Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1908-01-18

Deep down in her own heart every
woman has a pet theory II may have
been exploded a number Of times to
her apparent satisfaction, but secretly
and with feminine Inconsistency she
rlingS 10 IT,
Alicia had such theory. but she did
not keep 1t buried in so inaccessible
dungeon AS the bottom Of her heart
Indeed. she wore II - her sleeve. II
was her fayorite theme Of discourse
and the more II was disproved the
more pcrsistently did she revive II and
champion IT,
And II must he admitted that Alicia's
men friends nj least took particular de-
Hight 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 nanked on one side by
the ample person Of Richard Corrlgan
aud on the other 10y her squatty little
dachshund Pretze she stroled 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
convincedf"
"Dlck, how silly, Who ever heard Of
Iplatonic love that wasn't platonic on
both Sides How little you know OF
the subject" scoffed Alicia with
mirthful little laugh
and yet | have known you how
long is IT,"
"Scyen months" promptly
And you ride your hohbyhorse at
least every other time see YOU" he
said. not without marked intent.
Aicia assumed wholly unsuccess
lful air Of hauteur "Oh. ] beg your
pardon I'm very sorry I've bored you
| shall avoid the topic In future" She
said dlstantly.
Not at all. my dear Alicia. as
sure YOU II rather amuscs 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
Tor SO long a time"
Indeed" The comment was preg
nant with feeling
II was the first time Alicia's self
styled philosophy had been SO derided,
aud it nettled her
Il should be apt to accept that as a
compliment" ventured Corrigan. He
had been watching her pull crimson
rambler to pieces and scatter II over
her tiny white shoes
Apparently she had not heard
Il say, Alicia" he persisted
when you are ready 10 open Il sub
ject that may be OF more interest than
any am able 10 suggest / shall be
glad to talk to You" she said Jelly
Corrigan smiled broadly. but sur
reptliiously 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
ltercsted he said earnestly. I've new
er been SO absorbed IN study In my
life Why. my dear girl, If 1t 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 contemplation,
was most attractive.
That's the Irish in you. Dick, You
always manage 10 say something that
will make the worst case OF mad turn
TO joy" She said. removing her big
droopy hat and dangling II by the
strings That's one reason why |
love to be- friends with you"
"Then II IS true that God is good 10
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 II she
We're commencing u fairy story to an
incrcdulouS child. lit is so well. II Is
such tremendous comfort 70 be just
friends with man"
Yes said Dick readily. I'm friends
with several"
SILLY. | mean FOR girl She can
20 about with him, ask him to do this
and that fer her aud feel that she Is
not putting herself under obligation
II she's only friends with him. where
as. II he's in love with her. he expects
her 10 marry him and and It just
spoils everything"
I'm jolly glad I'm not sentimental"
said Corrigan with Il purpose II with
out ycraclty You'd have banished mo
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 mud" Cor
rigan laughed I'm spite Of his efforts TO
| he serious
Alicla's eyes flashed.
See here. Dick Corrigan, believe
you are making fun Of me Deep down