The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1907-05-31
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By MRS. FREDERIC HARRISON.

neutral BIT Wnlcn might nave DetOk-
ened male or a female occupant.
There was no litter of befrillcd cush-
ions. no china pigs, their tails tied up
with ribbon bows. no sprawiing pho
tographic frames. The walls we're
colored a pale tint, which set of a
few fine engravings. there was a pi-
ano, and there were ,books--books
everywhere. A large, unwomanly-
looking writing table stood In a cor
ner near the fire; huge pewter ink
stand rose conspicuous upon 1t amid
q welter OF strewn papers.
The owner Of the room set by the
fire. near the tea-table, rosy light
falling upon her faco and shadowy
hair from the rcading-lamp.
"Ahl is II you?'' she exclaimed. as
tall man entered the room, after pre-
limlnary knock.
'Welll have you done anything?
have you heard anything? have you
got III" she said eagerly.
THAT will depend upon YOU" he re-
piled with smile. sitting down in
chair opposite hers, and carefully be-
slowing his hat in corner.
But how can II depend upon me?"
said she; surely they have not refus-
ed you after all that has passed."
They did not refuse. for l never
made an APPLICATION
"But think OF the position. the good
salary the opeuing it would have
beenir
What materialists the women of TO-
day have become! The only romance
left in the world is among the women
of my mothers generation"
She rose as if to shake off a dlsa-
greeable impression, and began to ar
range the teatable, setting clean cup
and making fresh tea in little brown
teapot. Che was not a 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.
lOS, ollt iduSutus YOU may wei
call women materialists; here am I,
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,
glowing spark at their heads.
DO not be angry with me-" he said
gently, coming up and standing behind
her, cup in hand.
"Ah, but you jest" she returned
hotly, and cannot bear It, 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 ronble," he replied
gravely MY friends don { read your
booksl But see that you don't want
me- had better CO."
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 1t was nothing for herself.
but all for him. Her life had grown
larger and fuller. because of the inter
est he had permitted her in mis- 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, to
stimulate, and even to rebuke; and
ON her part had She not borne TO be
scolded and laughed at; and now was
II all 10 end?
why, my dear" said a cheerful
voice, what IS the matter? You did
not hear my knock. / came back be-
cause well---I had left my gloves be-
hind But you surely are not taking
my words seriouslyl You were very
rude to me, you know, and / do not
brook that though II was part of our
bargain that we should be free, equal,
and independent in our relations with
each other You remember our treaty
Of alIiance-great fudge IL was. too
but | did not mean 10 hurt you. See,
here. dear" said he, and drew chair
beside her seat. taking both her hands
in his. You good women so often
don't understand man. Nov. | came
to tell you that. though had made up
my mind not TO apply for this foreign
post. which In all probability / should
have got. and which loathed. had
found another, II more modest. open
ing at home. and that was now free
man--free to marry the woman of my
choice and 10 carry her on and set
fer Up as tea-maker OF my own
Now. Will Sou ccae Nltn me. or arc
you so devoted To this place that you
could not leave IL? dare say you