The Press., 1908-01-08
The Wall '
 
 Between.
By IROY ALLISON.

E1ef SyO6 OAAdtSu, Out Sue WdS QuACA of wit and action, and her reply came without moments hesitation.
 Indeed? Your attitude presupposes that would. accept you-if your sys- tematic and well ordered mind had de- cided upon the asking" ironically.
 "Yes, think you would,'' he replied refectively.
 Angry spots blazed on Miss Fenton'ss cheeks. "This is-a little too much from even you" She gripped the arm of her chair and leaned forward, her blazing eyes looking closely into his 'I have never been able to decide just what manner of man you are Your reticence, your phlegmatic tempera- ment and your crudeness are so for eign to me that they are an unreadable text. I've thought at times that they might cloak either vast amount of intelligence and eapability-or the lack of 1t. A large man like you only has to be reticent to make the world think he is . force to be considered-lf he cared to exert himself. l have wOn- dered at times if your reticence masked a lack-of original thought But under no circumstances had i'm agined 1t hid-colossal conceit.'
 Graham's powerful hands. without . trace of the nerve tension in her own, took from her the Japanese fan that she was ancensciously tearing in shreds. .as . a.,
 ''I am not coAeeited, but do think that you would marry me-if could ask yen," this in the fashion of man of little worldly polish. He failed to soften and explain his statement by adding that the desire of his heart was to make her bis wife.
 She, judging without this inner knowledge, fought as a woman will- fought to keep 1t from being known that she had given her love unasked,
 .I will admit ! see DO foundation for your c0nceit," The ache in her heart goaded her 10 mepciless cruelty, Haw or why should you think that-a woman. of the world like myself, who has been accustomed to comfort, if not to lux. nry, should care to marry a young phy- sician without as yet 3 practice9 Per haps. my friend. you took stock of your attractions. They are impressive, I'll admit. Your broad shoulders and physique, in general might also be counted assets, but not sufficient to balance the conceit that could imagine would be content to wear homemade gowns in order to admire them a life. tima-I, who love pretty things, who like everything as dainty as this," talk ing her chain, of pearl beads and hold, ing them before him, letting them slip between her well manicured fingers. Sine lied bravely. stifiing the memory of the little joyful plans that had flor several weeks fitted through her mind. plans for making home on his small income when be should ask her to be his wife. H...::f .,...>....--.4. k
 Graham, his face pale. spoke slowly. 'Unliks myself, you are never at loss for words, but think you have said more than your world would consider. courteous" he said .tersely. ;. :.
 Her high strung temperament had reached 8 point where she gave Aef' nerves free rein, "As for caring she leaned back in her chair and laugh cd recklessly-''of course your con ceit prevents your discovering that I had been amusing myself. The sum. mer was long and dull. You were the most available man and interesting be- cause you were-less readable than the others. One looks with interest at an unread book. With such explana- ton hope your sorrow that you could not decide to ask me. to marry you will not prove crushing" She rose. with little ironical smile that 'inti-. mated that she was waiting for him to say goodby.
 Graham lowered above her as he rose.
 ''Marion. Pm crude. as you say, and disbeheye you. You care-as much as l do. I'll admit that you started out with the intention of amusing yourself and that I, met you halfway, thinking that you might interest yourself and me at the same time. had no idea that either of us would learn to care. But we have-b0th of us-and yet there is a barrier preventing my ask ing you to marry me-a wall between -Rnd don't know that I'll ever be able to get over it.'' Ss''
 
 sudden change of mood characteristic ne her. sss s4<
 ''TeIl me about 1t. I'm full of curios- fy- Is 1t much of wall. and what kfndP'
 ~Pm not at liberty to tell. but it's EAtheF hard one to .scale.">
 "Glass on topY' laughter coming back to her face.
 ~Figuratively speaking, lots of it. Are you child or woman, Marion, that you jump from one mood to an- other this way?"
 More of barometer, I suppose But Pm intensely interested in that wall. It sounds mediaeval Couldn't you produce. rope ladder as fitting accompaniment. xy or are such. heroic measures for scaling obstacles only seen on the stage? I,never saw one in real life"
 "Girl, there is a serious side to you somewhere. but it's very elusive It's the serious side want to talk to now. don't know that can ever even felt I could do so honorably would try it with my bare hands" His face lit with an emotion she had never be- fore seen in it. You will call it con- ceit. but 1t is-that care SO much that don't want you to wait for me if never get the chance to try to climb the wall to reach you"
 She put her hand on his impulsively.
 'tBut you want toaeome" she asked
 'MOre than anything on earth" he said, and his face grew whiter.
 Considering the wall-I think you had better go now" She followed him to the door and held out her hand 'I am glad you care" she said simply.
 When she heard the hall door close behind him she sat down on the couch and stared absently at the torn fan lying on the chair near. She picked 1t ! mn and knrA f. 0lOur1w end CwcfnvnnARo