The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1905-03-08
The Hunger of
A Mans Soul
by CAMPBELL MACLEOD


waiting in the quiet little cafe to b.
served, She leaned over 20 draw IN IN,
fragrance Of the red roses and to avoid
his eyes, which were persistent. He
was thinking of how young and lovely
she was. How could he expect her to
love hlmG The mirror opposite re.
minded him of his years.
Yes, he would tell her-save her all
painful explanations, A young fellow
would make her happier, Once In Il
burst of girlish confidence she had told
him how she hated young men and new
houses, 1t was childish OF him, he told
himself, to expect her to know her own
mind.
What can eatY' abe beamei at him
with shining eyes. Anything, from a
nice young man to an oysterr Here
was the opening, sooner than he ex.
pected. ...
Judith he began gravely, 1T Is Of
the young man wish to speak now
Did-dld-t they say II is young Trayers?
Shall | release your The last, to the
ear Of the girl, seemed an anxious,
frenzied appeal for freedom. So this
was what made him so gloomy, so un.
like himself, He was tired OF her He
wanted to be free. She was pulling a
rose to pieces and fitting the petals over
her finger tips. shall we ring the cur.
tain down on our little comedyf" he
asked In an tits all for the best" tone.
She nodded slowly. She was beginning
to see more clearly every minute, Just
as ones eyes grow accustomed to dark
ness after the first bewllderment- he
wanted to be free.
Judith" he said. Il shall ask only |
one favor Of You" He hesltated.
1t Is granted" she returned coldly.
Perhaps | shall have the honor of
congratulating you also" The "also"
was added as an afterthought.
1T is that you will tell II NIL to me.
He hesltated through Il sense of deli.
cacy. If you mind. dear" he addel
gently, then don'tr
Did she mind? she asked herself. No
size gloried In the opportunity. IL lie
sighed for his freedom. he should have
It. She would make no effort to hold
him, but he should understand before
she let him go that other men thought
ler desirable. Then he could 20 with
lis freedom, and she would marry any
me OF the others. Ii made no differ.
'nce--she would take the one who next
isked her, She was eighteen and in.
initely young. The middle aged man :
opposite felt that he would barter his
soul to be twenty -four--to be
'oung with her.
Shall begin at the beginningT' she
sked In weary tones. He WINGED.
NO" he replied. That would In.
lude me. Spare me that" There was
long silence. 1T Ia of young Trav-
RS, your engagement
Until tonight" she reminded In n
ull voice, II was engaged TO you.
'ut"- Her voice stuck. He was
'aiting for her to begin.
Mrs Carr, from New Orleans, was
the Springs" she began. she is
nc Of my mothers Oldest friends. Mr..
ravers is her nephew. II was at one
: her receptions that met him first.
hail l tell you everythingY' Her
oice had new ring He thought II
as from speaking of her lover.
"Your roses came just as was start
g." she continued. II wore the klue
-ess, the one you used to like me m
Child" he interrupted, you do not
Eyes, but do" gayly. Il remember
every bit. You told me that first
ght wore lido you remember IT,
hat you whispered out here on the
llery about my milk white arms and
adowy hairT 1t is a pretty dress. |
ore your roses to the reception. They
ere glorious ones" She was leaning
her elbows on the table, her big eyes
II of mystery.
When Mrs. Carr presented Mr..
AYERS" she proceeded, "he told me
At he had been knowing me for
~ long time and waiting for me
come, because bis hands were tied,
1t were, and he couldn't come after
}. Then | laughed, because It was
h a good joke-really, Bob, he said
very much nicer than | can remem-
:. Then he went on to tell me that
was before the war be had known
/. He Just graduated two years ago.
I'M afraid / rather encouraged him
the nonsense. 1t was such a relief
m talking to the women, and can't
p being Silly, you know, Bob" His
Irt felt old and musty and failed, -
! her every word was giving It
sh blow. She had made q little pyr-
i'd Of the rose petals and was nerv-
ly tearing 1t to pieces to reconstruct III
He was very nice" she continued.
e went back to sit on the stairs TO
en- to the music. That was the be-
ming. He came next day for me to
re with him and told me that he
I'd me-"
The impudent young He forgot
1t was Of her lover he was speak
He said be couldn't help It." she