Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1908-07-02

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woman has pet theory. II may have
been exploded number of times t.
her apparent satisfaction, but secretly
and with feminine Inconsistency she
clings TO 1t.
Alicia had such theory, but she did
not keep II buried in so inaccessible q
dungeon as the bottom Of her heart
Indeed, she wore II on her sleeve. II
was her favorite theme Of discourse
and the more II was disproved the
more persistently did she revive 1t and
champion IT,
And II must be admitted that Alicia's
men friends at least took particular de
light IN discussing her theories with
her and promptly proceeding to dis
prove them. TO that young woman's
outward disgust and secret satisfac
ton. Her hobby was platonics-spe
officially, phtonic love.
1T has been proved to me conclu
siyely," argued Alicia. with delightful
confidence. as flanked on one side by
the ample person Of Richard Corrigan
and on the other by her squatty little
dachshund Pretzel she strolied toward
the great stone garden seat near tn
sundial
Yes" her companion replied ir
doubtful acquiescence, Ito you. Blu;
how about the other fellow? Was he
convincedw
"Dick. how silly! Who ever heard Of
platonic love that wasn't platonic oil
both sides? How little you know o!
the subjectw scoffed Alicia with q
mirthfu little laugh.
And yet have known you-,how
long is it?"
Seven months" promptly.
And you ride your hobbyhorse a.
least every other time | see you" hi
said, not without marked intent.
Alicia assumed wholly unsuccess
full air Of hauteur. "Oh, beg you,
pardon. I'm very sorry I've bored you.
shall avoid the topic In future" she
said distantly.
mot at all. my dear Alicia. az
sure you 1t rather amuses me-" arrnes
Corrigan. observing her aggrieved AT
titude with little discomfort to him
self. I'm fact, don't know whel,
any one subject has kept me interested
for so long time"
''Indeedw The comment was preg
nant with feeling
1t was the first time Alicia's self
styled philosophy had been so derided.
and il nettled her.
II should be apt to accept that as a
ventured Corrigan. lie
had been watching her pull a crimson
rambler to pieces aud scatter 1t over
her tiny white shoes.
Apparently she had not heard.
II say, Alicia" he persisted
when you are ready to open a sub
ject that may be Of more interest than
any i am able to suggest l shall be
glad to talk to YOU" she said icily.
Corrigan smiled broadly. but sur
reptitiously. Had Alicia seen him thus
amused he would have been left with
only the crimson ramblers for compan-
ions.
But upon my word, Alicia. l am In.
he said earnestly. 1--WE new
er been so absorbed In a study In my
life. Why, my dear girl, If 1t weren't
for my-my belief In platonic love
might never have known you so we'll 4"
Alicia confronted him with a half
smile that. even In its semicompletion
was most attractive
That's the Irish In you, Dick. You
always manage to say something that
will make the worst case of mad turn
20 JOY" she said, removing her big
droopy hat and dangling It by the
strings. That's one reason why :
love to be friends with you"
Then II Is true that God Is good to
the Irish.' be laughed. and. subtle as 4;
was, Alicia extracted the compliment
and beamed good nature on him again.
you see. Dick" she began as If she
were commencing fairy story to an
child. at Is so-well. II II
such tremendous comfort to be just
friends with a man."
YES" said Dick readily, I'm friends
with several"
"Silly! mean for girl. She can
go about with him, ask him to do this
and that for her and feel that she is
not putting herself under Obligation
II she's only friends with him. where
as, II he's In love with her, he expects
her to mary him and-and II Just
spoils everythingr'
I'm jolly glad I'm not sentimental"
said Corrigan with purpose II with
out veracity. You'd have banished us
long ago"
you can have sentiment without he-
Ing sentimental" she fastened to ez.
plain" And for some reason or other 6
flush stained her cheeks. and her eyes
dropped.
tits just as clear as--as mud" Cor.
riga.l laughed in spite Of his efforts to
BE- serious.
Alicia's eyes flashed.
See here, Dick Corrigan. I believe
you are making fun Of me. Deep down
IN my own heart know from your
own actions and your whole attitude
howard me that you agree with me.
but just to amuse yourself you make
FUN Of me. I'm sure you lfke me-" she
went on. gust a. ike you. or you
wouldn't seek me out and want to b
with me day after day. 40 ron do, and
lhat-that very fact proves to mo that
ron are In sympathy nth my own At
Eitude. We are friends, and you know
K" she declared challengingiy. Then
The rose abruptly from the stone seat
md walked over to the balustrade