The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1909-11-12
Look for the Woman

basket was full Of discarded sheets OF
typewritten paper. "'He will not can
ter, walk or trot-my Pegasus"
sighed Hilda YEARLY, II may as we'll
give up this morning."
Tom had been at home from his
Mediterranean trip three days. and
day he had mounted the stairs to her
study in the old familiar way, saying
with a cordial shake of her two hands,
II had to come to see my old sister
first"
Tom Whitney had paid court to
Hilda for eight years, and the lady had
rewarded his faithful attendance with
the flippant remark, whats the use
in being married? It's much pleas
anter as it Is" 1t was plain she
looked upon him as brother. He es-
corted her everywhere, waited upon
her dutifully and was of invaluable
assistance in managing the business
end of her literary affairs. His recent
ocean trip was the first time he had
been away from her for more than
day at a time since their comrade-
( ship began. Jacob served as faith
fully for Rachel, but with that excep.
ton, Tom swore history furnished no
parallel of his devotion. And Hilda
remained obdurate. She was happy
as she was. Her writing was kind
of intoxication to her and with a type
writer under her fingers and Tom
ever lowering near to fetch and carry,
harass editors and amuse her leisure
hours, life seemed full enough.
Three months ago, after another
severe squelching by Hilda, Tom had
quietly Joined the Beaumonts, a con-
genial and vivacious crowd, on their
trip to Italy. Kitty Beaumont was
flirt as we'll as beauty. Hilda had
received letters from Tom while he
was gone, conscientious, characteris-
tic letters, full of information and
brotherly advice. She had also had
letters from others in the party, sing
ing in various keys and with a d.
versity Of interpretations the song Of
Tom and Kitty. Hilda liked Kitty,
but the reports kindled feeling of
resentment toward the girl. Kitty
was an irrepressib1e fiirt, and 1t was
shame for her to play with honest
old Tom and break his heart. Hilda
argued.
During the three months of lonelt-
ness Hilda had come face to face with
her own heart, and had discovered
that Tom pretty well filed 1t. Well,
now he had come back, but the old
basis of friendship seemed to have
| iats oil 90
but a creature of habit" she was
thinking rather bitterly. What he is
pleased to call love and devotion Is
no more than habit. He gets to turn
ing into the same door yard day after
day. like the milkman's horse. till
new master changes the route"
Her caustic soliloquy was inter-
rupted by the parting of the portieres.
"How's the story?" he asked. to re-
lieve her evident confusion.
Awful" answered Hilda- Here
I've gathered together what believed
to be an intelligent set Of characters
and given them fascinating setting,
and they Just sit around like dummies!
Not one thing will they do for them
selves. 1t takes all my energy to
bulge them or make them say q
single wise or bright thing. Look at
that waste basket! I'm disgusted
with the ninnies."
Throw them over and let's go
and get a breath of ocean air. You
look positively tagged"
Hilda's heart was light as she hast
lily brought order to her desk. Tom
waited in negligent ease in the win
dow seat.
II want you to go just this once.
for. the sake Of old times. Then
won't bother you any more. I must
have been fearful bore in the last
| eight years. I've begun to see things
little clearer since my trip. Travel
broadens one, they say" he laughed.
"And guess I'll have to adjust my
self to a new track. I'd been running
on a narrow gauge line for so long
| / didn't realize 1t. / guess it's good
thing for all concerned that little
Tommie has seen bit of the world"
Hilda sorted pages and gathered
fugitive pencils. The light had died
out of her face and the color slowly
| ebbed.
'T'm studying Italian" he con-
tinued, idly opening book which he
had drawn from his pocket. kitty
Is an amusing teacher. She can talk
the lingo like native. She says with
four evenings week I ought to speak
1t all right by fall. Here is the con-
versational method, so 1t won't de-
prive US of outdoors on warm even
ings."
Hilda strove to control the treno-
bling of her chin. She sank back into
chair. h Really. Tom, don't feel
able to ~ I'm so dead tired. I've
been up nearly all night for weeks"
She looked so thoroughly i'll Tom
was alarmed. In a flash he was at
her side.
"Hilda-darling-
The tender tones were as the last
straw to the camel's back, and the
| girl covered her eyes with her hands.
Tom'a arms were about her