The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-01-21
A STRIKING REMEDY.


were clipped into wierd shapes resem-
bling nothing In this world-or, trust,
the next-but which the head gardener.
an imaginative person, opined to be
peacocks
spread rug for her over the
lichened stone of the quaint old seat,
and she thanked me gravely and re-
lapsed into pensive silence While l
waited solemnly for the oracle. Betty
had graduated at Girton the year be-
fore. and in those days I believed her
charming head to be literally stuffed
with high aspirations and noble
.sKissing." she said suddenly, sis
stupid business
came down to mere earth with a
thud of establishment. but admitted the
point-with certain mental reservations
II was thinking of kissing in the
vestry," she added in explanation
You would certainly be safe from
observation there" 1 said, but as far
as that goes, this place
Don't be stupid.' cried Betty blush
ing-she was younger then. You know
perfectly will what mean
You were speaking said, of kiss
ing regarded as a business OF that
am no judge. But as pastime, given
the right people, glanced at Betty
land romantic environment looked
at the alleged peacocks-'I should not
Neither should l." interrupted Betty
sharply. .'and you're talking dreadful
nonsense. Robert What I meant was
that I should have hated to be Mollie
today-being kissed by snuffy old I'M
cles, and Tom. Dick and Harry"
And Bobbie," 1 added.
"Oh. you didn't count" cried Betty
scornfully.
7 forgot to-" I said, after third
one. 1t was quite like old times"
added wickedly.
Il don't want to hear about it,
thanks" said Betty coldly, I know
quite enough myself
nm sorry to hear that" I said
sravely; THAT sort of thing is all very
well for a man of my age, but
Really, Robert" cried Betty desper-
ately, II don't know which is the more
lamentable, your idea of humor or your
notion of taste"
Let US abjure personalities I said,
"and return to our muttons. In the first
place, you make the somewhat sweep
ing assertion that kissing is a silly
business, to which I reply that 1 can
conceive of circumstances in winch II
becomes a positive duty. Let me put
a case Now. supposing that you and
I were engaged
who to?" asked Betty, in delightful
disregard of grammar.
Each other" I said.
oh" said Betty, isn't that what
Euclid calls the reductio ad absur-
dunn
IF YOU like" I said. Personally, I
NN---
sition."
Not by any means the first" said
Betty, pointedly.
Under the circumstances which I
have described" said, Y should con-
slider it my duty to kiss you"
HUH" cried Betty, you're the last
man in the world I shall ever kiss"
Is that a promise?' l said, eagerly.
Il should ever kiss" she corrected.
Certainly you should" said; 1.-The
point is will you"
Certainly not!" cried Betty, with de-
cision. ITO begin with, you're arguing
from false premises
fully, that read, During alterations to
premises business conducted as usual >
"Businessi" cried Betty. "Of that 1
sam no judge"-she mimicked me to ad-
miration-"but as a paStime, given the
right people"-she looked about in
deliberately fruitless search-"and ro-
mantle environment here she fixed a
depreciative gaze upon the peacocks-
II should not be prepared --
Il believe" I said, that you would
be prepared for anything.
prove it," cried Betty.
I tried to and got severely handled.
Il wish" I said as 1 endeavored to
stanch the flow of involuntary tears
from my left eye, that you would take
off your rings before you go into ac-
ton"
I'm most awfully sorry, Bobbie, but
you shouldn't have done it, you know.
Does it hurt much? I'm frightfully
sorry really" She held out her hand
and I took 1t.
II should like the left hand, too" I
Ventured.
Pm Keeping it for emergencies" said
Betty.
"You needn't" said. I'm hors de
combat. A magnanimous foe" I ad-
ded, would endeavor to alleviate the
sufferings of the wounded"
sSIet me look" said Betty.
I withdrew the handkerchief
"Oh, Bobbiei" she cried, penitently,
s'there are four nasty little flaming red
placesi What can 1 do?"
an my nursery days" 1 replied,
''there was an effectual cure. One got
somebody to do something to the
place to make it we'll. forget what
$50 do T.
IF you were really sorry I put in,
reproachfully. you'd remember"
Il think I do-now." said Betty.
"Shut your eyes, please"
Must -" I asked.
Certainly" said Betty, severely.
Something that felt like a falling rose
petal touched my cheek.
THERE said Betty.
There We're four marks, I think you
said" I observed, keeping my eyes
closed.
"Oh, Bobbie!"
-Four marks" I repeated sternly
"Therel Therei There!"
"And your thumb struck me in the
mouth" I added.
''Bobbiel'
TT did" I declared.
There, them"
g. At this point I opened my eyes, I
blso met the treatment half way
D"Let me see" I said, did you box the
other ear?"
Don't be absurd" cried Betty, in
charming confusion.
It's unavoidable in cases of this kind,
I believe.
What kind?"
THE serious kind"
Very" I averred.. You alone can
tell me whether it is to be regarded as
hopeless"
Betty. pursed up her lips coughed