Evening star., 1912-09-01

Paradise Mine is all full of birds and children and
stars and flowers and laughter-al my playmates
OF eternity"
You would not miss me there, said Priscilla.
No said Mark, because l should have you.
What if there isn't any?" asked Priscilla slowly;
What if when you step off the edge of the world
there's nothing there but black hole?''
All how horrible!" cried Mark sharply. Don't"
What talking about?" asked Priscilla.
"Oh, l remember-we were playing at being serious.
I'm tired of playing that: lets be silly "
laughed Mark. Good Heavens what nonsense we
have been talking! Think of botherng about Heaven
He'll Eternity itself day like this! It's so
glorious to be alive and here and you and me-what
does all the rest matter? I'm going to shout!'
Which he did, and Priscilla shouted too. Then they
looked at each other and gave way to hilarious mlrth
Il do love you when you're S1y! cried Mark.
You're beautifully silly Oh, how Splendid
how splendid it is to be we!'
PRISCILLA shivered suddenly. "I'm cod,' she
said. And think want to go home. l have
headache, and I'm tired.
How hateful" mourned Mark. "Why didn't
tell me, and I shouldn't have been tiresome?
Never mind: l ought to have known. How could
have screamed and laughed and talked that way when
you were tired' Is it bad headache? Can you
walk? Do you want me to carry you?'
Its nothing" denied Priscilla. If 1 rest just
little it will be perfectly all right OF course,
walk. Talk all the time, please and don't be ridc1-
Il like it when 1 make it" admitted Mark. But
sometimes 1 hate it. This is the path to the house
There some of the adventure seekers getting
berries, said Priscilla. II see them through the
trees There is someone in white dress with green
she has big green hat.
It's Jacqueline,' said Mark.
'Of course, " replied Priscilla quickly. "Now
her hair. How bright it is! And the is Arthur
Gordon.
If YOU walk so fast you will tire yourself reproved
Mark. And we're almost there, anyway | see
the gate"
Let's go round by the rose garden. My hair is in
most horrible state, and Elizabeth would have hys-
terlcs If she saw my Shoes So we'll spare her.
" Poor Priscilla, you look as you had had as many
adventures as Ulysses!" laughed Mark. ooh, look
out-there goes your dress again!"
Il don't care" she declared u, reeklesSly eS It's
because there many Wait, III give you
real ones for that tawdry reward "
No, said Mark. They die 1 hate dead roses"
been beautiful day, Mark loved it ali, even the
spotted cows
" But there; haven't been any adventures Aren't
you coming back, Playmate?"
Il don't know. Do you want me?
Il began Mark.
n the end end Of the garden. what are you doing in
this unadventurous spot? saw you headed this way;
but my attention somewhat distracted, at that
precise instant Jacqueline turned her foot. We
inlped home together, and | am now all, all alone
Is anything wrong with you!
Nothing except complete nervous exhaustion
replied Priscilla. Il am shattered wreck, my good
friend and broken spirit. l have been pursued by
the beasts of the field And am going to retreat
to less narrowing atmosphere -
Aren't you coming back?" asked Mark.
IN send word. No, don't bother to come too"
II will bother" retorted Arthur irately, because
have go that way to get to my saddlehorse that
is going to bear swiftly over hill and dale. But
if my company IS obnoxious to you I'll follow at ten
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You insane" smiled Priscilla, 'Goodby,
Mark, in case l don't you again.
Goodby till tea in that unhappy advent, y" smiled
Mark.
Il feel singula1ly inopportune, y mur1nured Arthur
unhappily. "Roses-partngs- am l to hover
at hando l withdraw" "