The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1912-02-12
BY 4. MARIA CRAWFORD.
Copyright, 1912, by the Associated
Literary Press

tCoP$rlght, Isl-, ny the ASSOCIATED
Literary Press.)
w htH a-.stass- loves woman as
well as | love you, and when you ad-
NIT that you love ne hut refuse To
marry me, | believe that / am JUS
THEA in wanting TO know exactly
why"
They were having late supper at a
table in an alcoNe in IA large restau-
rant. The gold tassel al the side OF
her little theatre cap s~ayed slightly
as she leaned her head over. staring
at the white cloth with it's mound OF
yellow roses.
Look at me. Helen. It's high time
that we threshed this thing out, con-
tinued John Haldon quietly.
Helen kayner's face flushed pain
fully. Ii wish you wouldn't dis
cuss such personal things-here.'
Nobody is listening to us. Dean
Sherwood Is grinning his usual 'She'i
never have YOU, my boy, and | am
not willing to submit 10 expressive
public speculation any more ou II
either have to take me now or chuck
me over for good. / won't hang fire
another day
Mercy. John. You astonish me,
You are SO dramatic. BE pleasan nj
and let's enjoy this excellent supper.
NO, the worm has turned. Helen.
Anger certainly affects a mans APP
petite. You laugh at me constantly.
What is your attitude? / want 10
understand it perfectly"
Are you jealous, my DEAR" ques-
toned the girl in a half hooking
way. Il rode home from Ellen 8
luncheon today with Freddie Ohm
stead. He has a new car. beauty
l suppose you've heard about it, Dear
me-" she sighed audibly, Jealousy is
such a stupid habit"
"Ifelen, have put a plain ques-
ton to you. / can't force you to an
swer, but | ask you to for the last
time. You cant play with me and
my love for you another day
Her eyes met his for fieeting
second and she saw stern look on
ing.
What is it you want to know,
john
DO you still admit that you love
me-"
Yes. You must know that do g
Then why aren't you willing to
marry me? | can offer you all that
your father is able to give you.
Il am not ready to settle down. l
want 10 have good time When a
girl is not Yet twenty-five she doesn't
want to give up all her fun"
Granted, but why give 1t up Is
II because you want other men
around
mo. As II is. I go practically
everywhere with you now"
Helen. it's because OF Tom Gray
ner. You want to remain single until
after he comes home with your
brother in the spring. He has more
money than / have. Are you mer-
cenary. after ali 2"
"Eft din't love you, John HaIdoh.
I would never speak to you again.
I'll tell YOU why / haven't wanted to
marry you. You have SO many the
cries, IL have been afraid ! would
fail as your wife. Now. that's the
truth"
What do you mean. Helen?"
you believe in what you call
brotherhood and try to hefp people
who are less fortunate than you are.
You believe in really doing service
for your friends. For instance. when
Jim Thornton's trouble came and l
demonstrated with you for giving up
your time as well as your money to
help him, you said. 'Anybody's money
can accomplish as much as mine. but
nobody can do for that BOY as can,
for he loves me and has faith In me.
With a little encouragement and helo
from me. he Will son get on his feet
again. He will do whatever ! expect
of him. l never forgot those words
They We're indicative of your outlook
on people In general and on me In
particular. | was afraid to fail YOU"
Il don't expect any help from You.
dear"
That's Just it. You think you
won't, but if we ever came to mar
rage. YOU would he sorry that you
had taken woman who was in no
sense your helpmeet. ! know. John.
I have thought about II great many
times and tried to Taught the fear out
Of my heart"
Don't say that Helen. It's like
q whip In my face"
you expect 80 much OF woman"
NO. you're wrong about that.