The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-02-15
GIRL AND IDEHLIST
And How the One Was Converted to the
Beliefs of the Other
By ANGELA MORGAN.

IT He Girl sat in her chilly bedroom
and stared gloOmily at the wall
paper From its cheerIessness
and ugliness there seemed no way OF
escape. Particularly when she was dis
eouraged did its hideousness Cypress her
and she was thoroughly discouraged
today. Discouraged with herself. her
work. and the dreary unloveIiness OF her
life
How can there be inspiration among
such surroundings? she sighed.
Truly. the room at best was but
blankIy comfortable abiding place. al
though there were touches that told of a
brave effort toward Improvement. The
feminine yearning for warm colors and
graceful lines had vented itself in such
trifing adornments as a limited income
permitted.
But the Girls passionate love OF the
beautiful was expressed all too made
quateIy in these pitiful attempts at
decoration - attempts which seemed.
after all. mere makeshifts and mock
eries-caricatures OF the glowing de-
signs her Imagination created.
There is little that is lovely in my
world" she said sadly as her gaze
shifted to the view from her window
smoke begrimed roofs and chimneys
showing sulien outlines in the drizzling
dampness OF the dull autumn afternoon.
She rose with sudden decision and
got out her hat and jacket Il may as
well walk" she said. 1T is better out
doors. in spite OF the weather 1 will
at least have fresh air"
As she opened the front door she
came face to face with the Idealist. who
was about TO enter.
She always associated him with that
name. regardless Of his real cognomen.
one or the boarders had used the title
in speaking Of him. and since then she
called him that in her own mind.
You are going for waIk?' he asked
pleasantly.
Yes" she answered.
'Iu go, too, II your let me-" he said
promptly. turning round 70 descend the
steps with her.
The Girl was somewhat astonished. It
was so unlike him None OF the board
ers felt al ali acquainted with him-he
was so quiet, so unobtrusive- No one
knew much about him Mrs. McAvoy
the landlady. surmised that he was a
writer "or something" from the litter OF
papers usually found in his room. lie
had the skyliEht room-a cherries at
fair-and often sat up late at his desk.
The Girl had really never noticed him
particularly before. But just now. as
he spoke to her. she observed the win
ming light in his eyes. the fine lines OF
his face.
After they had walked several PAGES
# seemed the most natural thing in the
world that he should be with her.
you seem happy" she said to him
frankly "and on such day, I cannot
understand It,"
why not?" he asked Days do not
control US"
They control me, she replied And
so do my surroundings. You can't mean
that you are Independent OF such
things?"
Il have no time 10 think OF them, A."
he answered. There is so much else
What are mere externals. anyway"
oh. d" she cried. reeoIIeeting. "you are
m ideaIist. forgot or course you
can say II. But never could. I do
not seem practical. somehow"
Not DracticaI?' he echoed And
Why
What good is IT," she questioned
him in return. Ito deceive ones self
with dreams when the cold. blunt facts
OF life are constantly shifting one in
the face? Facts are greater than ideals
or theories"
But facts are not greater than you -
II mean that these outer things-sur-