Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1918-07-11
HER CONFESSIONS
By CLARA MORRIS.

One must never urge woman to confess herself; if you do she win evade you. and bury the truth out of sight. It is her priceless treasure. She will not be robbed of 1t; she will not Sell it; she will not barter 1t. But if you are an attentive and sympathetic listener she will confer 1t upon you as hn Eastern queen confers princtpali- ty upon a favorite vassal. Ophelia had chosen to confess to ne. How well l remember her words.
 The First Confession-You know my intense nature. You know I absorb love as the sand absorbs water. It Is my meat and drink. Without 1t | per. ish thousand times. l have had one day of divine ecstacy. Listen! It is Raster. The weather is exceptionally fine. l have dress which Is miracle of handiwork, and fits to perfection. l have parasol and hat to match. My entire outfit is 9n inspiration. l know that nothing is lacking. feel the ex- quisite physical joy that one feels when she is graceful; she cannot help It. It
 
 that have attained perfect develop. ment. feel religious. l cannot stop within doors on such day. l resolve to attend church. and to attend the Church of St. Anthony of the Desert AS enter the vestibule l hear the throb of the organ; hear the click of my boot heels on the blue tiles; I am conscious of the presence of several gentlemen who regard me with inter- est as pass; feel their eyes upon my cheek and between my shoulders when my back is turned. l bow my head and enter the sanctuary; an usher leads me to pew near the altar. " |. Enter Very Rev. -, from vestry; prays idevoutly in most becoming robes; all pray devoutly; more organ; f1axen-haired choristers with rosebud mouths look like chanting cherubs. The robust bass does lovely solo; he al- ways sings with tremendous passion and stirs me up--sings hymn of praise to his Maker as if it were a romance de pamour to his mistress. Result: l feel madly in love with somebody; don't know who. I sit and dream to music. .bt
 Enter some one, who sits near me. 1 am provoked that he, she or 1t should dare to disturb my delicious reverie. A low voice whispers. Pardon me !" turn suddenly, and, behold, the hero I've been signing for all these weary empty, and unprofltable months is at my side. offering with graceful ele. gance his prayer book. had rather 1t were his hand and heart, for I am surely in love on the instant-splendid figure, divine mouth, beautiful hands The Second Confessional knew that should meet him again, and do. l say to myself, There Is the man for me to marry-heaven has sent him! Il am unutterably grateful!" It Is again of Sunday. l go out for stroll, after tea-of course, escorted. We reach the pretty park not far away. My mind drifts from my company. II am thinking of the adored enc, and how easy it will be for me to know him; so easy that would rather not hasten 1t by any ad of mine, but leave it to chance, and enjoy drifting. toward the >lovg in store for me. As we stroll q tender twilight comes on. A trolley approaches; we resolve to enter it. II enter. Can be mistaken-can be mistaken? Yes, 'tis he! Ye gods and blessed fates! my hero againi How we look at each other. I alight; he watches to see which house enter. Ali the while am looking my best;; can. not do otherwise under the circume stances--it's no effort; 1t is inspira. tional.,!,'- <. ,, Y The Last onfession.-One of those 1 ir11tating days when 1t is impossible to 1 sit still or to do anything for Ave con- secutive minutes. There are children in the house-meddlesome trouble some children, who quarrel at frequent intervals and drive me mad. l go into l fhe street hoping to f1nd rest. or at l least momentary relief: have seep him but twice. Down the street see carriages. funeral coaches. and a plumed hearse.j My heart stands still I am dragged against my will toward the house of mourning. enter unob. served-I will see who Is in the coffin l Three clergymen conduct the solemn cerelnonials. I wait through all the l hollow forms. I stand a moment over 1 the coffin; feel that I have buried all that is worth living for in the casket 1 with that exquisite marble face. Il stand and shiver in dumb rage. Some one takes me gently by the arm and i, leads me, aside. I choke as approach the door! 1return into the world! II Is an absolute blank to me. I shall never again care for, anyone or. any thing For he is dead and gone, :'.'' ; @,