Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1909-09-10
THE LIONS SHARE.
A Rivalry In Love and the Way
It Was Ended.
BY TEMPLE BAILEY.

them.
You can't have her. David" Car
rington had said when Royal had told
him. 81 love her. and I'm not going
to let you get her"
David Royal looked at his friend
steadily. Then he said: "Did you ever
think. Victor. that you always came
out ahead at school-that you always
took the lions share? But 1t was be-
cause | let you. not always because
| you deserved II. l gave up the schol-
arslip to you because had more
money and needed 1t less. didn't
care then. and didn't care when tho
faculty selected you for that expert
mental trip to South America.
wanted to go, and my chance was as
good rs yours, but when | knew how
set you were ON 1t / simply said
had other plans, and the trip came to
you. But this time it's different"
Darlington laughed easily. "Oh, you
were always n trump. Daisy" he said
You're friend worth having. But
you can't have the little girl"
Cant r. Royal asked, and some
thing in his tone made Darlington look
ut him sharply. "See here" he de-
manded. you haven't asked herY
mo. haven't. but I'm going to-"
| Darlington shrugged his shoulders.
81 don't like TO say It, Daisy, but I
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, II 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 won't let you have herY
he asked. Because you won't make
her happy, because she must marry
man who will be constant till he
dies"
"0h. I'd be constant enough" Car
rington said "but that isn't the ques-
ton now. The question Is to get her.
And again. don't like to say 1t,
Daisy. but you aren't exactly lady's
man."
"No, 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 IL to voice his thoughts, some
one said behind them, Are you wor-
shipping the sun god"
Darlington turned, and there was
Dulcie-Dulcie, the desire of both of
their hearts.
You look like young brave wor-
Shipping" she repeated as she sat down
on the grass beside Royal and spread
out her rosy fiounces.
Darlington laughed. II would rather
worship you
II came over to tell you," she said.
that we leave tonight. Fathers rheu-
matism is worse, and we are going to
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 case Of eat, drink
and be merry, for tomorrow we diet"
They laughed. and Darlington said:
"Pm glad you wore that gown. You
look like a 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. "In lover
Eyes. 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.
/ don't dare hope that | can win her."
A shadow lay deep IN Dulcie's eyes.
"You are talking In Riddles" she said.
"Are you really In lover"
'Ie 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: TITS
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 q walk. while David
and their host smoked on the terrace.
And. I'm 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