The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1907-06-01

sy Was. FREDERIo AARRIsoN.

The room was certainly unusual; II
had an air OF reserve and reticence,
a neutral afr. which might have be,ok
ened male or female occupant.
There was no litter Of befrilled cush-
ions. no china pigs, their tails tied up
with ribbon bows. no sprawlins pho
tographic frames The walls we've
colored pale tint. which set of
few fine engravings there was a pi
ano, and there were books--bools
everywhere A large unwomanly-
looking writing table stood in cor.
ner near the fire; a huge pewter ink
stand rose conspicuous upon It amid
welter Of strewn papers.
The owner OF the room sat by the
fire. near the tea-table, rosy light
falling upon her face and shadowy
hair from the reading-lamp.
"Ahl is II your" she exclaimed, as a
tall man entered the room, after a pre-
iiminary knock
well have you done anything?
have you heard anything? have you
got it?" she said eagerly.
THAT will depend upon you" he re-
piled with smile. sitting down in a
chair opposite hers, and carefully be-
slowing his hat In a corner
But how can It depend upon me?"
said she: surely they have not refus-
ed you after all that has passed."
They did not refuse, for | never
made an application
''But think of the position, the good
salary. the opening it would have
beenls
What materialists the women of to-
day have becomel The only romance
left in the world is among the women
of my mothers generation"
She rose as il to shake off disa-
greeable impression. and began to ar
range the teatable. setting clean cup
and making fresh tea in little brown
teapot She was not beautiful wom-
an nor a woman who would have at
tracted notice in society; but in the
intimacy of her simple home she was
charming. The somewhat ascetic life
she led was plain in the refinement
and dignity of her movements, the
poise of her head suggested strength
and pride.
Yes she laughed; you may well
call women materialists; here am J.,
occupying myself with your creature
comforts--clean cup, fresh tea--when
should be setting before you the
folly of your proceedings. And now
that you have spurned the ball for
tune laid at your feet what are you
| going to do next?"
Now, that is not nice of you" said
he. 1T takes away all the gracious
ness of your welcome, and spoils your
delicious teal"
She sprang up and went TO the win
dow, from whence pale gray shadows
of houses could be seen on the other
side of the river while dark boats ap-
cared gliding up and down the water,
a glowing spark at their heads.
Do not be angry with me- he said
gently, coming up and standing behind
hes. cup in hand
"Ah, but you jest" she returned
hotly, "and ] cannot bear 1t. l do not
understand this that you have done;
but you will make an excellent study
in my next book for your friends to
laugh at"
you need not rouble." he replied
gravely. MY friends don't read your
books! But / see that you don't want
me. had better go"
The door closed, and she flung her
self down upon the low couch: large
tears gathered in her eyes and rolled
down her cheeks Was this to be the
end of their long. long friendship? She
had hoped, nay. she knew not exactly
what she had hoped, but she was very
sure that it was nothing for herself
but all for him. Her life had grown
larger and fuller. because of the inter
est he had permitted her IL his life;
It had taken from her the sense OF
loneliness that she had been so over
whelming when she first tried TO live
alone; It had made her feel of some
use in the world. for surely she had
been faithful to friendship, had known
how to sympathize and encourage, tc
stimulate, and even to rebuke; and
on her part had she not borne To be
scolded and laughed at; and now was
II all 70 end?
WHY, my dear" said a cheerful
voice, what is the matter? You die
not hear my knock. I came back be
cause--well-I had left my gloves be
hind. But you surely are not takinl
my words seriously. You were very
rude to me. you know, and l do moi
! brook that, though It was part of oui
bargain that we should be free, equal
and independent In our relations will
each other. You remember our treat,
OF alliance great fudge IL was, too
but ! did not mean 20 hurt you. See
here. dear" said he, and drew a chat
beside her seat, taking both her hands
! in his. You good women so Otter
don't understand man. Now. ! cam,
{ 20 tell you that, though had made M
my mind not to apply for this foreigi
! post. which in all probability / shoul'
have got, and which I loathed, ha,
found another, II more modest. open
ing at home and that was now fre-
A man--free 10 marry the woman Of m.
: choice and 10 carry her on and Sc
| her nm as a tCaInakar of nv C,Nfn