness?'
Kate's eyes flashed. and she held her
self proudly erect.
We judge a bridge by it's weakest
point Its abutments may be solid and
massive, but flaw in the construction