The midland journal., 1906-08-17

up at Aim with pathetic eyes.
"You are not at all-nice-today,
l pouted.
81 have the misfortune to be con-
| trast," said he. Compared with this
I-Cosnett fellow
81 hardly think you should speak
of him in that way" said la man
to whom you have never been intro
duced. l hardly expected this sort OF
thing from you, Mr.. Carroway.'
"Nor l from you," he retorted saw
agely.
81 feel bit frightened. You are
very disagreeable today" I faltered
"And you are-not too ingenious,
Miss Lacey"
Nov, don't let us be horrid to one
another" / said brightly, and smiled
my prettiest,
He sat down again. "That brings
me to the object of my visit" He
looked owlishly solemn.
"Am | not the object, then?" l ask
ed lightly, contracting my broWs.
81 mean," he replied, that I called
with certain specific purpose
"That sounds exciting, rather" said
I.
He eyed me in way that made me
feel slightly uncomfortable. '1t is
not very pleasant thing have to-
to say to you," he went on, clearing
his throat noisily.
was utterly mystified. Was he 60
ing to propose to me? wondered.
why say it, thel?' said |.
81 must. 1t would be unfair to
both Of us to keep silence any longer" !"
But still he found a difficulty in pro-
ceeding. MAY I ask you "a ques-
tion?" he blurted forth at last.
l nodded, smiling. He bent so low
over ne that his breath stirred my
hair and tickled the back of my neck.
-"How-how would you define our
our relations?" he said, huskily.
"Our relations?" l repeated.
eyes" said he "In what relation
would you say we stood to one an
other now?"
Il don't know what you mean, SAID
I, laughing nervously. What does 1t
matter? Why?"
He lowered his voice to an irritating
drone. "Has it never struck you that
l stand in a somewhat ambiguous po-
sition?" he said.
looked at him in frank amaze
ment.
Look here" he said with an air OF
real desperation, 6 don't you think 1t
would be better for us both if did
not call here any more?"
'"Of course" said 1, with creditable
hauteur, "if you don't wish to come
"Blt l do" he protested.
Then why talk of not calling any
more?" said l.
Cant you see,' he said, with a
helpless gesture of the hands, that
that misconceptions may arise?'
Misconceptions" l repeated, in
genuine perplexity now.
'Yes," he nodded eagerly. "You see,
| we have been a good deal together,
you and I. Such familiar intercourse
between a man and woman as we
have enjoyed is apt to prove fatal to
the peace of mind of one-at least
of the parties concerned"
Then, indeed, 1 perceived the whole
mean, pitiful vanity of the creature.
He actually thought that was in love
with him. Any spark of compunctlon
died in that instant. 1 felt l could be
quite merciless.
81 understand now," I interposed
quickly. "And I can't say how sorry
/ am. I'll didn't think. l have been
-selfsh-blind! I like you,
you see. 1t has been entirely my
fault I feel that now, absolutely.
mo, no, it was my fault he cried,
taking my bait ravenously. Il should
have effaced myself sooner
| raised my melting eyes to his. Il
am glad-so glad-you didn't said l.
''I should have missed many joyous
hours if you had. Please don't think
me heartless. Pleasant memories are
so precious. shall always remember
our friendship kindly, for the sake
of those hours" And l choked back
a most artistic sob.
You forgive me, then.'' he breath
go, catching at my hand and missing
N.
1 lifted my head sharply, as if be-
wildered. Forgive you!" 1 cried
what have l to forgiven"
you are too generous" he mur-
INJURED. "You overpower me-"
81 am deeply sorry" quavered, "if
/ have caused you pain. To forgive
you for loving me would be too abb
surd. What higher honor could you
pay me?"
Believe me, 1 love you sincerely"
be said. 81 cannot help it if l have
changed. No man is master of his
own heart. L"