Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1908-10-14
BEN MES
Bluff
II Worked to Perfection with
N0Ieo Cationby.

How many times do you want me
to say ~" demanded Miss Callonby.
Il thought We had that all settled
finally and forever"
Il didn't understand II was hnal-
ly.'" said Rennie Purvis. Il hoped
II told you there was no use hoping"
snapped the young woman. You asked
me II you mightnt hope and distinct
Iy told you no. That's what said.
and now you drag the whole thing up
again"
Was that the last time?" asked
Bennie. doubtfully.
You know perfectly well 1t was. It
was in this very room. I'll have wit
nesses the next time, or a phono-
graph"
There isn't going to be any next
time" Benn!e said this quite deter
minedly.
You said something to that effect
before There oushtnt to have been
any this time. There wouldn't have
been il you had any regard for my
feelings"
oh. say" demonstrated Bonnie.
In his best English manner.
well. YOU haven't. You know it's
painful thing for me to have to refuse
YOU
Why do you do It. them" asked
the young man. not unnaturasly. why
not have some consideration for my
feelings and say 'Yes?'"
Because l don't want you. I'm not
going to marry you just to spare your
feelings"
Il haven't any idea Of asking you to
marry me to spare my feelings. II you
were willing to do it I shouldn't let
you
Miss Callonby pouted. II don't see
how YOU could help It," she said. But
you needn't feel alarmed. I'm not 60
ing TO. You're the last man on the
face Of the earth that l would dream
Of marrying My REFUSAL should
like you to understand that 1t is pos
tive. I want this TO be the very last
time. I shall be angry with you. Rem
mic. il YOU ever approach the subject
again"
Il shan't. Don't you worry about
that"
II wish I could believe you"
You may believe me. all right. I
can promise you safely that. you won't
be pestered any more so far as I'm
concerned"
"Benaie," said Miss Callonby. you
aren't angry with me. are you:"
NO." answered Bonnie.
Truly"
Truly"
because. you know. would II I
could possibly. wouldn't have you
really angry with me for anything in
the world. You know that. don't you?
What makes you say can believe you
in that way"
because I mean IL"
The young woman looked at him
long and seriously. Bonnie, you don't
seem natural at all this evening" she
said. There's something hard about
you that don't like. believe you
are angry with me. and YOU never
were before in your whole life"
And I never will he. l shall al
ways have the very kindest thoughts
Of you"
II don't want the very kindest
thoughts You talk as IL you were
going to China and didn't ever intend
to come back"
Bennie smiled sadly. That 10 a
mighty near guess" he said The
Philippines"
Miss Callonby gasped little.
You're joking" she said.
Never a joke" declared Bonnie.
I've good chance at q good thing
out there. and I made up my mind
that n you said No tonight I'd take
1t. And when I really do make up my
mind"
Change IT," said Miss Callonby.
Change II to please me. I don't want
ron to go to that wre;cbed place.
YcuU have fever and all sorts Of hor-
ribIe things"
Bennie shook his head. Il guess !
might as well say soodby now" he
said
He held out his hand. Miss Gallon
b. took IL and stood with heT fore
head wrinkIed thoughtfuily.
I'll miss you horribly" she said at
last.
"Just q liRle at 6rst." said Bonnie.
NO. all the time. You won't change
you+ mind?'
"Eo."
The ,boughtfuI fro~n on the younG
woman's face deepened - the clock
licked on.
~Good-by." said Bennie.
She raised her eyes to his and
found them sad bu: inncxible In ex-
pressioa.
FEMME she said. hcsitatinsly. it
I asked you 20 ask me aesin-whas
.A,S Won