Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-01-05
The Generosity of Clementina 9
By AMY B. JACOBS

I FEEL pitiful skunk" said Marina duke, pushing back his chair, and throwing a surprising pair of feet up on his desk Just like the poor browbeaten creature in the noveletteS persuaded by stern and unnatural pa rent to marry an heiress whilst his fab by heart is in the proud possession of a penniless beauty. By love, though, that's where 1 score! There isn't an- other girl in the case. It's Clementlna or nobody, so why on earth shouldn't it be Clementina?"
 This argument fell like balm on Mar maduke's conscience Clementina was a nice girl, and rich girl. What did it matter If her father was an ignoramus and made his thousands by margarine? Clementina was fond of him. Clemen- tina didn't want wealthy husband. She loved to see him in his wig and cloak, and she didn't care fig for her special amusement. He wasn't desper- ately in love with Clementina, but what did that matter?
 What is love, sir?" asked Marmaduke of his faithful client-his hat and coat propped up against the opposite chair. Will you kindly tell me that You don't know! We'll, in the words of lawyer, will tell you. It is an arrant piece of folly, sir, madness which seizes you in a moment. and makes you do all sorts of idiotic things, which you are sorry for afterward. While it lasts, you think you are the happiest fesiow on the face of the earth, and when it's gone, what have you got. A slice of experience, that's all. You've lost your case and got to pay the costs. Now, if only hot headed youth would consult lawyer be- fore starting on a matrimonial career, by love! what harvest We should make"
 At that moment light rap came at the office door. and Marmaduke, with a vision of wealthy client in sable coat and with a waiting brougham below. drew down his legs hastily. and as sumed his best court expression, just as the door opened and Miss Clementina Potts entered
 'Tina!" said the young lawyer, with . shade of disappointment. You're surprised to see me-" said Miss Potts. You don't often entertain ladies here"
 No, unfortunately. my clients have been mostly of the masculine persua- sion," said Marmaduke. with nasty glance at his hat and coat. But take a seat, Tina I'm awfully glad to see you, and you do look ripping!" Miss Potts smiled. She certainly did look remarkably pretty. Her cheeks were paler .han usual, her reddish hair gleamed gold in the sunlight, and the gay air which sometimes jared on the young lawyers ears seemed strangely reduced. Clementina smoothed her er- mine muif and looked up determinedly.
 T reckon" she said. I'd best go straight into the matter. There's no sense in beating around the bush when you can skip through it, as pop says. came to say that our engagement is off, and I'm of. too. We sail for New York straight away"
 "what?" said Marmaduke, starting back with unfeigned horror. What foT?"
 I think that is my business" said Clementina, quietly. Anyhow. you've been good to me, Duke, and I'm sorry to leave you. But you'll soon find some body to fill my place"
 But that's all nonsense." said Mar maduke. seizing the little white gloved hand. "I'm not going to be turned of like this. Don't you care enough for me? Is that it?"
 For a moment Clementina's blue eyes sparkled with indignation: then she laughed awkwardly and turned away. 'I like you as well as most" she said. "Sut reckon I can get along without any of you. Anyway. I'm of"
 But don't you see you are treating inc badly. Clementiaa?" argued the law, yer. 'I have right to know the reason you are jilting me It isn't fair to me. |"
 I guess it's fsirer than if I married you" said Clementina. with a little shake in her voice. But when We Amer ican girls make up our minds. there's nothing more to be said. Wed better say good-by here. Pops waiting for me al the station. and I've got two or f three more visits 10 make. Say. you've n.ver kissed me before. ant we've been engaged for a long time You can just once now. if you want to-
 1 Miss Potts lifted . slightly blushins cheek. and. as Aarmaduke accepted the invitation it struck him as a curious coincidence that he had never been tempted to kiss these pretty. poutint . lips before Herealized then what false
 hearted knaye he had been CIemen'
 tinsis tremuious kiss sent thrill to hi,
 heart. which swept over the pangs o' k .r