Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-10-24
Gracia's Choice
 By HOWARD 'DEvINE
Copyright, 1903, by Daily Story Pub. Co.,,

ing. Truth be told, she had not expected 1t would come so dramatically and in a way to call for so decisive an answer. She knew that both boys were desper- ately in love with her, and that the declaration was only a matter of time; but how in the name of prophecy was she to guess that events would so shape themselves that she would receive both to deliver her answer in the presence of both suitors.
 But that was just the way it did hap pen. It, was just after graduation, and real life was about to begin for all three. They had been great friends all three of them-but both lads had made no secret of their great admiration of the black-eyed, jaunty little beauty, and 1t had been evident for some time that the three-cornered friendship would not last very long.
 And on this moonlight evening, after the graduation exercises had taken place, each of the lads had been eager to see Gracia home. Each suspecting the intentions of the other, had refused to concede the point, and, as consequence, both had walked home with her.
 And there, ,on the velvety lawn be- fore the little white cottage where she lived, the climax had come. David had precipitated it-Davld with his level gray eyes and square jaw and sturdy, conscientious ways. When it had be- come evident that neither of the young men proposed to go away and leave the other a chance to make his declaration, David, having made up his mind to pro- pose on that particular night, made q stand and declared himself
 'I guess we all understand the situ- ation," he said, in his quiet, determined way T sought an opportunity to say something to Gracia alone. Evidently Paul had the same thing in view. Inas- much as neither of us will let the other have the advantage of first oppor- tunity, we may as well accept the situa- tion and plead our suits in the open. Gracia, what I wanted to see you for, was to tell you that I love you-you know that already-and to ask you to walt for mo to get established in busi- ness, and then to marry me. This is not very sentimental way to propose to 8 girl you love, but it seems the only way under the circumstances"
 He paused and glanced defiantly at Paul The latter's olive skin paled a trifie, and his brown eyes took on the introspective expression so character istic to them.
 And I, Gracia, wanted an opportunity to say the same thing to you," he said. Tt is hard to say just what want to say under these circumstances, but if you promise yourself to me, thereis nothing will not do to make you happy
 He looked into her eyes with that con- fident, self-poised expression ,, hich had made him so forceful throughout his school life.
 A great red spot burned in either cheek of the girl, and her perplexity showed plainly in her wrinkled brow. Sudden ly she threw out hand to each of the lads, impulsively.
 "Oh. you do not know how honored feel" she exclaimed T am going to say something awfully honest--and so bad that it may make both of you hate me; but as you have been honest with me, and between yourselves, am going to be equally honest with you. Ilikeyou both, you know that; and it would be ewfully hard to choose between you But I am much more mercenary and cold blooded than either of you believe or de- serve. hava lived all my life so far in comparative poverty, love all the nice things of the world. do not want love fyao o Ot4 4o vn 0y rNF way. If you still want me after what I have said and am going to say, I will wait five years, and then will marry the whichever of you can give most abundantly the nice things of the world. I know how awfully bad 1t sounds, but I do not feel exactly as though was selling myself to mammon, because really I have thought a great deal about both of you, and do not know how to choose between you. So we will put 1t wholly on the ground of material success--if you both are willing"
 Agreed" responded Paul, eagerly, without an instant's hesitation, carrying the hand he held to his lips passionately.
 David looked long and earnestly into the eyes of the girl and still longer into the shadows of the lawn.
 And you will be absolutely fair and honest in the matter, in all it's phases" ?" he said, finally,
 Absolutely" she replied. her color deepening
 And at the end of five years from to- night, whichever of us two brings you the biggest income you will marry re- gardless of any other consideration"
 'I will" she replied.
 "Agree-l," replied David, his great jaw setting with that determination which had been so often the precursor of vic tory in the classroom and on the campus.
 The next day the battle began in earnest. Neither of the young men had much of start, so far as their parents were concerned, but both were well con-