The Washington herald., 1907-03-20

she laughed. Yet we were children
through it al. We even scrapped like
children at the finish"
Mostly my fault. he owned.
Her laughing gray eyes glanced up to
his
NO. all your fault" she corrected
Marie. do you really love him?" de-
manded Jim
She started violently
why, the idea-what a question! Here
came out for a friendly little talk with
you, and you're proving a regular inquls-
itor Do you suppose shall ever marry
a man I don't love? Not much.
His arm orept softly around her waist
Haven't you any regard for honor?''
she entreated. I'VE mustn't mean, you
mustn't forget"
'Honorg' repeated Jim, slowly; no.
what do care for honor if lose you.
Marble? Can't you see that I've loved
you all the time and that it 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
wv tlAtNs A1uA ARAl0A VIC A1 A-l4ltAa va
again, kariie-you and I-whiie ali the
rest are growing up? Do yoE remember.
it was FOUR years ago tonight that 1 met
you-at the Prestons' box partyG
He drew her closer 10 him. Every
thing favored the cOntrlte lover. The
fragrance Of the hothouae plants blended
into a heavy perfume. The japanese
lanterBs giowed 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 gesture OF impatlence-or was
il of fTight-she arose and threw open a
window. AS she stood gazing into the
night a distant hurdy-gurdy struck up
the much-wOrn Good Old Summertime '
He joined her
DO you remember the first time we
heard it together, down on the Jersey
shore-Marjie2"
do I. on what was I saying It
isn't fair. she implored
Jim turned unsteadily from the fresh
ening breeze to the heavy fragrance
within. ''WeH, I guess it's good-by.
Marie He held out his hand.
"Oh. why couldn't I-?" she breathed
He snatched her 20 him. Marie. look
at me-"
Slowly she raised her eyes, then as
suddenly buried her face in her hands
"Oh, how could yOu!" she gasped with
a frightened cry.
Gently he stroked her hair "ru 20
away and wait if it will do any good %
he began feverishly. If yOull-ah, hang
that engagement. Others have discovered
their mistake and broken OF before il
was too late. VIII il do any good II ]
wait? Tell me. Marble; l must know
Unresisting. yet shaking violently. she
rested her head against his shoulder, but
only for an instant, There was a sound
Of moving chairs and approaching voices.
May I come around tomorrow night?'
he urged as she turned to the room
She nodded carelessiy, 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 so busy out here? You'll
be talked about"
Il was just outlining my future plans ''
answered Jim, following the girls 20 the
card room.
You're perfect dears, both of you, q"
Marjorie was saying TO Grace and Clinton
an hour later. 'Jimmys such a dog in
the manger. 1 knew he cared for me, but
that he'd never come to the point unless
some one else crowded in. It was such a
joke to see how everybody thought Ciin-
ton was engaged to little me when big sis
ter was it the whole time"
Grace sleepily consulted her watch.
"All Fools day is past" she comment
ed. Suppose yeu return my ring From
my first glimpse into the conservatory /
should judge that yours will arrive in a
day or two"
Copyright, 1907, by P. C. Eastment.