Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1902-03-05

him, he never really loved me at all
Nobody ever loved me. l am called
good looking, even beauty, in the
society columns of the papers, and
am SO rich that have attracted many
men. But not one of them was able tc
present even creditable counterfeit
Of love Though some of them could
counterfeit almost anything else, from
good breeding to the national cur.
rency) until Mr.. Alden entered the
lists. That's hardly fair to him; he
! was sincere, but mistaken"
"Yet didn't have at all the feeling
that l have now" she continued. All
was only that last day that became
enraged, mostly ut myself. 1t is since
have come here. since have known
you, the most womanly of Gods crea
lures, that have had some true com
prehension of my own lack, some hon
est sorrow for it."
"Only since you have been here
said Elsie. How remarkable! But
Brenda, 1t Is sweet of you to talk this
way to me, and am so glad, SO very
glad! How long have you known DR.
Kendall?'
"What queer question: said Bren'
do. about two years, but we haven't
met dozen times. By the way, he is
going to be married"
"He is going to be marriedr exclaim.
ed Elsie. ITO whom?''
Il don't know" Brenda replied
From something he said the other
day, judge there's difficulty. don't
know the lady's name"
SWELL" said Elsie, letting her head
sink back on the pillow rs one relieved
you will when it happens"
IF you mean that he cares anything
for me, you are quite mistaken" said
Brenda. His manner when he is in
this room should show that. nm
nothing-a piece of furniture. Do you
know, it has inspired me with some
thing like jealousy-jealousy merely OF
the diffsfence between you and me.
which is the theme we started with"
"I'll show you what DR.. Kendall
thinks of that difference" said Elsie.
"Wait till he comes in here again. I'll
suggest that you're going away, and
then you watch him. He'll know that
I'm going to stay till Pm carted away.
But watch him."
"You must not do it." said Brenda.
But Elsie insisted that she should, and
they were still having a cheerful little
quarrel about it when they were inter
rupted by Kendall's familiar rap.
The doctor entered, looking very seri-
Gus, but his brow cleared at the sight
of Elsie.
upon my word" he said, approach
ing the bed, "you are the miracle of our
species"
II am SO WELL" replied Elsie, "that
Brenda is thinking of deserving me-"
Kendall had been holding Elsie's
hand. He dropped 1t and slowly
Strengthened his tall figure till he stood
erect. The dead white mice seemed to
be dancing before his eyes.
"You can't mean II" he said, and his
face was blush gray as he thought of
the certain inference that Elmendorf
would draw from Brenda's departure
at this time. BRENDA he began, 81
truly beg your PARDON
"That is my name" she said. land !
shall always answer when you speak
It."
II thank you from my heart" said
he. "And-Brenda, you mustn't 60
not now. can't explain. was taken
unaware and may have said too much
already. Upon my soul, don't know
what have said. But don't leave us
| now
In his excitement his voice broke in q
queer little sob.
II had no idea," said Brenda, "that
my presence was SO important"
II can't think of anything earthly
that is more important than your pres.
ence here" he said, with such impress.
i've earnestness as would have carried
conviction to any woman's heart
This must seem strange to you, this
sudden outburst, but am nervous
overstrained. You must pardon me.
cannot tell you all mean
go on" said Elsie. "Don't mind
me-"
And she put her fingers into her ears
Then for the first time Kendall com
pretended the preposterous construc
ton of which his words were suscepti
BILE. His face suddenly blazed with col
or.
We've really need you," he STAN
mered, both Of us. Tell me that yor
will stay"
81 had no intention of going" said
Brenda in strange and stifed voice
ut was only Elsie's joke.''
"Thank heavenv' exclaimed Kendall
and he took both of Brenda's hands. %