Kootenai County Republican. (Rathdrum, Idaho) 1899-1903, 1902-03-14

GO HERE are degrees in friendships,
but there are no degrees In love.
- We either love or we do not"
There was 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 l 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 Rates face. painting
her ears and neck and brow a vivid
carmine, was lost upon her companion.
She did not reply for a moment When
she did, her tone was low and even as
usual.
you foolish Amy" she said, trying
to speak lightly. II wish you would
leave or weaving romances about your
friends. Believe me, real, living char
acters are not nearly SO satisfactory as
the accommodating puppets Of the nov
eaists brain. The heroine In q novel
always does the proper thing at tho
proper time, and in the end either mar
ries the prince Of her dreams. and lives
happily ever afterward, or notify and
unseldshly gives him up to tho 'other
GIRL" and is sweetly resigned al tho
rest Of her days. Which would you do II
you were in the herodne's placer
why. I'd marry the prince, Of coursel
No grand herodcs for mer' returned
Amy, promptly and decidedly.
but II 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.
III he loved me, I'd marry him. l
should not think the other girl would
want him If he loved me. And, besides,
ness ought to be considered, too"
But II he were brave and noble and
strong? To such nature would not
the knowledge of having fulfilled a
duty-at whatever cost of pain to him
seif-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 be met
your Kate demanded with strange in
sistence. would it be right for you to
take her all when you already have 50
muchg'
"You are Illogical, Kate. You do not
consider the happiness of the prince.
From my point of view, 1t would sim
ply he sacrificing two lives instead of
one to give him up"
"Oh, no. no, no. Kate cried. striking
her hands together with sudden yehem-
ence.
why. Kate. one would think the
story real, and you It's herone." ex-
claimed Amy. laughing. You have
missed your vocation. What pity that
you are the wealthy Miss Gordon-ex-
elusive. fastidous-else you might
make a sensation on the STAGE.
The maid turned on the light as ANY
rose to 20, and in the sudden glare of
electric light she was startled by the
look of suffering on Rates face.
kate, you are Ill. And have tired
you out with my long visit" she cried
with conjunction.
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 ~
suppose shall see you at the Grant.
leys' to-night:" she said. accompany.
Ing her friend to the door.
As they stepped into the hall they met
man who had evidently just come In
from the street. 1t was raining. and
there was a suggestion Of dampness
aADout his clothing.
"Good-afternoon Miss Gordony" be