The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1911-04-14

everything denoting her exquisite taste
and personality. She removed her
wraps. and they sat before the fire un-
tll only the Goals lighted the room
Trescott, with the witchery OF the twi-
light hour upon him and her soothing
presence. talked incessantly, unbur-
dening the most sacred of his thoughts,
feelings. and dreams. She eXerted a
most curious charm over him, this
singularly sweet, yet worldly wise, lit
tie woman, and being extremely young,
the novelty of their close intimacy ap'
pealed more deeply to him
After that he called regularly twice
n week. Now and then he sent her
exquisite white roses because she had
mentioned her preference. for them,
and he likened her TO the purity OF
such flowers. There seemed nothing
too good OF beautiful for her and he
began to wonder how he had ever
done without her, since she had be-
come the best and sweetest part OF
his life She helped him, encouraged
him, and awakened ambitions he had
thrown aside. In gaiety she was the
most desirable companion, responding
to his merriment with gay little
laughs, and mirthful sallies. In silent
moods she played and sang sweet old
songs that he fancied he had heard
in some dim long ago, possibly ms
childhood. And gradually gradually
they drifted. drifted.
One day they we're discussing a re-
cent, notorious divorce case. Mrs, Fox
listened with smiling gravity as he eX-
pressed his pronounced views. Wheh
he had finished she looked up; the
tragic light in her beautiful gray eyes
deepened perceptibly.
why are YOU so bitter? One would
naturally infer you had had expert
ence,"
Not exactly of my own. You have
heard, have you not, that my tather
divorced my mother? 1t was all equal
~ as scandalous as that one the papers
we're so full Of the other day. | have
heard my father lost interest in every.
thing. He lived abroad for years and
his marriage several months ago was
a great surprise. l am glad, however,
that some woman was capable OF max
ing him renew faith in things, But
I" he paused and gazed retlectiveiy
in the ntful log blaze, Il shall posi-
lively never marry
"Why?" she asked in scarcely an
audible tone, and as he glanced up he
saw her face had paled and a momen-
tary sense of annoyance seized him.
Well" he said, after few seconds,
81 have been brought up on a rather
disagreeable idea Of marriage. The
very memory of my mother b unpleas-
ant; in fact, l dislike 10 remember
such a woman was my mother. ] do
not doubt that my father was cold
hearted, exacting sort of a chap, but
there is no excuse for a wife-a
mother-to forget And believe all
women are either bad or good
"Oh please" she said, making pro
testing gesture with her small, jeReled
hand.
Il am really sincere in making such
a statement. There can be no medium.
If a woman takes one step from her
pedestal, there is a smirch that can
never be effaced."
Il wish you could believe different
ly." she murmured Surely you've
known few women well, and there
must be some justifiable divorces
A slow smile crossed his face Then,
suddenly he rose and moved to her
chair. catching her frail, white hand
and pressing it with warmth.
Yours was justihable, l believe in
you"
After he had gone she sat down in
the chair he had occupied and cried
softly
That evening Trescott dined at Mrs.
Catherwoods. AS usual, the converse
ton drifted to Mrs. Fox. Trescott did
not object; on the contrary, it pleased
him.
But, Ned" Mrs. Catherwood OBJ
served, turning a significant smile up
on him, surely the difference in your
ages will be a serious drawback"
Now, what on earth do you mean,
my dear foolish Florence?" Trescott
lighted a cigarette, and Mrs. Gather
wood, with the habit of many years
abroad still upon her, followed his ex-
ample.
"Mean?" she tossed with merry
laugh. "Why, it's plain as day, Ned
that she is hopelessly, violently, in love
with you"
"Bosh!" Trescott exclaimed, Ismok
ing vigorously
IT'S true, nevertheless, you dear in
nocent! Come, Neddy, no one blames
you for loving the charming Mrs. FoXt
but marrying her--why that's horse
of a different color And it's really ru-
mored Such things happen, too, and
are not considered extraordinary
"Of all rot" At first Trescott
laughed, then he frowned and tossed
the half-smoked cigarette in the fire,
There is absolutely nothing between
us but a beautiful friendship of the
sweetest and purest nature. Yet, if 1t
is possible that have made mistake
and she really cares, as you say | can
never go TO her again.
Gracious" exclaimed Mrs. Gather
wood with a low, light laugh Would
that honestly stop you, Neddy? What
a conscience!"
1T might not stop me with another
woman" declared Trescott, but with
her it is different But can do with.
out her? She is everything, every
thing to me-" He spoke as though he
we're talking to himself, scarcely
aware of Mrs Catherwood' presenceS