Pike County press. (Milford, Pa.) 1895-1925, 1910-12-30
About With Fame

the NoHy OuuilJ VI Nue lulnB b6CuEeu
an introduction.
l played the role of Chanticleer,
and, not to crow about II at ell, felt
that l ought to make a hit
With my most gallant stiff-armed
effect swung Fame through the
dance. but somehow or other. could
not for the life Of me get beyond voic.
ing the usual platitudes. 1t nettled
me. Ordinarily, aided by my glib
tongue. fostered acquaintance very
successfully.
The gap in the conversation was be-
coming a chasm when the girl came
TO the rescue. Pointing to her lingual
trophies, she laughingly inquired,
Have l annexed yours, tOoT'
Somewhat piqued. l answered.
when Fame comes to one so sud
denly, the shock is likely to render
one dumb"
Choose" she said generously,
sweeping her free hand across her
wares. Would you speak with the
tongue Of men or Of angels7"
But II have not charity?" ban
died
You will be a rich man some day"
We both laughed.
Here" and detaching a tongue,
she held it out to me.
| rolled my eyes in mock horror.
Dare l take the risk? You know
friend Esop says it Is the best or
worst thing in the world"
Il guarantee this to be a very civil
tongue" she argued. "Will you keep
it?"
After a delicate bit Of navigation,
I suddenly remembered that Fame
should also be equipped with myriad
eyes and ears. Upon mentioning the
fact to the lady, she said, Look
right at me-"
That was easy. She had pretty
eyes.
And listen"
/ hung breathless.
you are listening carefully"
l assured her, with eyes riyeted.
"Then why" she solemnly qCes-
toned, should l carry excess bag
gage, when obviously, you are ali eyes
and ears?"
bowed acknowledgment of ny de-
feat. And she laughed again. In
fact, we both did. She had a mighty
infectious laugh.
A little wave Of color swept across
her face, but she answered airily,
"Ah, but you know she is an elusive
creature; what II she were to develop
Protean tendencies and become a
Cause for Interviews. Headlines and
Alimony?"
"In that case" said I, 'she would
have to change her name. and be call
ed Infamy. Would you very much
mind changing your name?"
Smilingly. she replied, Under the
conditions. l think 1t would be in
famous. don't your"
/ didn't, but didn't dare say so.
What soft, wavy hair she hadl
During the intermission, she very
naiyely insisted upon a grape sherbet
as being most color-proper for the
near advent Of the season of penance.
II love sherbet," she confided.
ut must love you." exchanged.
"Why?"
Likes attract" murmured, just
by way Of a change on the sweets to
the sweet" proposition.
"Oh. am l as frigid as that?"
But knew that she had misunder-
stood purposely. for her voice wasn't
at all cold.
We went into the conservatory. The
soft gloom was very restful after the
radiance Of the ballroom. We gave
mutual sigh OF gratitude as we sank
into a comfortable nook. Fame's
satisfied yawn was a tribute to the
place.
mo wonder people like 1t here"
she said. tits the pretty green.
don't you think?"
Usually. the pretty experienced"
returned.
She laughed, then stopped sudden
ly and looked at me- But | bore a
merely-pleased-with-having emitted.
a-successful-joke expression. so she re.
tented.
The softened gayety of the music
ioated in to US, and now and then we
caught glimpses of Monk and Colum-
bine. Dragon and Shepherdess; all
caught alike in its merry whirl.
Isn't 1t entrancing?" breathed
Fame.
MN" agreed. studying the
curve Of her cheek. ~"Do you prefer
lyric or martial muster" / inquired.
with the knit-brow air Of a student
Well" she said ingenuously. 'T
think l prefer the music which calls
to arms"
Maybe l was a fool, but I couldn't
resist the impulse to crush both her
hands in mine.
Ny fingers recoiled from the hard
ness Of a questioned ring upon her
left hand. The stone was turned un-
der. too; the mink.
my dear Fame" l said, 'T fear
you are the woman with the serpent's
tongue"
my dear friend" she laughed.
why do you deplore It? Hath not the
serpent been gifted With wisdom?"
Which / might have remembered.
might also have remembered that
Fame is leeting. AS it was. / felt a
sudden inclination to swear. But she
had endowed me with a civil tongue
you know, and had promised to
keep it-MARIE B. WHITE.