The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1907-06-14
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BY MHs. FREDERIC HARRISON

There was no litter OF befrllled cush-
ions. no china pigs their tails tied up
with ribbon bows, no sprawline pho
tographic frames. The walls were
colored a pale tint which set on
few fine eugravings, there was pi-
ano. and there were books-books
everywhere. A large, r'nwomanly-
looking writing table stood in a cor
ner near the FIRE; huge pewter ink
stand rose conspicuous upon Il amid
a welter Of strewn papers.
The owner Of the room sat by the
fire, near the tea-table a rosy light
falling upon her face and shadowy
hair from the readinglamp
"Ahl is It you2" she exclaimed. as a
tall man entered the room, after a pre-
liminary knock
Well have you done anything2
have you heard anything? have You
got it2' she said eagerly.
THAT VIII depend upon YOU" he re-
piled with a 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
beenir
what matenalists the women Of to-
day have becomei 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 woman who would have at
tracted notice in society; but in the
intimacy Of her simple home she was
charming. TIE 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 l,
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 nextP"
Now, that Is not nice of you,'
he. 1T takes away all the gracl,
ness OF your welcome, and spoils you.
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
her, cup in hand.
eAh, but you jest" she returned
hotly, "and cannot bear it. 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 Mt"
you need not rouble, he replied
grayeiy 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 II was nothing for herself
but all for him Her life had grown
| larger and fuller. because of the inter
asst he had permitted her Ia mis- life;
( had taken from her the sense oi
| loneliness that she had been so over
whelming when she first tried 10 live
alone. It had made her feel OF some
use in the world, for surely she had
bcen faithful TO friendship. had known
how TO sympathize and encourage, tc
stimulate, and even TO rebnke; and
on her part had she not borne TO be
scolded and laughed at; and now was
It all to end?
"Why. my DEAR said a cheerful
voice what Is the matter2 You did
not hear my knock came back be
eause-well-I had left my gloves be
hind, But you surely are not taking
my words seriously You We're yefy
rude 10 me, you know. aud | do mol
brook that, though II was part Of oul
bargain that we should be free. equal
aud independent IN our relations viii
each other You remember our treat,
II alilance-great fudge Il was. too
/ but did not meen to hurt you. See
here, dear" said he, and drew a chat
beside her seat. taking both her hand'
In his. You good women so Otter
don't understand man. Now, came
to tell you that, though had made al
ny mind not TO apply for this foreign
post, which Ia an probability should
have got. and which ! loathed. has
found another II more modest. open
ing at home. and that was now a free
man-free 70 hurry the woman Of m,
choice and to carry her on and So
her up as a tca-maker OF my own
Now. will you co1ne with me, or arr
You so devoted to this place that yol
could not leave itg dare say yol