Ellsworth American., 1905-05-31

cold out in Central park there was
tbe iangle of sleigbbells in the air
peole, for the most part, making for
home because the strong wind which
had suddenly swept up the city streets
uas now driving dizzy herd OF snow
fakes before 1t.
Women sitting in their sleighs UNI
der lie full stare OF the setting sun.
dld not feel their rugs and fms one
whit too heavy. Down in the eity's
narrow streets and wind swept tene-
ments the poor drew their shawls and
cont collars higher round gray. pinched
faces
rclcna Christy had to hold her toque
on with both hands. Her cheeks and
Ips were as red as June roses. Some
chiffon ribbons blew out from under
her furs and tapped across her com
paniou ; face. They had the faint scent
OF some flower or other. Whatever 1t
was il was the scent he loved best In
the ,,urld.
But II either the woman or the per-
fumc awakened any sentiment in him
the clpression of the Hon. Kelsie Sid
dous did not show It, His handsome,
manly face wore the aspect of stern
restraint habitual to him.
As he leaned against the sleigh cush-
Ions and beheid the diminishing per-
spectiye of electric light pricking itself
ont down the snowy drive, caught sight
OF the blue mounted police on their
mettlesome steeds and recognized IA
miliar faces In the long procession of
sleghs and carriages rolling northward.
he was conscious Of only one thlng-he
had set out on this drive with the fixed
purpose of asking the woman beside
him TO become his wife. And her home
Law Just at the lower end OF the park
He was a man who never went back
on his fixed purposes.
As they were turning out of the park
on Flfty-nlnth street Helena was say
ing:
The woman who Is worth while pev-
er undervalues the offer of marriage
from any man. Be he much or little, II
is the greatest compliment he can pay
her Coming from you, my friend. such
a compliment is the more to be valued.
But cannot marry you.'
The man did not answer at once
Neither did the expression OF his face
seem to change. He tucked the lap
robe around her little more securely.
do you know he remarked when
he had finished with the fur robe I'D
like to treSpass little further some
time and ask permission to discuss the
matter with you?" They were pulling
up In front Of the big white stone apart
ment house where she lived
"As | said" came back ITelena's
voice lightly as she undid his work ot
robe tucking, lin asking me to marry
you you paid me a great compliment.
In exchange. dare say. owe you per
mission TO indulge your hobby for ar
gument and discussion. Come in now,
won't you, and have some tea with mef
warn you no amount of argument can
profit either OF us; but still. come"
Within, behind heavily curtained win
dows, In sharp contrast TO the biting
cold without, We're sweet warmth, soft
rugs, draped screens, shaded lamps, all
the dainty plenishings of modern bou-
DOR, In the fast growing dusk the fire
light flashed on the little silver kettle
beginning TO steam at the spout; on the
Dresden and old Worcester ware on the
ebony tea table: on the woman who
had drawn n low cushioned chair close
beside II.
The situation is like this" the man
was saying In rather much the same
tone Of voice he would have used in ar
guing an important case before the su-
preme court: 'sYou are thirty-or is 1t
hirty-one? You have reputation as
brilliant, beautiful woman and all that
You can, l am aware, marry any one
OF three or four men who can offer
quite as much as /. but modesty was
never characteristic OF mine. And |
can give you almost anything you wish
uiat costs money. | stand well in my
profession-close to the top OF II, In
lact. am not yet forty. On the whole,
marriage between us might be what
is termed a very suitable match"
The woman smiled openly. Does the
Prosecution here close its defense?"
Aef father also had been judge.
Sugar and cream? Yes? Well, here"
She deftly poured out the fragrant |
drink.
as the man reached for his cup he
looked at her trife perplexed.
Are you offended?" he asked. 1--WE |
made an offer of marriage in perfect
" businesslike way, having heard you
"iteh declare that a marriage contract |
Is IKE any other contract and should be
entered into only when both parties are
aware Of what they are doing and are
rid of glamour"
MS companion paid him the tribute
VI lingering glance in which a ques-
uoh mark was barely perceptible. But |
~ The shadows he could no longer see |
ner tace-only the white parting of her |
FURNISHED hair where the freight |