The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1905-06-13
The AtaVism
OF Pauline
Copyright. 1908. BY Ina Wright Hanson
By INA WRIGHT HANSON


away from the whole world My glance
fingered on Pauline's ripping brown
hair, on her straight little nose, on her
mouth, and l gave one long sigh Of
content.
Pauline" 1 said, will you marry
mel"
NO" she answered.
Her tone was caressing, but it held
uncompromising frmness. The fog
was coming closer In.
"WhyT'
Pauline turned her gray eyes from
the ocean to me.
"'One thing thou lackest,'" she quot
ed softly. "'Go sell what thou hast
and give to the poor"
1 stared blankly at her. Was this
child of luxury, this butterfly of fash
ion, turning preacher?
II don't say it's original, Ebert. For
generations back there's been every
now and then some one Of our family
who has believed and practiced it. |
suppose the mantel of these peculiar
ancestors has fallen upon me, for it
has been life principle with me-"
Maybe I'm dense, but l confess l
don't Sec
Il have more money than l know
what to do with; so have you. 1t is
absurd for us to marry and put all our
money together 1t isn't right. You
must choose some poor girl and l
penniless man."
"Nonsensep'
81 really mean it.
1 reasoned with her for an hour and
at the end of the time 1 left her look
ing at the ocean, her eyes wet. but her
chin determined. Her chauffeur look
ed at me inquiringly as strobe past
her auto car, which had brought us
both l damned my hat down vicious
ly and started along the red road, but
it no longer led to paradise. 1t was no
"road O. love" and there was no para
disc anywhere.
"'And the young man went away
sorrowful, for he had great posses
sions.'"
It's amazing what a good nights
sleep will do for a man. Next morn
ing l had an interview with my law
yer 1t was tedious and somewhat
embarrassing, as had to explain some
things should have preferred to keep
to myself. 1t was over at last and
sought Pauline.
l found her in the rose garden, writ
ing rapidly. When she saw me she
sprang up, scattering her papers ON the
grass. She smiled at me tearfully.
II discovered that l couldn't live
without you," l said. taking her into
my arms. Il could have given away
a dozen fortunes rather than lose you"
felt her start
"Given away, Ebert" she repeated
you haven't given away
Every cent" l cried gayly, leading
her to a seat "Just got the business
finished. I'm your penniless man.
New when will you marry me?'
She stared at me, her eyes round and
amazed. Then she laughed nervously.
Il have, too" she gasped.
Have what, darling?" l queried.
Given everything away. 1 was just
writing to you to tell you that l cared
more for you than for my wretched
money; and it's all gone, gone, goney
Never mind, little girl. We have
each proved our love. Now we will
start in and live as our grandparents
did. / will buy ranch
MY grandparents didn't, and you
haven't any money, Ebert"
"Oh, that's so. Well, will go and
work for rancher, then, and you can
help the rancher's wife. You can make
butter and feed the hens and-and fat
ten the pigs, can't your"
She held up her little white hands.
and l covered them with kisses. Then
she put them, one ON each side of my
face, and looked steadily into my
eyes.
Gilbert, l will try If the ranchers
wife will have patience with me-"
ITO whom did you give your for
tuner asked after minute.
ITO the church for an orphanage."
Her lips were quivering again, so
said hastily.
"Well, sweetheart, go put on your
plainest gown, as BELTS a poor mans
bride, and we will go at once to the
parsonage"
laughed when she came back. Her
'plainest gown" was simple and white.
but probably cost as much as 1 could
earn on the ranch In a year.
1.-The minister lent me the money
for the license and has promised to
wait till l got my first months wages
for that and his fee," 1 explained as
we walked along.
Pauline's face flushed and she look
ed up piteously.
Didn't you save out enough for the
ring-my wedding ringT she whis-
pered.
Made clean sweep Of everything"
1 answered cheerfully, except my
clothes 1 didn't think my-er-ben-
eficiary would care for those"
She gave patisvt sigh.
You will get me a ring as soon as
you can, won't you. Ebert? 1 shan't
feel married without wedding ring"
"Sure little GIRL" l answered husk-
lily as we reached the parsonage.
When my wife and l emerged from
the minister's gate l looked at her in
quiringly.
"Well,' said, probably we had bet
ter start at once for the country"
My small wife raised her hand with
q charming assumption of dignity.
Indeed, we shall not We will go
home until such time as we choose to
go. The church can wait till we are
quite ready to depart"
That evening as we sat III the rose
garden we were Joined by Mr.. Lay
ton, Paullne's lawyer.
MAY l inquire as to your plans for
the future?" asked the lawyer.
I'VE are going to the country to find
work." Pauline began bravely. you
see, Ebert did just what l did-gave
his money away He came here to tell
me, and l was writing to him. Wasn't
it funny coincidence"
very" said the lawyer dryly.
My wife folded and unfolded her
handkerchief. The lawyer gazed into
space Pauline sighed, and Mr.. Lay
ton cleared his throat
And you expect to enjoy drudgery
instead Of luxury, do you" he asked,
with the suspicion of growl.
at isn't a matter of liking" Pauline
answered quietly. Gilbert did it be-
cause he cared great deal for me;
did it because l loved Gilbert and 1
thought it was right OF course nei-
Their of us thought of the others sacri-
ficing. But it is done, and we are go
ing to make the best of it."
Il see Would it dlsappoint you too