Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-10-14

had a chance TO talk with you tonight, >
she said.
what is that?' Karl absently asked.
He had not heard. His mind was
confused, bewildered. Millar, cynical
Iy misunderstanding his question, said
quickly:
why, that is an opera cloak"
Olga turned quickly, fearful that the
remark might cause an eruption which
she could not control. She cried i'm
pulsively, seeking to divert the threat
ening train of conversation:
| ''The ball is a great success. Every
one is merry; every one dances as If it
, were the first affair OF the season. The
girls are all as happy as young wild
ows who have just taken off mourn
ing"
Il have observed it," Millar agreed.
with enthusiasm. 1T is splendid. But
why is Karl so sad amid all this mer-
rymaking?" he added.
"Why are you sad, Karl?" Olga
asked, turning TO him.
Il sad? You are silly" Karl cried,
with forced gayety. II never felt hap
pier in all my life"
There was touch of hysteria in his
voice that made Olga's heart go out to
him.
II am glad you are having such a
good time" she said.
Yes, yes; l feel like a schoolboy,"
Karl cried wildly. 'like a young tiger.
I'm mad with joy. 1 will get drunk to-
night. will drink. drink. drink, until
The angels in heaven sing to me, as
lyou said this afternoon" he added,
turning to Millar.
"No, no, Kari" Olga pleaded, thor
loughly frightened. "Why. you never
drank. why should you drink to
night?"
Because I am doing things tonight
never did before" Karl replied bitter
| ly. 81 have never been engaged before
Tonight l shall be engaged"
Good. fine, Karl" Millar exclaimed
4 "She is a splendid girl
Splendid GIRL What do care wha
sort of a girl she is. It's not the girl
it's maria ge-something new. 1 wan
to see what it is like"
For a bridegroom you are not yer.
gay" Millar said tauntingly.
Gay! Why should be, gay? al
drinking the last bitter drops of m.
bachelor days. but I'll swallow them
and then-purity."
Bravo Karl" Olga said.
"Oh, don't care what any one els
thinks about it." Karl sneered at hel
81 am doing this to please myself"
Olga was hurt and surprised at hi
tone She had never seen him so CON
pletely beside himself before. Sh
f had never heard him speak so bitter
ly, so vindictively. AS she watche
: him he looked at her, and a spasm Q
l pain contorted his face. He pointe
D his finger at her accusingly and cried
r "Why are you wearing that cloak /
the house?"
y "Mme. Hoffman, may be cold" Mi
lar suggested quietly.
Yes, yes; / am cold" Olga said hui
= ,riedly, drawing the cloak around he
a more closely.
u you are fortunate to have such
). beautiful cloak" Millar said, determil
Il ed now to keep them at the main poiI
of his game.
Suppose we do not talk about IL
cloak?" Olga said. "You and Els
seemed to get on nicely tonight, Karl
YES" he replied absently.
l REALLY, it was charming to watC
{ such a devoted young couple" Mill;
!. said.
> Karl flashed look of hatred at hi
and turned again to Olga.
d "That cloak is lined with fur, isn't it
: Before she could reply Millar h;
i interposed in his silken, insinuatil
voice:
~es-soft, smooth fur"
~ tss not speak to your Karl cri
at hiD savagely. "Well?" he deman
: ed of Olga.
soft, smooth fur" Olga replied.
), Us cold In here"
: Nonsense! 1t is hot / feel sitting
= Karl declared.
Il feel chilly" Olga insisted.
o Perhaps madame is not dress
warmly enough" Millar insinuatt
you should wear plenty of clothes
the winter time or you may run t