Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1904-06-02
A Mans Mistake
By CRETE HAHN

SHWEN, old girl. I'm in love"
I A faint, pink flush crept int
the girls thin cheeks and made tn,
pale, somewhat worn-looking, face seen
almost pretty,
Youth love?" she asked, softly.
Her companion laughed, an awkward
half-apologetic sort Of laugh.
"You never suspected 1t Of me, did
your" he said.
mo" replied the girl, and her dark
eyes grew strangely tender.
Il have told no one but you, ." he went
on. "She wishes it to be a secret for
| the present"
"A secret" she said. "why a Sc
cret2"
We've known each other such a
short time, she is afraid people will
laugh at us. They wouldn' understand,
she says"
Il suppose not"
"But you understand, Gwen, don't
you? begged to be allowed to tell you.
wanted you to be the first to wish me
joy"
"And l do, Tom. l do, with all my
heart"
She spoke without a tremor in the
low, clear voice.
1T seems to me have known her all
my life, and she feels the same about
me, Gwen"
THAT is because you love each other"
Il knew you would understand" he
cried, eagerly. Il told her so, Gwen.
told her all about you, about our
friendship, and all owe you
WAS that necessary, Tom?"
Necessary" He laughed joyously.
why Gwen, | have no secrets from
her"
mo" said Gwen, "of course not"
Il know what you are thinking-she
may possibly be jealous"
The girl started. as though she had
been struck.
Jealous Of me?" she cried who
could be that?"
ITO tell you the truth Gwen, she was
just a little-at first Then ex-
planned to her what a good true friend
1ou had always been to me. and how
had learned to love you as a sister,
Who was so much better, and wiser,
md"
And older than you. Tom. | hope
'ou told her that"
I've never given il a thought, Gwen"
Il shall be 20 next birthday. Idaresay
might be 49 for all you cared. Tom.
ell her that Il will satisfy her"
She is satisfied. Do you remember,
iwen, what I've said to you SO ofteng
den are your friends not your lovers"
Il remember, There was something
bout me, you said, something you
ouldn't quite explain. which made me
ifferent from other women"
"Yes-and which separates you from
heir common fate. You're strong, and
Gwen. You know how to
lake your way in the world, and YOU
ant no mans help. I sometimes think
is that that keeps Us at arms length.
te know that you can do without us.
nat you don't need our protection. and .
0 We shrink from offering it. You're |
DO brave for us, Gwen" q
The girl smiled strangely. d
Perhaps you're right, she said. but
on didn't come here TO talk about me.
THAT is she like. Tom?" D
His face kindled. a
"other people call her charming and =
retty," he said, but to me she is the II
lost beautiful woman In the world
nd yet she is hardly a woman, but a 2
,yely, innocent child. Gwen. and as b
elpless as a child. d
And that you love most Of all" said Il
he girl You love to take care of her. q
He began 10 laugh, from sheer ham >
mess.
She is so young-barely Island 50 :"
norant Of the world Life. for her 81
full OF dangers, Oh. / must guard her g
ell. Gwen. If you only knew the low al
man has in the helplessness of The
oman he lowest"
Il think I understand, she said. LET a
e see her picture" "
How did you know" be asked. with u
shamefaeed smile. and drew from ~
,cket a tiny leather case. ca
She stirred the glowing Goals into 6
me. and knelt on the hearthrue II n
anime the portrait ot
Il was pretty. commonplace fittls e
&C. with somewhat affected expres- =
ln-possibly due to the photograpber
ven reflected
Its not good likeness. said Tom :.
oking over her shoulder. and ~
urse. all the coloring is lost she has bs
rely hair-bright gold when the sun III
o. it-and a real complexion. Gwen.
e young ehild's"
SkI aust be very pretty" n,