The Mathews journal. (Mathews C.H. [Court House]) 1903-1937, 1912-12-19
WEEKLY SHORT STORY
By Joahna Single.

sion cana together for AIavis Corley
as che closed her desk and prepared
to leave with that quick, orderly IN
teliigence that made her a valuable
secretary. she dreaded holidays. Still;
more she dreaded being questions by
her w0rlkmates on the matter OF cele-
brating the day.
In the dressinf roora she slid swift
ly into her dark blue coat and hat,
tucked her curling dark hair into place
beneath a trlm veil, and slipped down
the side stairway. She had premo-
milton founded on experience that
Keith Lowry would be not far frou,
the front entrance.
With a little feeling OF escape she
went block or two out OF her way,
and instead OF taking a car set out
at a swift walk for the very comfort
able boarding house which had shell
tered her Tor year. She was nearly
there when a mans swift step came
behind her.
"Weill" exclaimed the big, blond
young fellow. hoy lid you manage
to eei past nae3 l wasn't guilty of
waiting at the door. you know. but
had a point of vantage where I was
snre could ace you Well, / have
you now for a mnu.e. VIII YOU q
to the game with me tomorrow, and
then 10 supper and the theater? Take
anyone else you like along-lbut I'D
rather have just you'll" He thrust a
long flower box safely under his arm.
i have q few buds here. Are you
going with meY" He had not given
her time to reply yet.
'0hs" she said, don't give me
tetngei You know--I can't keep tax
Ing even-dowers all the timel / don't
give you anything in return" she
spoke almost vehemently, mot even
Net even-aihing7 Not even-a
hope. Mavis7"
Oh, do Ike you; but that's all.
You promised not to talk about any
thing else, you know" Turning a
corner a chill wind struck them, and
In tine crowd he came protectingIy
close end took her arm a moment.
won't then, but it's hard work.
Look here moment. / must break
my promise this once Here you are
working-homeless. Here Il am work
Ing and with - home all ready for
you, but homeless myself because you
won't come TO it, Think about it. Is
It fair7"
1T is fair. I told you could never
do 1t. II Is you who are unfair not
10 accept my decision" He frightened
his hold on her, and something with
In her began to let go, to cease re-
sisting him. 81 am not going to go
anywhere with you tomorrow, Keith.
am going 10 stay alone at home ali
day. and do as yoN asl-think about
it. Then WIKI give you an answer
you shall accept as final. Don't ask
me to go out Don't do anything but
let ma alone"
WE'LL" he said in the dark of the
gate, 81 have one thing more to saw
II lore you, and love YOU. Mavisl
Remember tina Observation-Disclosures
Remember that real love Is warm
cloak against the big worlds cold.
And--I've no right to, hut am going
10 ask IL you care, or have cared. for
sonse one else? Is It some one who
wdll-mal1e you happy"
She hesitated.
II don't m4nd telling YOU. / am
trying to forget him. II thought he
cared as much as I-lhnt he Doesn't.
He could make me happy. He be-
longs to the old life-when I had IA
ther. / can't talk about 1t. Let me
80 IN"
Remember do care. and
always viii. am a reality-don't
give me up for shadow, Adavas.
She broke from Inn and ran into
the house.
The next day Mavds Deliberately
mourned fer Henry Morton, malulnr
no pretense OF pride to herself. she
re-read his letters. set his photography
up before her. wondered how he could
have failed TO come back to her after
the foolish little quarrel when she
had senaO him away. She had even
written note saying she was sorry.
he had not answered. Pride ranAled
az che memory, but love was greater
than pride.
&c was a wretched wa yto spend n
holiday. BY dinner time she Was half
sick and did not go down, accepting
the tray which the really concerned
landlady sent up. BY 8 she had cried
herself asleep and id not wake anti;
dusk was failing. Then she sat IN
Sorlornly among the pillows and de-
cfded that she could not offer Keith
Lowry half heart-he was 400 f,re
700 genuine and sweet and loving Her
heart warned at thought OF fin1 sRnt
she would refuse him Then the land
lady knocked at THE door and thrust
In her head.
MI. Lowry to see you. Says take
your time, but HEN stay TIN he sees
you. Wants you to dress to go out"
ssne slammed the door and numbered
Mayls Thought a moment, then rose
70 Dathe and dress She was young.
and even tears could not make her
less loyely. though her eyes were
mite swollen and tired. She mdasht
as we'll have the matter Of Keith over
Naons and she would honor him BY