The Huttig news., 1914-12-12
LITTLE SuMMER AFFAIR
By ADELE JOHNSON.

Do you mean to tell me, Gertrude, that you do not care for ne? That you have been trifling."
 ''Yes, if you want to put it that way, Mir. Henry Croydon. It was purely a little summer affair I supposed you understood the game. Now that the season is ended, it's called off. I think there's lots of pleasure in such little affairs don't you? I'm going back to my dear old noisy city. Really, I'm tired of the quiet of the country These hills seem to stifie me. I'm off for the world of light and music, the theater and good times. Three cheers for Broadway"
 Gertrude, you are trying to tease me. Come, dear, if I know anything about girls, you do love me. You have given me every reason to think so. Why, just last week you told me you loved these hills; that you hated the restless life; that you had found your real self here; that you had felt a peace of soul and happiness that were past understanding"
 Yes, yes, but-but girl has a right to change her mind. And as for your understanding girls-ha! ha! my dear friend, you may know your country product, but no. us of the city. I'm in earnest, Henry. Pm a creature of moods. I crave adven- ture. excitement, travel-oh, every thing, The stir and hustle appeal to me now. My home is calling, calling for me. Come drink to my health. An, you must go? Goodby. Mir. Croy den. Come, shake hands,"
 Excuse me, Miss Arlington, I've washed my hands. You are cruel woman, Gertrude Arlington. I cannot believe such as you are the handiWork of God You and all your clan should go through life labeled 'Poison.' Good evening""
 When Gertrude recovered her senses she gasped, "Oh, that he should think Of me in that way I who love, love him. I, who would consider it the greatest privilege to share his fife, to do the most menial work for him; the only man I have ever loved. But I had to force him to think me hard and cruel or he would never have gone back to her. Her! What is she to me? Why should let her ruin my happiness?'
 She drew from her pocket the letter she had received that morning, the. contents of which had caused her a struggle:
 My Dear Miss Arlington.
 q trust you will pardon me for writ ing to you almost perfect stranger you, only to destroy the letters and despise myself I have heard that you are as good and kind as you are beautiful, and I feel sure you will understand.
 Henry Croyden and I were school mates and childhood lovers. He has been attentive to me all these years. Indeed, our friends considered us en- gagged, although no formal declaration had been made. I love him, and 1 think I could make him happy. He has been the only bright spot in my otherwise colorless life. I was sure of his love until you came to spend he summer in our village. Before that I was the only girl he cared for.
 Miss Arlington, you have money and friends. You are young and at- tractive- l am an orphan, to whom the prospects of home means 1eaven. Perhaps I should be silent md give no sign of the pain within me. That is considered woman's duty. I fear I am weak-weak. nope you may never suffer what have during this summer. ~Oh, can you understand? Yours sincerely.
 MARY GOODWIN"
 Gertrude Arlington slowly tore the letter to shreds. A beautiful smile lighted her face. As she went to her room to pack her trunks she mur- mured, "Yes, Mary Goodwin, 1 under stand"