The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1907-06-06

me. We did have such good times
once, Marie
She started ut the sound of her nick
name. so dearly loved of old. we
were children then" rc6ectively.
"And you promised to give me firet
chance if any one else came along" lie
pursued, drawing closer
did |. really? How foolish Of me-
she laughed. "Yet we were children
through it all We even scrapped like
children at the finish
MOSTLY my fault" he owned.
Her laughing gray eyes glanced up
to his
mo, all your fault" she corrected.
"Mariie do you really love hlm?'
demanded Jim.
She started violently.
"Why, the idca-what a question!
Here | came out for friendly little
talk with you. and you're proving n
regular inquisitor. DO you suppose
shall ever marry man | don't love?
Not much"'
His ann crept softly around her
waist.
Haven't YOU any regard for honor"
she entreated. we mustn't mean
you mustn't forget
"Ionor? repeated Jim slowly. mo
What do care for honor If | lose you
Marie? Can't you see that I've loved
you all the time and that 1t was just
my Internal jealousy and pride that
kicked up the trouble? Yes, suppose
we were children then, for children
never stop to appreciate their happy
comradeship till too late. But couldn't
we be children again. Mariie-you and
while all the rest are growing up?
Do you remember, 1t WAS four years
ago tonight that | met you-at the
Prestous' box partyY
lie drew her closer to him. Every
thing favored the contrite lover. The
fragrance of the dollhouse plants blend
ed into a heavy perfume. The Japa-
nese lanterns glowed softly with warm
color harmony.
He gently turned her face from the
shadow to the softly glowing light
do you really love me. Marjie?" he
repeated.
With a gesture OF impatence-or was
1t of fright she arose and threw open
a window. As she stood gazing into
the night distant hurdy gurdy struck
up the much worn Good Old Summer
Time" He joined her.
do you remember the first time we
heard 1t together down ON the Jersey
shore, Marje?"
do it? Oh, what was | saying? 1t
isn't fair" she implored.
Jim turned un3teadily from the fresh
ening breeze to the heavy fragrance
within well, guess it's goodby.
Marie" He held out his hand.
ooh, why couldn't r she breathed.
He snatched her to him. Marie,
look at me-"
Slowly she raised her eyes, then as
suddenly buried her face in her hands
ooh. how could you?" she gasped,
with frightened cry.
Gently he stroked her hair. "Tll go
away and wait If it will do any good"
he began fevershly. III youll-ah, hang
that engagement! Others have discOv-
fore it was too late. VIII it do any
good If waltz Tell me- Marble.
must know"
Unresisting, yet shaking violently,
she rested her head against his shout
der, but only for an instant. There
was a sound of moving chairs and APP
preaching voices.
nlght?" he urged as he turned to the
room.
She nodded careIessly, for steps were
close at hand.
I'VE were Just looking for you, Mar
jorie" said her sister IT'S time to
cut the birthday cake. What has kept
you two has-beens 80 busy out here2
You'll be talked about"
81 was Just outlining my future
plans" answered Jim, following the
girls to the card room.
you're perfect dears, both OF you"
Marjorie was saying to Grace and
Clinton an hour later. "Jlmmys such
a dog In the manger knew he cared
for me, but that he'd never come to
the point unless some one else butted
in 1t was such a Joke to see how
everybody thought Clinton was en-
gagged to little me when big sister was
it the whole time"
Grace sleepily consulted her watch.
at is getting very late" she com
mentcd Suppose You return my ring.
From my first glimpse into the con-
seryatory | should Judge that yours
will arrive in day or two"