The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1910-05-24

affair from the past? Was the dear girl laooring
under Authorization had "disinterested" friends
sought to poison her innocent mind with vicious gos--
sip7 The questions few through his mind in light
ming panorama bewildering, dazing. in turn. with
At last he up pen, ink and paper and In sheer
desperation dashed down the following:
Darling Cynthia:
Your letter has shocked me beyond expression,
and refuse to believe in its seriousness. You are
playing practical Joke me, and perhaps even
now are laughing at my plight and writing to make
If, on the other hand. you in earnest, then
demand an explanation my right Our relations
have been too dear, too deep and sacred to allow
of any such hippant and summary dismissal.
Please indicate the time and place for an early
"As always,
Dawson sealed. stamped. addressed and dispatched
his letter within the following Ave minutes Then
INTELLECTUALLY two hours-~for a. reply. 1t came.
In a single line
My letter was final Heartbrokenly,
CYNTHIA"
Dawson ground his teeth savagely, turned white
sheet and picked up his hat 1t was Just $50
and Saturday He would straight to the Haskills
and have 1t out. face face. But. halfway there,
he recalled the fact abruptly. that this Cyntha's
at the instant with a flash inspiration. that
she had said the meeting would be with Florence
Greyson.
Ten minute later Dawson occupied an inconspicu-
Gus seat in the of the park.
town! town Five minutes after that cynthia radiant IN
distance Of him Her face was devoid OF its usual
delicate bloom and there were violet shadows under
the brown to match the violets dropping about
the wide, soft brlrs Of her hat.
Dawson rose and. without word. matched his
step with hers
Let's to the point at once, CYNTHIA he
began. gravely ignoring her little exclamation or
protest IF there is anything wrong"
49, You mustn't ASK me; indeed you must mot" And
trembling beyond control and her eyes were wistful
with shadows.
Davidson bit his lips angrily His voice was sew
Shades Cynthia
it. when he spoke.
IT determined to see you and drag the truth
from YOU" he said. "deeming it my right to know
but He paused and looked at her long and earn
better for go on in ignorance shall re-enlist
In the army and sail on the next transport for
Jack" The girl Stopped short every atom
color gone from her checks II WON'T won't hear
of IT." The words choked in her throat and her
eyes filled Then. all at once she pulled herself
gether and said. resolutey: II shall tell the
whole truth. Jack / had made up my mind to keep
I siient-from PRIDE with great, big p. But--but-
of course cannot let you go. believing me- hard
Martins 70: supper with fred Humphrey. At
table, just behind us. were party of fcur-the Ell
engagement and OF the ladies sneeringiy
served that 1t WAS we'll that the Danisons knew aotn
ing of the fact that Mrs Haskills great uncle was
barber"
us that au?" Dawson heaved prodigious sigh OF
relief
Isn't It suirctent?"
"You don't understand Jack. 1t seems an nsg-
nicant thing. but it is the keynote everwiden-
ing circle IN this narrow little social world of ours
and we'll 1 did what thought was best
Dawson made q gesture of disgust what kind OF
love do you call that?' he demanded curty. You
give me up for good and all Just because"
Il loved you too much to bring anything disagree
able into your lfe." interposed Cynthia, gently.
Dawson burst into laughter. You Qutxotic
come to the house at the usual time to-night7"
Neither. I'll call you up at g." And with back
ward smile she disappeared between the flaming beds
of flowers.
Dawson returned his office in rejuvenated frame
of ntnd-The entire days work had been ruthIessIy
neglected and he applied himself diligently to the
stack Of mail on his desk Six o'clock came even
his shoulder gave prolonged. imperative ring he
| jumped up eagerly.
The girls first words stunned him.
"Geed-hy" she said. I'm leaving in fifteen min
utes for New Orleans. The Hawtreys sail from there
on Tuesday. as told YOU and my passage is already
engaged"
And this is all the farewell I'm to have, cynhia9
my mind was made up. dear and didn't dare
run the risk of letting you again. lit is
for the best. believe me-"
Without comment Dawson calmly hung up the
receiver. He tammed his hat over his and ran
down three fights Of steps to the street His runabou
stood at the curbing. He stepped In and wnizzed
off at speed limit toward the station.
through the scurrying crowds toward the ladies' walt
Ing room He found her at a news stand. glanoing
Idly through periodical
What do mean by running away from me
in this fashion,"
oh Jack" she said reproachfuiy why aid you ?"
Because you are mine and I've a perfect right
II should have written to You and--and explained
nearest her her face ablaze with scralet you can
have conception Of the modification forced
to endure--should have mad to endure always--"
This doesn't sound like your old practical,
minded SELF Cynthia"
1T Is side to me, the proud SIDE dear. which
you've had opportunity of observing be-
fcre"
Pride be dashed And--yoaH never get aboard
this train, Cynthia"
indeed" Her black brows went up with touch
of challenge
Indeed. I'm going to prove to you utterly
ridiculous your theory is Would you send me away
II you knew my ancestors were plain peopie?"
Certainly not"
but You are relieving of tho burden Of your
| SELF
"Oh! But the way they said IT, Jack--a barberl"
Under OF the dusk Dawson slipped a surrep-
titious arm about her waist. My grandfather was
butcheri' he said happily.
And Cynthia tore up her ticket.
A man fumued from the ton OF a thirtee en- STORY