Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1908-03-07
AliCia'S
PIatOnicS.
By BEATRICE BENNETT.
Copyright, l9O7, by =. G. Eastmcnt.

3 Copyright, 1907, by p. c. Eastmcnt. &
Observation-Disclosures
Deep down in her own heart every
woman has a pet theory. 1t may have
been exploded a number of times to
her apparent satisfaction, but secretly
and with feminine Inconsistency she
clings to it.
Alicia had such theory, but she did
not keep it buried in so inaccessible a
dungeon as the bottom of her heart
Indeed, she wore it on her sleeve. 1t
was her favorite theme of DISCOURSE
and the more it was diSproved the
more persistently did she revive it and
champion it.
And it must he 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, platonic love.
1T has been proved to me Conclu
sively," argued Alicia. with delightful
confidence, as flankcd on one side by
the ample person of Richard Corrigan
and on the other by her Squatty little
dachshund Prctzel she stroled toward
the great stone garGcI seat near the
sUndial.
yes" her companion replied in
doubtful acQuieScrnCc. ito you. But
how about the other fellow? Was he
convinced?"
"Dick, how silly, VINO ever heard Of
patonic love that wasn't platOnic on
both sides? How little YOU know of
the subjectw scoffed Alicia with a
mirthfu little laugh
And yet | have known you-how
long is it?"
'Sevcn months" promptly.
And you ride your hobbyhorse at
least every other time | see you" he
said, not without marked intent.
Alicia assumed wholly unSuccess-
full air of hautcur. ""h. | beg your
pardon. I'm very sorry I've bored you.
| shall avoid the topic in future" she
said distantly.
Not at all, my dear Alicia. l as
sure YOU it rather an,iHpS me-" argued
C0r"igan, observing her Il "grievcd at
titude with little discomfort to him
self. "In fact, don't know when
any one subject has kept me interested
for so long a time"
Indeed" The comment was preg-
nant with feeling
1t was the first time Alicia's self
styled philosophy had been so derided,
and it nettIed her.
Il should be apt to accept that as a
compliment" ventured Co"rigan He
had been Watching her pull Il crimson
rambler to pieces and scatter it over
her tiny white shoes.
Apparently she had not heard.
Il say, Alicia," he persisted.
when you are ready to open a sub
ject that may be of more interest than
any | am able to suggest | shall be
glad to talk to you.' she said iciIy.
Corrigan smiled broadly. but sur
rcptitiouSly. Had Alicia seen him thus
amused he would have been left with
only the crimson ramblcrS for cOmpan-
ions
But, upon my word. Alicia. | am in
terested," he said earnestly. I've 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 l
might never have known You so WELL"
Alicia confronted him with a half
smile that even in its scmicompletion,
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
to joy" she said. rcmo ing her big
droopy hat and dangling it by the
strings. That's one reason why l
love to be friends with you."
Then it is true that God is good to
the Irish," he laughed. and, subtle as it
was. Alicia extracted the compliment
and bcamed good nature on him again.
"You see. Dick" She began as if she
were commencing Il fairy story to an
incrcdulous child. "it is 50 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
if 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
Fpoils everything"
I'm jolly glad I'm not sentimental"
said Corrigan with Il propose if with
ont veracity. You'd have hanished me
long ago"
You can have sentiment without be-
ing sentimental" she FASTENED to eX-
plain" And for some reason or other a
flush stained her checks. and her eyes
dropped.
It's just as clear aS-as mud" Cor
rigan laughed in spite OF his efforts to
be serious.
Alicia's eyes flashed.
"Sce here. Dick Corrigan, | believe
YOU are making fun of me. Deep down
III my own Hcdft KNOW from your
own actions and your whole attitude
toward me that you agree with me,
iut just to amuSe yoarSelf you make
fun of me. Pm sure you like me-" she
went on, "just as | ike you, or you
wouldn't seek me ont 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