The Glenwood post., 1912-10-19

was then that Robert Peasly and
Diana fell behind, according to his
will and plan.
1t was then that something really
happened. 1t took the girl of her
guard, and left her speechless, and a
little white, for she was tender of
heart, and would not have hurt a fly.
$50 you asked me-for the romance
of it-and Of me?"
She had not word to say but he
searched the sincere face turned brave
ly to his look in the bright moonlight,
and found only truth and kindness
there.
do you know what the romance of
me is?"
She shook her head and faltered
out, ut is romance to discover a new
persona new friend, to find the
things that are hidden in people. 1
meant nothing-but kindness-pleas-
ure to myself and you and the rest!
You know that! You were always at
the desk, but silent. l knew you could
not be unlike other people, knew
you were really teresting-and-yo
are"
"You-have found me, certainly"
he interrupted; you We're bound to do
that, you couldn't have helped your.
self. But do you know what you have
found? You couldn't even guess at
the romance of it," He stopped a mo.
ment, and bade her sit beside him or
a fallen tree. The summer breeze
rustled tile leaves, night-bird whis
tied and the moon shone Diana was
very still-she had long known that
which she dared not admit to herself
She waited for him.
Well" he said, Il am your punish
ment for the day am at least dis
cerning-and you take to it like a
sportsman. You meant to be kind to
an ofice-ridden wretch who might
have been free six months ago-but
for you"
What do you mean?' she asked,
seeing that he. waited for question.
81 mean that it is not easy to leave
an Office where you have been for ten
years, when you like everybody, and
your work has made a rut in youi
brain. l don't know how-to use it."
use your brain-use what?"
"Use-money." His simple words
left her unenlightened, but he went on
81 don't know how to use-leisure.
And l couldn't leave the office-while
you were in it. l never showed you
how l felt about you, did 1? 1 had
pride enough not to do that, especially
when the boss-and you-when he in.
tended to-ask you to marry him"
She flushed. Are you utterly crazy?"
she asked. you must know-that ]
never could think of-Nr. Hartley
he"
Robert Peasly began to talk. 81
think l can put the case plainly, Di-
ana. In short, six months ago rela.
tive left me a lot of money and a
home. 1t should have been mine as
an orphan child, but l was cheated
out of it. l have lived a drudges life.
The relative was woman, and be-
cause she was what she was, l have
hated women. That was until two
years ago when you came to Hartley's.
l loved you-I loved you, but l knew
nothing about love, nor how to tell
you, and l knew you could not love
me. l made myself content with see
ing you every day. l have done utter
ly romantic things. Can you believe
that l have picked UP withered flow
ers you have worn and followed you
home and passed your house at night,
wondering which window was yours.
for all the world like boy in story?
Did you know"
She shook her head.
"And when this money came I had
hope for a day or two. Then-I hap
pened to overhear what wasn't meant
for mel knew how the boss"
"He wouldn't-dare to love mel"
the tears came, and as she turned to
him he put an arm about her. 1t came
that love-making does not have to be
learned, and drew her close to him
and held her there.
Forgive me-" he said, "but it's
heaven to me"
"What-do you-think 1t is to me
you foolish, foolish" She lifted her
head and pushing him away sprang up
and stood lightly before him holding
her hands clasped like a happy child.
II think" she said that l have been
as good at keeping a-romance to my
self as you are. ! think we are both
stupid-especially you. Can't you
guess my romance?" He rose and
reached for her, but she evaded him.
Tell me-" he pleaded. Il dare not
guesSi The guess would be to please
myself, Diana"
THAT might not be-far wrong"
"Diana-do you-care?" She came
to him willingly enough this time, but
not for long. She jumped up and pull
ed him with her.
1--WE mustn't miss that car"
He wondered why they mustn't. He
did not care about the car, but a wom-
an always has her reasons. He meek