The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1902-02-18

and the little droop at the rne of
her mouth which makes a fellow say
that sort of thing, you know.
Now, remember our compact" she
warned me. We were pledged to a
purely platonic friendship. I've had
that sort of thing in my tales, but it
always broke down.
"The keeping of a platonic compact"
said /, would be q novel theme, don't
you think?"
Would it be interesting enough7"
she asked, doubtfulIy.
"Therel What stronger defense
could l have7 / propose to leave out
the love-making, and you say tina the
interest would be gone" She drummed
upon the table with her fingers.
Surely there is some other theme?"
I knocked the ash deliberately of nv
cigarette.
Upon my word" / confessed, I'm
not sure that there is. But I'll think
over it."
Then her brothers came in and we
changed the subject until 1 was going.
1t is part of the compact that she shall
see me out Of the door. 1 insisted
upon it.
When shall I communicate the re-
suit of my deliberations?" 1 asked in
the hall. Tomorrow"
I'm going to yereker'A"
"And Wednesday, I'm due at a
smoker. Thursday"
IF you like"
Thursday, then. Good night, Mary"
1t is in the compact that / am not to
rail- her Mary, but 1 do. Sometimes she
objects, sometimes she doesn't. On
this occasion she only tossed her head
and half turned away from me. She
is aware that she looks well in profile.
l suddenly bent over her. and
How dare you'll" she cried, hotly.
Il couldn't help it, Mary; you looked
SO tempting" But she ran upstairs,
with her face scarlet.
Il shall not be in on Thursday" she
called. as she turned the corner, "or
any other day"
So 1 out, feeling triumphantly
foolish.
Next Thursday 1 called. and she
wasn't out; but she received me cool
ly, and kept the table between US.
Look here, Mary" l began.
Miss Montague, if you pleased"
Il don't please. 1t is quite natural
TO call a friend by her Christian name"
Yes; but people might misunder-
stand, we agreed; and So"
I'm not going to pander to other
peoples stupidity" 1 said, indignant
"; and 1 don't consider that friend
ship should have TO be weighed and
measured in exact words" l had pre-
pared this remark beforehand.
"NO-o; perhaps not" knew it
would score. "StiIl, there are bounds
10 friendship" She shut her little
mouth decisively.
"If you mean last Tuesday"
81 don't want to talk about IT," she
interrupted. Have you considered
about the s~tories?"
Yes; 1 have reasoned out my posi-
ton most earefully-Mary." She
frowned. but passed the familiarity.
And your conclusionS?"
'Is in verse"
"Ol how NIGEL" Women always like
a fellow to run to verse. IsuppOse it
is because he is sure to give himself
away! Let me see it."
"Oncondition that you read 1t aloud"
She Looked objections. IT want to
hear if l have got the swing"
So she detained softly. I think
said that she had a pretty voice.
TO MARY.
! msde me a tale OF the tempest at sea,
Full OF thunder and lightning above.
And the terrors that be when tbs storm
winds are free
But the end OF the story was IoveI
I sang me a song OF a raid in the glen.
With a lit OF the pipers who played.
Strike again. strike again. and die lighting
like meni
And the struggle was over a maid
I planned me a play OF a monarch OF fame,
And his courtisrs in silken attire.
And his statesmen. who came like s moth
20 the flame
For a pair OF bright eyes were the IRE!
I paesned the praise Of an hero SO calm.
And so strong in the tumult to stand,
When l found me the charm that a
strengthened his arm
1t was only the touch OF a hand1
And 1! II my heart for a moment be strong.
II my tale for a page ring sincere,
or II merits belong TO the play or the song
They are only your echoes. my dear.
When she came to the last line her
voice was very soft, and just a little
fearful. l put my hand on her shoul-
der, and we stood looking silently at
the paper for a minute. Then 1 drew
her gently to me-the way the stories
end!-Baek and White.
OF Plays offered.
The reading committee of the lav-