Casco Bay breeze. [volume] (South Harpswell, Me.) 1901-1917, 1905-06-15
THE LONG LANE

Cracked and sent weird. distorted
shadows about the walls.
harrington sat near the fire. which
lighted his heavy features mcanniIy
and showed plainly the drawn. hard
Zines about his mouth. Barbara Allen
had withdrawn to the shadows OF a
far corner and divided her time be-
tween playful Angora kitten and
covert glances i'm the young mans di-
rcction. Now and again as his brows
knit i'm an angry frown she smiled
knowingly rs she smootlied the Kittens
silky coat.
Presently the young man whirled
about i'm his chair and glared into the
gloom OF the corner where the girls
face was but barely visible.
II suppose" said he. with bitter sar-
casm. that I should have known from
the beginning where we would come
out with this little affair of ours. /
suppose should have taken warning
from the countless predecessors who
have tempted fate before me. But a
man in love Is blind to many things.
AMI I find I've been no exception to
this general rule
The girl i'm the corner bent over the
kitten. but made no reply harrington
kicked back Ia cmber which hurtled
from the fire and continued:
Il didn't think you were that sort
Of Il girl. fondly imagined. in my
blessed innocence. that you had some
spirit Of fairness. find I've been
mistaken and more
BE careful. Fritz" she said warn.
ingly. You're saying some rather
harsh things"
He laughed roughly. Its hardly The
time To mince matters" said he I'm
well aware that the truth isn't always
pleasant To- hear. but think youl IL au-
nit there are times when circum.
stances warrant its uiter.lnce YoI
have known from the first that | was
honest and sincege. You knew l was
no trifier. You might ut least have let
ne know from the outset that my ease
WAS hopeless instead OF dragging il OIL
in this wretched fashion,
The girl sighed patiently.
I've merely tried to be nicc-in
friendly way" size protested.
-Oh. you've succeeded admirably"
said lie. You've becn very. very nice.
1t WAS necessary To do that To keep me
in line. I suppose"
Kindly bc Il trifle consideratc," she
said co.dly.
DO YOU deserve considerations" he
asked
Perhaps not Sc said. with n meek
ness that flannel the fires OF his wrath
Il tell YOU" he declared. its dan
serous game You play. AMI some time
IL will go against YOU. Thercl cone n
time when the glove will he on the 9TH
or hand. It's long lane that has no
turning
The rapid succession of metaphors
set her smiling again. She leaned for
ward ia her chair.
And at the turn Of the lane-what
them" size asked
lie frowncd savagely at the fire.
At the turn OF the lane" said he
you'll see il all from my present rc..-
spectivc. You'll know what il l. (, Iore
honcstly-only TO provoke laughter"
She strokc1 the kitten tiiouglItfully.
Fritz" she said. with little note OF
awe-whether real or hooking. IL couLl
not decide-in her voice. you brighten
me-"
1T will come Inc said fatty.
He rose and picked up his hat and
coat He loomed up tall AMI forbid
ding in the pickering freight.
I'm going now" he said. "but he
fore do ! want To ask n favor Of YOU.
Don't treat the next chap as you've
treated me-
barbara rose too. She spilled the
kitten OH TO the floor and came over To
'Barrington's side.
Were friends. aren't WEI" she ask
al anxiously.
'Yes. we're friends he said.
You won't forget me because of
this-you won't let this be barrier
between u.s." she asked.
He looked down ut her AMI smiled
slowly.
Well lie friends" he said cnlgmat-
Ically.
The truth of the situation dawnel
on her suddenly. II left her trinc
dismayed
You don't mean you're not coming
here again? You don't mean you'll
avoid meT' she asked.
II think IL j. the only way to insure
our friendship" said ne.
oh she said In sudden contrition.
lie drew himself up with an effort.
We'll. goodby." he said. holding out
his hand
The girl seemed not 90 notice IL.
She leaned against n chair.
"Goo,lby"' he said again.
"Don't-dou't go-likc this" she said
In entrcaty.
He looked at her questioningIy. then
strobe to the door.
Don't co. she whispered weakly.
He turned. why not?' he demand
ell abruptly.
She flushed and hesitated. She saw
IN yvas foo late IN rofrcat