Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1909-12-24
BY TEMPLE BAILEY.
copyright, 1909, by Associated Literary
Press

you're a friend worth having. But
you can't have the little girl"
cant II" Royal asked, and some
thing in his tone made Darlington look
at him sharply. "See here" he de-
manded, you haven't asked herr"
mo, l haven't but I'm going to-
Darlington shrugged his shoulders
81 don't like to say it, Daisy, but
think she likes me best"
Royal clasped his arms about his
knees and looked out toward the sea-
"If she should not care to marry
me-" David said, 81 should take one Of
those steamers and sail and sail and
try to forget, Victor"
"If she should not care for me-"
Darlington said, II should find an
other girl"
Royals eyes flashed. do you see
now why 1 won't let you have herY
he asked. Because you won't make
her happy, because she must marry
a man who will be constant till he
dies
"Oh. I'd be constant enough" Car
rington said, "but that isn't the ques-
ton now. The question is to get her.
And again-I don't like to say it,
Daisy, but you aren't exactly a lady's
man"
mo, thank heaven" was the sue
cinct reply.
well, we won't fight over it." said
Darlington. He rose and stretched his
tall figure to its full height. And.
standing there with the wind blowing
his fair hair, the smaller man was
forced to admit his beauty and fas-
cination.
And, as If to voice his thoughts, some
one said behind them, Are you wor-
Shipping the sun godY'
Darlington turned, and there was
Dulcie-Dulcie, the desire of both Of
their hearts.
"You look like a young brave wor-
Shipping" she repeated as she sat down
on the grass beside Royal and spread
out her rosy flounces.
Darlington laughed. 81 would rather
worship you"
Il came over to tell YOU" she said.
"that we leave tonight. Fathers rheu-
10 NOISc, anu we are SOluS "
a sanitarium, and he wants you two
to come up to the hotel for a farewell
dinner He's going to have everything
that's indigestible, from lobster to
Camembert It's a case of eat, drink
and be merry, for tomorrow we diet"
They laughed. and Darlington said:
I'm glad you wore that gown. You
look like rose"
But David said nothing, and Dulcie
asked abruptly, "a penny for your
thoughtsi"
"They have flown on the wings Of
the wind" David told her.
DAISY is dreaming of girl. He's
In love, Miss Carew," laughed Car
rington.
Dulcie caught her breath. I'm lover"
"Yes. And I'll bet he won't get her."
Royal turned suddenly and looked at
his friend. please" he said, and his
voice was stern, don't bring her into
the conversation. And you needn't bet.
l don't dare hope that l can win her."
A shadow lay deep in Dulcie's eyes.
you are talking in riddles" she said.
Are you really in love"
"He really is" Darlington interposed.
"You must tell me about it." Dulcie
tried to speak lightly.
Perhaps" David said, "you won't
care to listen"
AS the two men walked to the club
house where they were spending the
week end Darlington said lazily: Its
up to us to tell Dulcie tonight. You'll
be Offering me congratulations in the
morning, David"
But David's eyes met his squarely.
Don't be too sure. Victor" he said
But Darlington was so sure that
after dinner he took Dulcie down to
the beach for a walk. while David
and their host smoked on the terrace.
And, In spite of the witchery OF
waves and moonlight, Dulcie refused
him
David knew what had happened
when his friend threw himself into a
chair beside him and did not try to
bee Dulcie alone again.
He did not dream however. that Car
rington would exact from him any fur.
ther sacrifice for friendships sake.
But that night as they sat together On
the beach under the stars Darlington
said: "Old fellow, I don't see how
am going To live without her. Let me
have another chance before you ask