Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1908-12-05
ELKENC EIULNAK- C0pYRIGHT I9OSBY MENRY MSAYAGE

in Paris"
"He has sold his house 20 us. We
are living there now, and the ball is
given by me" she went on
The man looked at her. his black
( eyes seeming TO burn through her own.
Shrinking. fearful fascinated. Olga
was held in the spell OF those eyes.
WAS / mistaken Am / not invit-
ed?" be asked.
Eyes. you are invited" she falter-
ed.
She could not resist the subtle inhu-
ence OF the man. even while every in
stinct OF good made her recon from
him. With triumphant smile he
bowed and said softly:
Madame. a little while ago you ask
ed me what I wanted. Ii was your in
vitation that I wanted. thank you"
But my husband" Olga said. al
ready repeutng Of the advantage she
had given him.
"Oh, he viii be delighted TO see me"
the stranger assured her confidently.
He speculates IN wheat I have in
formation that VIII be Of value 20
him The crop has turned out worse
than was expected. You love your
husband. You should be happy that
the wheat crop Is bad"
81 am" Olga assented. I'VE want
wheat to be bad because the price will
so up"
Your husband VIII make another
fortune. and you viii have the new
gown you want"
How do YOU know want n new
gown Olga asked. falling in once
more with the devils humor OF the
man.
Il observe that you have a new hat
and a pretty one. Surely you want a
new gown"
"You must be married"
Married, Not l." he exclaimed. "a
wife Is Ike a monocle. II looks we'll.
but one sees more clearly without e."
Your views seem against marriage.
Why Olga asked
The tone OF Mnlar became suddenly
serious as hc said:
You want Kari 20 marry. want
TO prevent him from marrying"
Please let's not discuss that" Kari
protested
Pardon me- Karl. but an artist
should not marry" he went on. ''Your
future wife viii swear 90 stand by
your side for life-untn the wedding
day-and the day after she VIII be in
your way"
mot the true wife," Olga declared.
"Ah. but the true wife is always the
. other fellows WIFE" he answered.
Millar had talked so absorblnrlv
that Kari and Olga unconsciously drew
near 10 each other They stood In
front OF the high pulpit back OF the
armchair. each one resting a hand on
the chair back. Although they were
quite unaware OF Il. their position sug-
gested that OF n young couple before
the altar about TO be Joined In we'd
lock. The cynical humor OF the situa-
ton struck Millar. who walked around
them. stood In the chair and leaned
over the back Ike a preacher in his
pulpit
you are a pessimist," Olga declared.
looking up at him.
mo. not a pessimist: only practi-
cal"
Il agree with you" Kari said. "a
man should stay at home"
Millar leaned down. placing his hands
over Karis and Olga's as they rested
on the back OF the chair. Looking at
Karl. he said:
why didn't you stay at home? You
ran away 10 become an artist. You re-
fused professional position and ordi-
nary morals, decent occupation at so
much a week. You wanted to 20 out
and seek the golden fleece Of fame.
Now fight your battle: fight It alone:
don't get married"
As be spoke he lifted the hands OF
Karl and Olga and placed them to-
gether, holding them clasped In his
own. They thrilled at each others
/ touch; they looked into each others
eyes, and they hardly heard the cynical
/ devils voice as Mlllar leaned yet far
/ Their toward them and said:
Il was thinking what a splendid cou-
| pie you two would make"