Norwich bulletin., 1913-07-16
KITTY'S KISSES

Its for charity, Jack reminded ' Katherine.
 Tt has always been said,s he re- torted, that charity covers multi l tude of sins
 1 You are impolite," she scolded. q am sure you might know that I would not do anything wrong. If I want to sell kisses for a dollar apiece. I don't l see why you should object. You have not established a monopoly-yeI' T don't know that 1 am particularly anxious to-" he said coldly What l first attracted me to you was the fact 1 that In spite of your popularity not a breath of scandal had ever touched i you. Now you purpose selling your l caresses at a dollar each for the St Marks fund and you are surprised that l should object
 l Because you should know me well enough to be assured that I would not | do such a thing unless 1 was satisfied that it was proper
 There may be a divergence of opin- ion as to the propriety," he said Il must insist or"
 T guess it might as well be or " she laughed. When you assume such a tragic pose it shows that you are III need of a lesson"
 She held out the ring and without word he took it and left the room. Before he had descended the steps Preston was minded to go pack ana apologize, but he felt sure that the breaking of the engagement would be sharper lesson than any argument. Somehow he did not fare well when he argued with Kitty. She never lost her temper and this always put him at a disadvantage.
 The announcement that Katherine Elcott was to sell her kisses at the St. Marks fair had it's intended eff feet. Kitty was the undisputed belle of her circle and more than one un- fortunate swain wondered why she did not demand at least $5. There were many who thought it would be well worth more than that to kiss Kitty:
 The fact that it was rumored that Thurman Preston had broken his en- gagement because Kitty refused to withdraw her offer added to the inter est and before the fair opened Kitty s kisses were the talk of the town.
 Thurman had not meant to attend, but somehow he could not stay away. For one thing there was always the hope that Kitty might repent at the eleventh hour, but Preston knew Kitty too well to believe that she would give up now.
 He was one of the first to put in an appearance, and as he entered almost his first glance fell upon curtain recess over the entrance to which was a sign reading:-
 KISS. BUT DON'T TELL.
 It was bad enough to think Of Kitty kissing all who were willing to pay dollar, but that curtained room was the last straw. He stationed himself beside the booth and presently kitty appeared:-
 ''You don't mean to say that you are going to be my first customer?D she gasped. That would spoil it all shan't let you in yet"
 T have no desire to patronize this feature" he said. fcily. My aid shall be given in a more seemly manner
 Mrs AIcEwan has charge of the booth where bachelor luxuries are set forth. There are some stunning sofa cushions and smoking jackets. Do you know her; or shall l introduce
 T have sent in a check" he said. If I annoy you here l shall be glad to take my departure"
 He moved on. but 1t was hard to keep away from the spot, and pres ently he found himself in the V1ncln1ty of the booth again.
 In the meantime a crowd has gath cred and each seemed to be Wartlng sheepishly for some one to break the ice It was several minutes before Tom Mecker paid his dollar and pass ed through the curtain to an accom- painment: of advice from thise less bold There was a strained silence for a moment then mans laugh and a second later Meeker appeared.
 Did you get it, Tom?" demanded some one.
 T can prove it to you" he laughed "enly I promised not to tell. Better go in and see for yourself,
 The inquirer paid up his dollar and went in and presently they were crowding about the booth. Preston moved away. He could not stand and see the men crowding up to pay for the privilege of kissing the girl he loved, and he realized, for the first time. now, that he still did love Kitty and that she was breaking his heart,
 Several times he sought te leave, but each time something held him back, and he made his dismal rounds of the hall, now making a purchase at some stall now rousiHg himself With a start to realize that he had drifted back to the vicinity of the booth.