The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1909-06-15


channels OF bridge playing, theatre
going, novel writing and so forth,
have begun to pail on their etiolated
spirits. Then they turn to more VIC
lent forms of stimulation"
you don't put it at all nicely" she
protested. I'm sure they're not all
like thatl"
Not all. agreed the Statesman,
possibly. But the earnest minority
must invariably suffer for the faults
of the frivolous majority. Under
which Of these heads do you wish me
to classify you?" he asked, raising his
eyebrows gently.
Under neither" responded the
Suffragette, promptly. 81 think you're
quite horrid to talk like that"
The Statesman smiled, not displeas-
ed
| gather, then" he rejoined, that
you already are disposed to adjure the
sacred principles of this great cause?"
Nothing of the Sort" she retorted.
Il still think women ought to have
votes-if they want them"
do you want them?" he inquired,
with the least infection of irony.
Il am not quite sure what l should
do with them if | had them" she ad-
mitted, pickering her forehead pref
tily.
That" smiled the Statesmen,
Seems to be a very sufficient an
swer to my question. 1t also seems to
me to express the probable attitude OF
most of the dear ladies who are loud
est in their demands for the franchise.
But" he added they would probably
be the last to admit it-few Sunrag-
cites possess your delightful candor."
IL am glad you think it delightful"
said the Suffragette.
Il do, he replied ITS one of the
points in you that | admire most"
Pray" she demanded, in tone OF
carefully modulated irony, what may
be the others?"
The Statesman passed his hand
thoughtfully across his chin.
Your femininity," he answered.
ooh! What do you mean by that?"
she asked.
Il mean" replied the Statesman,
speaking very deliberately, that you
would never do as militant Suf-
fragette"
And, please, why not?"
The Statesmans smile was infinitely
indulgent.
Your nature would betray you to
the mast superficial observer" he ex-
planned. You're too true woman
to try and ape q mans ways. other
wise"-The pause conveyed much.
"oYu mean," she broke in, that
you wouldn't have'-She stopped, too.
Precisely" he agreed. Il mean just
that"
We'll, you needn't she replied, in
consequently; ITS not too late-yet!"
The Statesman ostentatiously con-
suited his watch.
cts nearly half past nine" he in
formed her.
IL did not ask you the time!" re-
torted the Suffragette, wrathfully.
''No"-the Statesman smiled-"but |
thought | would take the opportunity
Of once more reminding you that | am
due at the House at 10. And | am
sure" he added, that you must be
tired of standing in that extremely
uncomfortable position"
well, then, why don't you remove
me?" she demanded, flashing a scorn-
full look at him"
Il don't know the word that I'M
locks your paddock" he pointed out
"So-he rose-'Tm afraid you'll have
to stay there till somebody comes
along who does"
IF you are going to be a perfect
brute protested the Suffragette, red
dening, q
"Well?" inquired the Statesman,
pausing politely.
IT'S more than one word, she said,
looking down. "Its-about-two'
That" rejoined the Statesman.
only increases the difficulty. l don't
really see what is to be done"
Then you are stupider than l
thought" flashed the Suffragette.
I'm not going to stay here any long
er. You've got to unfasten me-
Certainly" agreed the Statesman,
stepping toward her. ITS ito time
you went to bed. l tremble 20 think
what your mother would say if she
saw you now
"She knows" retorted the Suffrag-
cite defantly. II told her I was COM
ing"
Good heavensi" calculated the
Statesman and what did she say?"
She said John won't let you in at
this time of night
and John dld.' remarked the
Statesman. thouehtfully.
"He had to-" she explained.
"Of course. And under those cir
cumstances John had no alternative.
l shall be compelled to dismiss John.
I see"
you'll do nothing of the kind" she
declared Hes regular old dear.
and Wen keep him tin he's q hun
dred."
"We?' qucried the Statesman. T
understood you to imply just now that
our-er-our engagement was to- be
at an end?
Of said you could please yourself"
she rotorted. 81 don't care not q
Bit"
But 1 do" said the Statesman
calmly OF couldn't get ON without
you now positively couldn't. Not
ovou ff Won yvorc On tooI a,terro-ctt,. 90