Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1909-09-15
DOING SOMETHING
 DESPERATE,
And After It Was Done Sylvia
 Really Felt Contented.
By JEANNE OLIVE LOlZEkUX.


 The moonlight and her beauty soft ened the scorn of her glance when she saw that it was Max who bad been sent back for her. She sat alone in Jack Burroughs stalled machine. Jack and his wife had walked in, be- ing due at an important function.
 Your Sylvia's tone matched the intention of her glance.
 "Even l, Sylvia" he replied with a rueful grin. Fate is sometimes de- cent. A fellow has to risk what well come is coming to him.
 '1t was horrid of the Burroughes to send you. but they had to get to that dinner, suppose! My ankle still re- fuses to let me walk far. or I'd have gone with them afoot."'
 Tall and fair. cap in hand, he was standing with an offered hand to help her down and into his own little run about. But she did not move. His glance followed hers to the gleaming object held fearfully in her lap. He took both hand and pistol as she ex- plained.
 Jack would leave it when I insist ed on their going and sending back the first respectab ble person they met'- '"Thanks. Are you coming" He pocketed the weapon. But she only removed her big hat and veil.
 You know why I'm afraid! You're worse than pistol. can't trust you" Her tone was quite serious. Next time you ask me to marry you shall do something desperate. l would al most prefer staying here alone. Oh. Max. would you, for once, take me straight home? And behave? You used to be nice when we were chill dren."
 ''I won't propose. in the car, l prom ise But l will not take you straight hOme-it's too early-you and the moon are too divinely fair. don't want to behave especially. but since I must will will vary the program by ask ing you not Will you have me?' but Why is it that you won't have me:' Come?'
 Finally she reached him her hand, but without excuse he suddenly took her in his arms and lifted her to his car. For a few minutes they sped along with the June breezcs freshen- ing on their faces. At length he spoke frankly. quietly:
 Sylvia, let's talk it over. may have annoyed you-I may have made a fool of myself imploring you to be mine times innumerable. like a comic opera hero with the same old song. don't know how to say it many ways It all comes to the same thing-mar riage or not. But l love you"
 It pleased him to be whimsical, an. Sylvia laughed. It was change iron the dead serious, anyway. He wa never modest about his real worth He continued:
 II am lovable, too, with an affection ate disposition. What is the matter Sylvia? Please tell me. l will no ask you again-in the carl promised and never again at all once l see yo, do net love me. You have never fatl, denied that. you know"
 He turned his face away that sh
 
 that she had ever been embarras sset with him: he wished she had At las she spoke:
 You bring this on yourself. den feel polite. You always make ne st irritable and unlovely. want to fl. when l see you coming. l came ou with the BurrouGhses to be rid of yo, ol> company. l can't tell you just why i is. but the sight of you makes m, contrary. aNd I cannot say what yo, want me to-"
 Speeding little more, he turned t her coolly.
 You are never uniovely, Sylvia Just how do I irritate you?"
 They glided on through the sof' dusk between the dark, sweet breath ing woods and lighter meadow lands On and on they came, nearer the city, whose myriad lights seemed to flash toward them from the dim hills.
 And you make me think when I don't want 10. It's like pushing some thing away that you do not want to come too close. simply don't seem to want to be married. I- She stopped short
 "ls that it? Of course you have to decide that. What is it you do want in your life, Sylvia? To grow old alone: Your aunt won't always live Do you want to earn your own living: Do you know of anything that would be satisfactory substitute for mar ried love? Do you want to study some art or profession-medic for in stance? Do you want to be an old maid and remember that you had q lover who. man and boy, would do anyth'ns-die for you. live for you and v':'h you and Givo you what hap piness he could coax from the scheme Of things? Don't interest you? Must