Williston graphic. (Williston, Williams County, N.D.) 1895-1919, 1903-11-26
.Cracia's Choice
howard DIVINE

~ ~ 49,. 80
Z HOWARD DIVINE (
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Copyright, Ises. By Daily Story Pss. CO..
THE expected had happened, and
Gracia was as badly perplexed as
though she had not known 1t was COM
ing. Truth be told, she hadnot 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 matter of time;
but how in the name of prophecy was
she to guess that events wouldso shape
themselves that she would receive both
declarations at once and be compelled
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 tho black-eyed, jaunty little beauty,
and it 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 a 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-David 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
stand and declared himself.
II guess we all understand the situ-
ation," he said, in his quiet, determined
way. Il 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 a first oppor-
tunity. we may as we'll accept the situa-
ton and plead our suits in the open.
Gracia, what wanted to see you for,
was to tell you that I love you-you
know that already-and to ask you to
wait for me to get established in bust
ness, and then to marry me-. This is not
q very sentimental way to propose to a
girl you love. but it seems the only way
under the circumstances"
He paused and glanced deflantly at
Paul. The latter's olive skin paled
trifie. and his brown eyes took on the
interpretive expression so character
istic to them.
"And /, Gracia, wanted an opportunity
to say the same thing to you," he said.
1T Is hard to say just what want to say
under these circumstances, but if you
promise yourself to me, there is nothing
I will not do to make you happy"
He looked into her eyes with that con-
6dent, self-poised expression which 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 l
feel" she exclaimed. II 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. 1likeyou
both. you know that; and it would be
awfully hard to choose between you.
But am much more mercenary and cold
blooded than either of you believe or de-
serve have lived all my life 80 far in
comparative poverty. Hove all the nice
things Of the world. do not want love
in cottage. am tired of cottages, any
way. II you still want me after what
I have said, and am going to say,
I will wait five years, and then I will
marry the whichever of you can give
most abundantly the nice things of the
world. know how awfully bad it
sounds, but do not feel exactly as
though was selling myself to mammon,
because really haze 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 loug 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 its phases?"
he said, finally.
Absolutely" she replied, her color
deepening.
*tAnd at the end of five years from to-
night. whichever of us two brings you
the biggest income you will marry re-
CARELESS of any other considerations"
Il will" she replied.
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