Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-08-10

time before l got her answer, in strained
voice and with averted eyes: "Of course,
I'm sorry your mother isn't well, but L
can't get ready that soon
1t was not her words that eXasperated
me; the lightning of speech from the storm
clouds of anger tends to clear the air. 1t
was her expression.
Never have | known any one who could
concentrate into hrows and eyes and chin
and lips more of that sullen and aggressive
obstinacy which is the climax of provoca-
tiveness Patience, in thought at least,
with refusal has not been one of my viz
tues. This refusal of hers, this denial of
happiness to one who had deserved so
much and had received so little. set temper
to working in like a quick poison. But
l was silent, not so much from prudence as
from Inability to find adequate words.
II can't DO tn repeated Carlotta, land
won't" She made it clear that she meant
the "wont"-that she was bent upon a
quarrel.
But in my struggle to train those stanch
est of servants and maddest of masters, the
passions, had got at least far enough al
ways to choose both the time and the
ground of a quarrel. So l said: Very
well, Carlotta. Then, that Is settled" And
with air sufficiently deceptive to pass
muster before angry eyes. 1 proceeded to
talk of Indifferent matters.
AS I sat beside her, my temper
glowerng in the straining leash. 1 re-
volved her conduct and tried to puzzle out
its meaning. 1t Is clear. thought l, that
she does not care Tor me as people about
to marry usually profess to care. Then
does she wish to break the engagement?
That tanned my anger instantly.
Yes, thought on, she wishes to be free
to free me- And, as my combine is formed
and my career well advanced in the way to
being established. what reason Is there for
trying to prevent her from freeing herself?
None-for l can easily explain the situation
to mother. Yes l concluded. you can
avoid a quarrel, can remain friends with
CarlOtta give and get freedom ~ What
had changed her? / did not know; l did
not waste time in puzzling; did not tempt
fate by asking. You are poor, she Is
rich" l reminded myself That makes ii
impossible for you to hesitate. You must
give her no excuse for thinking you lack
pride"
Thus l reasoned and planned. my temper
back in its kennel and peaceful a sheep.
That evening l avoided being alone with
her; just as I was debating how to an
nounce that / must be leaving by the first
train in the morning a telegram came
from Roebuck calling me to Chicago at
once. When we were all going to bed
said to Mrs. Ramsay: Il shall see you and
Ed In the morning, but'-to Carlotta-"you
don't get up so early. III say goodbye
now"-this in the friendliest possible way
l was conscious of Mrs. Ramsays look Of
wonder and anxiety; of Eds wild stare
from Carlotta to me and back again at her
She bit her lip and her voice was unsteady
as she said: "Oh. no, Harvey. I'll be up"
1HeTe Was a Certain meekneSS IN ner tone
which would probably have delighted me
had been what is usually called master
full"
When l came down at o'clock after an
unquiet night. CarlOtta was lying in wait
for me, took me into the parlor and shut
the door. What do you mean?" she de-
manded, facing me with something Of her
wonted imperiousness.
"Mean?" said !. for once feeling no re-
sentiment at her manner.
by leaving-this way" she explained
with impatience
you heard Mr. Roebuck's telegram"
said I.
You are angry with me-" she persisted.
No. Carlotta." said I. II was, but am
not. AS son as saw what you wished
was grateful, not angry"
What did I wish?
To let me know as gently and kindly as
you could that you purposed to end our en-
gagement- And guess you are right. We
do not seem to care for each other as we
ought II we"
You misunderstood me- she said, pale