The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1905-06-02
The Hunger of
A Mans Soul
By CAMPBELL MACLEOD

- -
BY CAMPBELL MACLEOD s
A~><<<~~N~~N~N~
1t was after the play, and they were
waiting in the quiet little cafe to be
served. She leaned over to draw in the
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 him? 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 .
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 1 eatr' abe beamed at him
with shining eyes. Anything, from q
nice young man to an oysterv' Here
was the opening, sooner than he ex-
pected.
Judith" he began gravely. 1T - Of
the young man l wish to speak now.
Did-did-they say 1T is young Travers?
Shall release your" The last, to the
ear of the girl, seemed an anxious.
ffenzied appeal for freedom. So this
was what made him 50 gloomy. so IN
Hike 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. ''Shau we ring the cur
tain down on our little comedy p he
asked in an ITS all for the best tone
She nodded slowly. She was beginning
to zee more clearly every minute, just
- ones eyes grow accustomed to dark
ness after the first bewilderment-he
wanted to be free.
Judith" he said, 81 shall ask only
enc favor OF you" He hesitated.
ut 10 granted" she returned coldly.
Perhaps I shall have the honor Of
oo0gratulating you-also." The 'also''
was added al an afterthought.
ut II that you will tell 1t all to me-"
He hesitated through q sense Of deli
eacy. III you mind, DEAR" he added
esntly, then don'tr'
Did she mind7 she asked herself. No;
che gloried In the opportunity. II he
6iGhed for his freedom, he should have
st. She would make NO effort to hold
him, but he should understand before
che let him 60 that other men thought
her desirable. Then he could 60 with
ID freedom. and she would marry any
enc Of the others. 1t made NO differ
snceshe would take the one who next
asked her. She was eighteen and in
Anitely young. The middle aged man
opposite felt that he would barter his
Immortal soul to be twenty -four-to be
young with her.
''Shall begin at the beginning? p she
asked In weary tones. He WINGED.
no" he replied. THAT would in
dude me. Spare me that" There was
. long silence. 1T il Of young Trav-
~, your engagement
Until tonight" she reminded in q
hull voice, Il was engaged to you.
But Her voice stuck. He was
waiting for her to begin.
Mrs. Carr, from New Orleans, was
ut the Springs" she began ''She is
one Of my mothers oldest friends. Mr.
Travers is her nephew. 1t was at one
Of her receptions that met him first
Shall tell you everything?" Her
voice had q new ring. He thought 1t
was from speaking of her lover.
"Your roses came just as was start
ing" she continued. Il wore the blue
dress. the one you used to like me in
"Child" he interrupted "you do not
underestimate
Eyes. but TO-" gayly. ~ remember
1t, every bit. You told me that first
night wore lido you remember it,
what you whispered out here on the
gallery about my milk white arms and
shadowy hair:' 1t is a pretty dress. l
wore your roses to the reception. They
were glorious ones"' She was leaning
on her elbows on the table, her big eyes
full Of myster,.
when Mrs. Carr presented Mr..
TraverS," she proceeded, ''he told me
that he had been knowing me for a
long, long time and waiting for me
to come, because his hands were tied,
as it were. and he couldn't come after
me. Then l laughed, because it was
such a good joke-really, Bob, he said
1t very much nicer than I can remem-
Der. Then he went on to tell me that
1T was before the war he had known
me. He just graduated two years ago.
am afraid / rather encouraged him
IN the nonsense. 1t was such q relief
from talking to the women, and can't
help being silly, you know. Bob" His
heart felt old and musty and failed,
and her every word was giving it
fresh blow. She had made little pyr-
amid of the rose petals and was nerv-
Ousiy tearing it to pieces to reconstruct
It.