Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1908-02-04
AIiCia'S
PlatOniCS.
BY BEATRICE BENNETT
Copyright. 1907. by P. c. Eastment

Deep down In her own heart every
woman has pet theory. 1t may have
been exploded number Of times to
her apparent satisfaction, but secretly
and with feminine inconsistency she
| clings 10 1t.
Alicia had such theory, but she did
not keep 1t buried in so inaccessible a
! dungeon as the bottom Of her heart
Indeed, she wore 1t on her sleeve. 1t
was her favorite theme Of discourse,
and the more 1t was disproved the
more persistently did she revive it and
champion 1t.
And 1t must be admitted that Alicia's
men friends ut 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-
cifically, platonic love.
at has been proved to me conclu-
sively," argued Alicia, with delightful
confidence. as fianked on one side by
the ample person Of Richard Corrigan
and on the other by her squatty little
dachshund Pretzel she strolled toward
| the great stone garden seat near the
sundial.
EYES," her companion replied in
doubtful acquiescence, ITO you. But
how about the other fellow? Was he
convinced"
"Dick. how silly! Who ever heard Of
platonic love that wasn't platonic on
both sides? How little you know Of
the subject" scoffed Alicia with a
mirthful little laugh.
"And yet have known yOu-how
long Is 1T?
"Seven months" promptly.
"And you ride your hobbyhorse at
least every other time see YOU" he
said, not without marked intent.
Alicia assumed a wholly unsuccess-
| full air of hauteur. "Oh, l beg your
pardon. I'm very sorry I've bored you.
| I shall avoid the topic in future" she
said distantly.
mot at all. my dear Alicia. l as
sure you 1t rather amuses me-" argued
Corrigan, observing her aggrieved at
titude with little discomfort to him.
self. 'Tn fact, don't know when
| any one subject has kept me interested
for so long time"
Indeed" The comment was preg-
nant with feeling.
1t was the first time Alicia's self
styled philosophy had been so derided,
and 1t nettled her.
81 should be apt to accept that as
compliment" ventured Corrigan. He
had been watching her pull crimson
rambler to pieces and scatter 1t over
her tiny white shoes.
Apparently she had not heard.
II say, Alicia" he persisted.
when you are ready to open q sub
ject that may be Of more interest than
any am able to suggest l shall be
glad to talk to YOU" she said Jelly.
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, am in
terested," he said earnestly. give new
er been so absorbed in study in my
life. Why. my dear girl, If it weren't
for my-my belief In platonic love !
might never have known you so we'll"
Alicia confronted him with 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 he worst case of mad turn
to JOY" she said. removing her big
droopy hat and dangling 1t by the
strings. That's one reason why !
love to be friends with YOU"
"Then it is true that God is good to
the Irish," he laughed, and, subtle as 1t
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
incredulous child. ut Is so-well, 1t Is
such tremendous comfort to be just
friends with 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
IL she's only friends with him, where
as, If he's in love with her. he expects
her to marry him and-and it just
spoils everythingw
"Im jolly glad I'm not sentimental"
said Corrigan with purpose If with
out veracity. you'd have banished me
long ago"
you can have sentiment without be-
ing sentimental" she FASTENED to ex-
plain" And for SOME reason or ether
flush stained her cheeks, and her eyes
dropped.
"Its Just as clear as-as mud" Cor
rigan laughed In spite Of his efforts to
be serious.
Alicia's eyes flashed.
"See here, Dick Corrigan, believe
you are making fun Of me- Deep down
In my own heart know from your
own actions and your whole attitude
toward ME that you agree with me,
but just to amuse yourself you make
fun Of me. I'm sure you like me-" she
went on. ".just as like you, or you
wouldn't seek me out and want to be
with me day after day. as you do. and
that-that very fact proves to me that
you are In sympathy with my own at
titude. We are friends. and you know
It." she declared challengingly. Then
she rose abruptly from the stone seat
and walked over to the balustrade
with her back toward him. Come,
pratzal" she said imnerntivalv os "
calling her dog from a communicating
influence.
Corrigan began to whistle very soft.
ly to himself while the small Dutch
dog eyed him accusingly.
"Alicia." said Corligan's deep voice
fondly from the depths of the great
stone seat. He bad not moved. And
right here 1t might be observed that
Alicia always selected picturesque set
tings for her discourses. The old gar
den. shady and secluded, breathing ro-
nance and the fragrance Of roses, was
ideal-for platonlcs.
Alicia" repeated Dick when his
first effort gained no response.
With studied reluctance she turned
her head.