The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-12-12
The EVENING STORY
AHcia's Platonics.
(By Beatrice Bennett.)

been exploded number of times to her
apparent satisfaction, but, secretly and
with feminine Inconsistency, she clings
to 1t.
Alicia had such a theory, but she did
not keep 1T buried in so inaccessible a
dungeon as the bottom of her heart. In
deed, she wore 1t on her sleeve. 1t was
her favorite theme of discourse. and
the more 1t was disproved the more
persistently did she revive 1t and cham
pion 1t.
And it must be admitted that Alicia's
men friends at least took particular de-
light in discussing her theories with
her her and promptly proceeding to
disprove them to that young woman's
outward disgust and secret satisfaction.
Her hobby was platonics-specihcally
platonic love.
"It has been proved to me conclus-
lively" argued Alicia, with delightful
confidence, as, fianked on one side by
the ample person of Richard Corrigan
and on the other side by her squatty
toward the great stone garden seat
near the sun-dial.
Yes her companion replied in
doubtful acquiescence, ito you. But
how about the other fellow? Was he
convinced?"
Dick. how silly! Who ever heard of
platonic love that wasn't platonic on
both sides? How little you know of
mirthfui little laugh.
And yet I've known you-how long
is it7"
Seven months" promptly.
And you ride your hobbyhorse at
least every other time I see you," he
said not without marked intent.
Alicia assumed a wholly unsuccessful
air Of hauteur. "Oh. beg your par
ion, I'm very sorry I've bored you. I
shall avoid the topic in future" she
said, distantly.
mot at ALL my dear Alicia. I assure
you 1t rather amuses me-" argued Cor
rigan, observing her aggrieved attitude
with little discomfort to himself. I'm
fact, I don't know when any one sub
ject has kept me interested for so long
a time"
'Indeedw The comment was preg-
nant with feeling.
1t was the first time Alicia's self
styled philosophy had been so derided,
and it nettled her.
1T should be apt to accept that as a
compliment" ventured Corrigan. He
had been watching her pull a crimson
rambler to pieces and scatter 1T over
her tiny white shoes.
Apparently, she had not heard.
1T say, Alicia he persisted.
when you are ready to open a sub
ject that may be of more interest than
to talk to you," she said Jelly.
Corrigan smiled broadly, but surrep-
titiously. Had Alicia seen him thus
amused he would have been left with
only the crimson ramblerS for compan-
ions.
But, upon my word, Alicia. I am in
terested," he said earnestly. I've never
been so absorbed in a study in my life.
Why, my dear girl If it weren't for
my-my belief, in platonic love, might
never have known you SO WE'LL
Alicia confronted him with a half
smile that, even in it's semi-completion,
was most attractive.
That's the Irish in you, Dick! You
manage to say something that
will make the worst case of mad turn
to joy" she said, removing her big
droopy hat and dangling 1t by the
strings That's one reason why love
to be friends with you"
Then it is true that God is good to
the IRISH" he laughed, and, subtle as 1t
was, Alicia extracted the compliment
and beamed good nature on him again.
were commencing a fairy story to an
child. cit is so-well, it is
such a tremendous comfort to be just
friends with a man."
eyes, said Dick, readily, I'm
friends with several
SILLY! I mean for a girl. She can
go about with him, ask him to do this
and that for her, and feel that she Is
not putting herself under obligations IL
she's only friends with him; whereas,
If he's in love with her he expects her
to marry him and-and it Just spells
I'm jolly glad I'm not continental"
said Corrigan, with a purpose, If
Ished me long ago"
you can have sentiment without be-
ing sentimental" she fastened to ex-
plain, and, for some reason or other,
a flush stained her cheeks and her eyes
dropped.
TITS just as clear as-as mud"
Corrigan laughed in spite of his eff |
fort to be serious. |
Alicias eyes flashed.
"See here Dick Corrigan, be- |
ieve you are making fun of me. Deep |
down in my heart I know, from your |
own actions and your whole attitude
toward me, that you agree with me,
but, just to amuse yourself. you make
she went on, Just as I like you. or you
seek me out and want to be |
with me day after day as you do, and
hat-that very fact proves to me that
you are in sympathy with my own at
itude. We are friends. and you
know it," she declared challengingly.
Then she rose abruptly from the
'tone seat and walked over to the
with her back toward him.
Come. Pretzey" she said, impera-
lively. as if calling her dog from a
influence.
Corrigan began to whistle very
,oftly to himself while the small
Dutch dog eyed him accusingly.
"Alicia," said Corrigan's deep voice
ondly from the depths of the great
tone seat. He had not moved. And
light here 1t might be observed that
Alicia always selected picturesque
ettings for her discourses. The old
,arden, shady and secluded breathing
omance and the fragrance of roses.
vas ideal-for platonics.
ALICIA" repeated Dick. when his
irst effort gained no response.
With studied reluctance she turned
Ter head.
I'D like to ask a few questions"