The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1908-02-04
AIicia'S
PIatOniCS.
BY BEATRICE BENNETT.
Copyright. lsOr. by P. Q. Eastment.

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 be 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.
ut has been proved to me conclu-
sively," argued Alicia, with delightful
confidence, as fanked 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.
"Yes," 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 subjectv' scoffed Alicia with a
mirthfuI little laugh.
"And yet l have known you-how
long is itT'
Seven months" promptly.
"And you ride your hobbyhorse at
least every other time see you" he
-os5 - -~-s4J,o,,k ~, ~ 81 f,,+av,%
Alicia assumed wholly unsuccess-
full air Of hauteur. "Oh, beg your
pardon. I'm very sorry I've bored you.
/ shall avoid the topic in future" she
said distantly.
mot at all, my dear Alicia. / as
sure you it rather amuses me-" argued
Corrigan, observing her aggrieved at
tituds with little discomfort to him
self. SIN fact, | don't know when
any one subject has kept me interested
for so long time"
"Indeedr' The comment was preg-
nant with feeling.
1t was the first time Alicia's self
styled philosophy had been so derided,
and it nettled her.
Il should be apt to accept that as
compliment ventured Corrigan. He
had been watching her pull a crimson
rambler to pieces and scatter it over
her tiny white shoes.
Apparently she had not heard.
II say, Alicia" he persisted.
when you are ready to open sub
ject that may be of more interest than
any am able to suggest shall be
glad to talk to you, she said icily.
Corrigan smiled broadly, but SUR
reptitiously. Had Alicia seen him thus
amused he would have been left with
only the crimson ramblers for eompan.
ions.
But, upon my word, Alicia, l am In
terested,v 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
might never have known you so well"
Alicia confronted him with half
smile that. even in its semicompletion
was most attractive.
That's the Irish In you, Dickl You
always manage to say something that
will make the worst case of mad turn
to joy" she said, removing her big
droopy hat and dangling it by the
strings. That's one reason why
love to be friends with you."
''Then 1t is true that God is good to
the Irish" he laughed, and, subtle as it
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. ''it is so-well, 1t is
such a tremendous comfort to be just
friends WI a man."
'.Yes," said Dick readily, 'T'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
spoils everythingw
'T'm jolly glad I'm not sentimental"
said Corrigan with a 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 other
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. Pm 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,
Pretzel." she said imperatively. as II
calling her dog from communicating
influence.
Corrigan began to whistle very SOFT
ly to himself while the small Dutch
dog eyed him accusingly.
"Alicia," said Corrigan's deep voice
fondly from the depths of the great
stone seat. He had not moved. And
right here it might be observed that
Alicia always selected picturesque set
tings for her discourses. The old gar
den. shady and secluded. breathing ra-
nance and the fragrance Of roses, was
ideal-for platonics.
"Alicia," repeated Dick when his
FIRST effort gained no response.
With studied reluctance she turned
her head.
..Pd like to ask a few questions" he
said, still somewhat indifferently.
'T'll be glad to answer them"
The frigidity Of her tone moved Cor
rigan almost to the point of turning up
his coat collar, but his better judgment
prevailed.
This old guy, Plato he was be-
ginning as he walked toward her.
"Dickr'
Her glance and tone froze the words.
'T'm sorry" he said eontritely.
''But, Alicia, wonder If he ever knew
the most beautiful woman In the
world? wonder if he could have
been with her almost daily for seven
months? And yet. no. how could nef
He lived B. c."
In spite of herself Alicia dimpled.
at was beauty of mind, mental excel
,orcios that he admired" she remark