Bridgeton pioneer., 1908-01-30
A1iCia'S
PlatOnicS.
BY BEATRICE BENNETT.
Copyright, 1907, by P. c. Eastment.

been exploded number OF times to
her apparent satisfaction, but secretly
and with feminine inconsistency she
elings 10 it.
Alicia had such theory, but she did
not keep it buried in so inaccessible
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 be admitted that Alicias
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-
cifcally, platonic love.
at has been proved to me conclu-
siyely," argued Alicia. with delightful
confidence. as flanked on one side by
the ample person Of Richard Corrigan
and on the other by her squatty little
L
the great stone garden seat near the
sundial.
"Yes," her companion replied in
doubtful acquiescence, 'to you. But
how about the other fellow? Was he
convinced?
"Dick. how silly! Who ever heard of
patonic love that wasn't platonic on
both sides? How little you know of
the subjectv scoffed Alicia with
mirthful little laugh.
"And yet l have known you-how
long is it?"
Seven months" promptly.
"And you ride your hobbyhorse at
least every other time I see you," he
said, not without marked intent.
Alicia assumed wholly unsuccess-
full air Of hauteur. "Oh. beg your
pardon. Pm very sorry I've bored you.
l shall avoid the topic in future" she
said distantly.
Not at all, my dear Alicia. l as
sure you it rather amuses me-" argued
Corrigan. observing her aggrieved at
titude with little discomfort to him
self. "In fact, don't know when
any one subject has kept me interested
for so long time.'
"Indeedw 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 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 a sub
ject that may be of more interest than
any l am able to suggest l 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 compan-
ions.
But, upon my word, Alicia, am in
terested," he said earnestly. 'T've nev-
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, Dick! 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 l
love to be friends with you"
"Then it is true that God is good to
the lrish," 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 a fairy story to an
lncredulous child, ut Is seNwell, it is
such a tremendous comfort to be just
friends WI l 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
-~ SAANS AOi ACl lGcl tudL SQG is
not putting herself under obligation
II 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 everythingv'
I'm 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 hastened to ex-
plain" And for some reason or other a
nush 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, l 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,
DuC Just to amuse vourSalf Won p,obo