Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1902-05-14
a G Q Q u z T T E


most bewitchng.
One evening while visiting her l was
seized with a violent headache. | told
her | was subject to such attacks, and
the pretty creature, putting on a grave
face, gave me a lecture on the subject
of health, winding up with
"The best thing you can do is to get
wife to take care of you and keep you
from study. l advise you to do it if you
can get anybody to have you"
Indeed" | said, rather piqued,
there are only too many. l refrain
from a selection for fear of breaking
other hearts. How fond all the ladies
are of me, to be sure" l added con
ceitedly, though l can't see that l am
particularly fascinating"
Neither can l." added Susy, with an
air of perfect simplicity.
Cant your said l. 81 hoped-hop-
ed Oh, that dreadfully attractive
face of hers! THAT is, Miss Susy,
thought perhaps-oh, my head, my
head" And l buried my face in the
cushion.
Does it ache so very badly?" she
asked tenderly. and she put her cool
little hand in among my curls. felt
the thrill her fingers gave me through
my whole system.
Soon after this it became necessary
for me to leave the city on business
An offer of partnership in the Office
of lawyer friend of mine made me
decide to extend my trip and see how
the LAND lay"
One thing was certain-I could not
leave home for months, perhaps years.
without some answer from Susy.
Dressed in my most faultless costume
Gt was the only suit | possessed and
full of hope, | went to Miss Susy's
house. She was in the parlor at the pi-
ano alone. She nodded gayly as | came
in but continued her song. 1t was,
"Ive Something Sweet to Tell You'
At the words: 81 love you. | adore
you" sweeping back the curls from her
forehead with laughing defiance, she
warbled, But I'm talking in my sleep"
Then" | cried, you love me when
you sleep! May think SOP
"Oh yes if you choose, for dreams go
by contrarieS, you know"
l sat down beside her We chatted
away for a time. At last | began:
Miss Susy, | came up this evening to
tell you that II
How she was listening! A bright
thought struck me. | would tell her of
my journey, and in the emotion she
was certain to betray it would be easy
to declare my love.
Miss Susy," | said, 81 am going to
New York tomorrow"
Going away?"
"1es, for some months"
Dear me, how distressing! Just stop
at Gauches as you go home and order
me some extra pocket handkerchiefs
for this melancholy occasion, will
you?'
You do not seem TO require them" |
said, rather piqued. Il shall stay some
months"
well, write to my ma, won't you?
And if you get married or die or any
thing let us know"
Il have an offer to be a partner in
law office" | said, determined to try
her, "and if | accept it, as have some
thoughts of doing, | shall never re-
turn"
Her face did not change. Her old
saucy look was there as | spoke, but
noticed that one little hand closed con
yulsively over her watch chain and
that the other fell upon the keys, max
ing for the first time Il discord.
Going away forever?" she said. with
a sad tone that made my heart throb
Miss Susy, | hoped you at least
would miss me and sorrow in my alb
sence."
"I?"
Eyes. 1t might change all my plans
if my absence would grieve you"
"Change all your plans?'
Eyes. | hoped-thought'-
Oh, that earnest, grave face! My
cheeks burned, my hands and feet
seemed to swell, and l felt cold chills
all over me. could not go on. | broke
down for the third time.
There was an awkward silence. !
glanced at Susy. Her eyes We're rest.
ing on my hand, which lay on the arm
of the sofa. The contrast between the
black horsehair and the flesh seemed
to strike her.
what a pretty little handr' she said
A brilliant idea passed through my
brain.
you may have it If you WILL" l said,
offering it.
She took it between her own and,
toying with the fingers said:
MAY II"
"Yes, if-you will give me this one
And | raised her beautiful hand to my
lips.
She looked into my face. What she
saw there | cannot say but if ever eyes
tried to talk mine did then. Her colol
rose, the white lids fell over the glo
rious eyes, and the tiny hand struggled
TO free itself. Was | fool enough to re.
lease it?
What | said | know not, but l dare
say my betrothed can tell you. Five
minutes later my arms encircled blue