The Union Republican., 1904-11-11

shall have to ta& t.at over frequent
ly."
Beth looked puzzled Il will write
to you" she said after moments
thought. Il think we had better not
meet at ALL II will 10 no good
"What are you going to do about
Mrs Demorests dinner tomorrow
asked Jim. I'VE have both accepted,
and she will never forgive us if either
of us refuse at this late day."
I'VE shall both have to go to that"
said Beth. Il will tell Mrs. Demorest
TO send you ont with Maude Townsend
instead of me because | want you to
know her better" She already felt
twinge of Jealousy at the thought of
Iiii sitting through long dinner next
to the charming Maude. Don't speak
to me if you can help it, Jim. You
may go to the Turnbulls' reception late,
and I'll go early. As for the Martins
dance, shall not so at all. don't
care about them anyway"
How about the Jenkins theatric-
alsy' asked Jim. 1--WE are both to be
in them. you know"
"Oh. | forgot about them,' moaned
Beth. 'Slic will never forgive us if
either of us back out What shall we
dnf"
At that moment the light fiared up,
and the butler announced other callers,
aud Jim rose to 20.
What about the ,Jenllins?" he asked
III Il low tone as he said goodby.
TN tell you tomorrow night at the
dinner" Beth murmured hastily.
Then began an elaborate system of
avoiding each other. Jim had to drop
III frequently at o'clock to see wheth
er Beth was going to this dinner or
that dance in order that he might know
whether to accept or decline. and many
notes flew back and forth between
Washington square and Fifth avenue.
Jim began to think that he did not care
as much for going out as he had be-
fore, and Beth grew tired of dancing.
ITS all Il hollow mockery," she
wrote Jim one day. Perhaps it's be-
cause am growing old that 1 do not
care so much for going out. l shall
be twenty-one next month. After all,
one should care for something beside
frivolity. | think | shall so and stay
at the college settlement in Rjvington
street after come back from the
SOUTH
Jim promptly appeared ut o'clock
for cup Of tea. Don't go to Riv-
lngton street. he implored, "You will
catch smallpox or something equally
terrible. You are too young and mex
perienced for that, Beth. Don't you
do it, beg Of you"
He looked SO distressed that Beth
felt a little thrill of happiness and
looked away to hide the tears that
sprang to her eyes. 1t was very sweet
to have him so concerned and inter
ested in what she did.
"Well, it's no fun going out" she
explained, land l am so tired of all
this scheming and planning. Mother
has had to give up going south, so
must go somewhere to escape the gos-
sip when we tell people our engage
ment is broken"
Beth, what's the use of telling them
thatT" cried Jim. laying his hand on
hers. Dear Beth, it's all such farce.
II would be much easier just to go to
things together and not bother. l can't
get OH without you. love you a thou
sand times more every day, and I'm
not going to give you up"
Beth gave happy little sigh and
nestled up to him. III learn to like
Kipling." she said, land l do think
Maeterlinck is morbid, and-and I'll
give Snipe away"
"Dear little girl" whispered Jim,
holding her close, mo, keep Snipe,
like Maeterlinck, hate Kipling-any-
thing you like-only love me-"