Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-10-31
THE POINT OF VIEW.

S~~>e~>o~e~e~~eo1>1e1e1ee
Failing in love-" said she, lis abb
surd."
We we're discussing her cousins en-
gagement.
ut depends" said I, upon the point
of view"
"You can't make black white" she
protested, however lou look at 1t.
You call yourself a platonist!"
l call myself anything that gives
chance of unlimited discussion with
Molly.
Quite so. AS platonist hold that
falling in love is undesirable, If not
necessarily absurd.
THE absurd is necessarily undesira-
ble."
mot bit. You are absurd"
"I'm sure I'm not"
But extremely desirable"
IF you mean"
Gas a platonic companion
"Platonic friendship has nothing
whatever to do with falling in love-"
She was SO emphatic that knew she
was doubtful.
1.-THE same qualities which, from an
enlightened standpoint, make you de-
sirable as a platonic friend, from an
other point Of view, would excuse an
ill-regulated person for falling in love
with you.''
How dare you speak in that way?"
she demanded holly. "Of course, I
shouldn't allow any one to do such
thing; but, if any one did, don't see
why he should be called names"
Neither do l. That's just it,
"Of course. he would be very fool
ish."
Exactly"
Mamma will be wanting me-" she
announced, loftily. so perhaps you can
find something to amuse YOURSELF"
She gathered up her woods and rose.
Don't go for a minute. Molly" I
pleaded.
II am going this instant
She sat down again.
What l meant" l explained, was
that, although he would be foolish
from our standpoint not to embrace
the opportunities of the higher platon-
ic friendship which we have found so
delightful@"
Have we?" she observed. with
great disdain.
"Yet he would be human. rather
than absurd, in falling victim to your
charms. Speaking with the brotherly
frankness allowed by our compact,
they are SO considerable
"Flattery is forgiven by the COM
"Of course, know you don't mean it. )"
But I do. You have way Of look
ing at fellow"
II haven't"
(which might easily disturb a. sus-
ceptible mind"
you silly fellow"
ga way l repeated. feelingly,
(which is very trying even to so pre-
nounced a platonist as -
81 sometimes Think" she murmured,
thoughtfully, that your platonic views
are not so pronounced as you profess"
Surely my practice confirms my the
cry?" inquired, with establishment.
Last night, when you put us in the
hanson"
She paused, doubtfully. I raised
my hands in protest
"a casual and extremely slight de-
Walton from the platonic standpoint"
Her mother was With her. 81 may
have squeezed your hand little. but
what of that? Why, you returned"
Il didn't. 1t was absurd of YOU"
Again, you might refer to the
night we walked hCme from Hamil-
TONS"
Il am not likely to refer to that
'But wish to be clear from any risk
of misconceDtion.' I insisted loftily.
ut is true I kissed you, but"
Il was exceedingly cross" She
wasn't.
THAT, again. was merely relapse
into the-er-human point of view, for
which ! was net responsible
I'm sure ] wasn't"
Excuse me. You twisted a wrap
round your shoulders SO that you
looked-well, if l were speaking from
al ordinary point of view, 1 should say
bewitching."
81 don't want to telk about it,"
"Ycu have such big, deep eyes"
"My appearance has nothing to do with
the matter
at has a great deal to do with it
from some points of view"
"You have no business to take such
points of view. We agreed not to be
foolish"
''You make it impossible for me to
keep the agreement" l groaned. IF
you really wanted me TO-
''Of course l do She doesn't.
"You would make yourself look as
| unattractive as possible"
mo woman would do that" She
spoke with intense conviction.
Then you must not blame me for
any weaknesses called forth by wom-
ans natural vanity and perversity
From my point of view-'
"Ycur point of view is absolutely