The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1905-03-09
HE EPITAPH

1 lNNHNitAhRs AsFts hN - - MNNtNEtaI f.
| II was quite like Taber. Another
man would have marched stliily dowE
the path and banged the front gate
But Taber still sat on the top step Of
the piazza and placidly surveyed th,
changing colors ON the clouds in tn,
west.
Agatha vane was annoyed. She had
expected her words would crush him
or at least rouse him TO unreasoning
wrath. Instead he had looked at her
QuiEzically and said. ''of course you're
quite sure of this?" In questioning
tone which implied his disbelief. after
which he sat in doggei silence on the
top step, apparently pondering over
the matter in the calmest of manners,
His composure irrltated the girl
From her low rocker behind the vines
she studied the back of his head and
his broad, square shoulders. She sud,
denly discovered that the head was
very shapely and that the shoulders
suggested u comforting, manly
strength. and with this discovery oh
daughters of Eve-she cudgeled her
brain for some cutting phrase which
would penetrate the armor OF his self
control and wound his pride
Taber, all unconscious OF this. idly
watched the sky and thoughtfully blew
clouds of curling smoke into the still
air.
Presently he drew from his pocket
pencil and number of old envel
opes, on the back Of which he began
to write rapidly Now and then h,
paused to read the scribbled lines and
chuckle softly.
Agatha grew momentarily more al.
cry, One little foot tapped the floor
and she bit her lip,
What are you doIng?' she demand
ed at length.
Writing" said he laconically.
Writing what" she asked.
"Epitaphs," said he, I'm trying 10
compose q suitable one 10 IL the &C
casion, Wait moment, See II any
OF these will do
He deliberately assorted the envel.
opes and turned halfway round on the
step that he might make the best use
Of the fading light In the west In a
solemn voice he read:
Sacred TO the memory OF Love, who
died from the effects of a chill, aged
two years, three months and eleven |
days"
Agatha was silent /
Here's another" said he cheerfully ,
He lifted the envelope to the light and
read slowly:
Under this stone rests Love, who,
after precarious existence of some
two years, departed this life Aug. IS.
The only wonder Is that he managed
10 hold out as long as he did,"
He glanced quickly at the girl. Her
ips curved scornfully.
Sorry 1t doesn't meet with your ap.
,royal," he observed. Perhaps you'll
Ike this one better: Here lies Love,
Gully murdered by the green eyed
monster jealousy" II
There was a long silence.
Isn't this last the most truthful Of
he threeI" he asked.
"Jealousw she said. do you imag-
ne for moment I'm jealous? Your
onceit does you credit"
Taber smiled imperturbably.
II hoped you were," he said simply.
Indeed" she exclaimed. why on
arth should be jealousT
Well" said he slowly, as II he were
ordering a matter Of the gravest i'm
ort, she's a rather stunning girl, and
er getup-isn't that the proper term?-
! wonder, besides which, you know.
he is well fixed financially In her own
ight. Agatha, if you had gone auto
lobiling with a man as fascinating as
be Mortimer girl Is | should have been
reen with Jealousy. You might do as
luch for me-" he ended In hurt tone
''If that is your defense'- she began
Defense" he said "Oh, pardon me,
ut you misconstrue. I'm not making
xcuses for myself, but for your lack
I interest in my doings. II is surpris-
lg, most surprising, Agatha"
Agatha laughed scornfully.
Ingenious to the last" she observed.
Taber sighed.
II see plainly that my epitaphs are
lsfits," said he. Love was slain by
q automobile and a girl with red hair.
he girl with red hair seems to be
le fatal part of the combination"
He looked thoughtfully at the sky
n several moments. Then he rose
ON the step and stood by the girl
Cant you be the least bit jealous
herp he asked.
NO" she said shortly.
Nor Of me% he pursued.
"Nor Of you" she said.
"And you meant all you said about
If not being suited to one anotherT
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