Arizona republican., 1912-05-06


 Let's say tomorrow, then. I'll be up sure. I'm glad you called-'
 All right, then. We're at the Ere donia, you know. Good-by"@
 She hung up the receiver. and sat for a moment staring thoughtfully at the floor. c How pleased be seemed, How very pleased! She felt strangely as if she had made a discovery-a dis cOvery not wholly welcome
 That night at the theatre she re. called how many plays she and Evan had seen together-from the balcony and even from the gallery. What fun it had been! They had been such good friends-well. was there any reason why they shouldn't be good friends now? No, of course not, only
 When Evan came, Patricia wore a pale eblue dress, very pretty and ex- pensiVe and fashionable, and how it did set her of, making her eyes so deeply violet her hair so brightly gold her fair skin fairer still And she had a little air now, not self-conscious, but secure and poised, with the knowledge that she fit the setting
 She had really forgotten that Evan was so good-looking, but he was a lit lie pale, and surely he had not always looked at her so. The evening passed quickly.
 He came again soon. and again, his eyes bright, his spirits high, and each time he left Patricia quiet, thought ful-
 At last, one night. she had gone to the window to draw the blind, and the moon was just rising.
 oh, come, Evan, and see the moon" she called. Its gorgeous!"
 He came and stood beside her
 Isn't it big tonight" she went on lightly, and such a deep gold. Isn't it lovely-wonderful?"
 She felt her hand seized. "Oh, Pa tricia," His voice was deep, quiver- ing. He was not looking at the moon at all, but straight down at her. It's yOu-yOu're lovely-and wonderful to me"
 "Evan," She withdrew her hand gently, and pulled down the blind When she turned again, he was still regarding her intently.
 Patricia. you know it-you must nave known it. 1 love you-I must say it-I-" eA
 She looked at him helplessly. q didn't know it, Evan. I'm sorry"
 When you got that money, I said 10 myself now it'll come out If she doesn't care bit, she'll drift away and forget about me That's why 1 didn't come-I waited" He searched her face eagerly
 But Evan. don't you see couldn't let you think that I didn't want to be friends because of the money-'
 So when you called me up, 1 was so happy-Patricia, don't you care a bit?"
 Patricia crossed the room to the ta- ble, and stood turning book this way and that After moment she spoke in a colorless voice.
 "I don't believe I told you, Evan that if marry, I lose my money"
 He threw up his head. "I hate that money anyway. Why. I'd be glad if"
 Something in her face stopped him. His tone was suddenly Gulled
 And I've got twenty-five a week to offer you
 She did not reply; she went on turn, ing the book this way and that.
 That just means that you don't care, know" wistfully. And of course, l couldn't ask you to give that up anyway, for what I could give you"
 I've got used to having things now" she said. 'I just couldn't go back to all that skimping and" She broke off She did not know why she was using this argument, why she did not say at once simply that she did not love him.
 Evan glanced around the expensive ly furnished room curiously as if try ing to discover it's irresistible charm.
 And all this time" he laughed at himself a little, I've been waiting to get raised 10 twenty-five, so l could ask you to marry me. I thought-we could get along fine on that
 Tin so sorry, Evan. but-but just couldn't" She did not look at him.
 He came and stood by the table. too. "I wonder" huskily, Tiff you hadn't got this money-if you'd havc--cared enough"
 She ralsed her eyes to his now. Isn't it evident that = don't care enough?"
 Does that mean" he asked slowly, that if you had cared you would have given up Miss Meacham's money?"
 T suppose SO" "Im-Im glad of that anyway" At least his dream of her need not be tarnished; it was in himself that there was lack not in her. And that was best.
 The elegant little clock on the man tel began 10 tick loudly in the silence as if it had suddenly raised it's voice.
 Well" Evan sighed. 'I guess I might as well be going" She did not say stay
 And, perhaps l hadn't better come any more" He held Ouu his hand. "Good-by."
 "Good-by Evan. But-of course, 1 we're friends just the same"
 fiis boyish face was white. I'm glad But l guess 1 hadn't better come any more, Patricia" He went out quickly.
 After awhile said Mrs Barrett: Why, Evan hasn't been up for a long time. I wonder what's the matter?" Patricia did not look up Evan wanted me to marry him, mother. and I-couldn't"
 Dear, dear." sighed Mrs Barrett. Poor boy I'm so sorry Patricia said nothing. Her mother embroidered a few more stitches. Do you know, I used to