Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-05-19
lenEed. looking up darinsly into her

lenEcd. looking up darinSly into her
new escorts face.
Stuart's tone was so grave as 70 he
In marked contrast TO hers
you must know that | am thank
ful Tor an opportunity OF being with
you, Dora" he said.
would you rather be with me than
with Cynthia" she demanded. teas
inely.
II would" he answered soberly.
Well" The exclamation was
frausht with surprise. and there was
ring OF relief III the tone. Il am
astonished.'
Why" Stuart asked. Are you as
tonished that ] should find pleasure
in the chance Of a tete-a-tete with my
best friends bctrothcd""
Something in the question checked
the smile on Dora's lips. No she
said slowly: "it is not that. ] take it
| for granted that, as you are Milton :
friend, you are mine. too. But that
does not mean that you would rather
be with me than with another girl
Dora Thinks Fast.
"In this case il does" he affirmed.
IL suppose" she began. then hest
tatcd
what" stuart insisted What did
you suppose
why. supposed tina, YOU were
rather fascinated by Cynthia. should
think YOU would be. She is lovely"
Yes. she is very lovely" the mar
admitted But that does not near
that would not rather talk with YOU
Dora said no more. She was think
ing fast. She suspected that her par
cnts wished 10 bring abou, match be.
tween their niece and Gerald stuart
The idea was not pleasing ono to her
She now wondered why she was Sc
,d ~, no p.i nt
for the man most nearly concerned.
Life is a queer mess" she sighed
1T certainly is" hcr companion
agreed.
After which expression. of opinion
they talked or other matters than the
queer phases Of life-matters that i'm
tercs,ed them 50 much that they
walked a. slowly as did the pace
makers in front Of them
Eut Milton Van saun was talking
fast in spite Of his deliberate rait.
You arc mighty good. Cynthia" he
said bluntly. 10 think Of cheering poor
Dad. DO no. believe there is another
girl in tho world who would have
thought Of such kindness"
Yes there ie," she contradicte!.
Lots % others would. And you mus,
remember that am doing myself .
favor am lonely. Milton. and sad
and feel as II must get away from
myself Just nov there seems TO nc no
way Of doing 1t except by helping
others in some fashion"
You arc sad because OF your be-
reavcmcnt." Milton observed. n,usinGly
"But-fcrEive mo If ask an inper;i-
nent nuestion-is that ALL Has auv
nov thing came ur 10 trouble YOU" "
Won would rather not toll mo just say
SO. I don; VAN 20 butt in--hut '
fsncied YOU looked more anxious than
usual this evening"
Some Confidence.
Il shoulh not have looked 50" She
cvsded direct answer to his query.
II must learn not 10 let myself seem
and pleasant things in life. IL ono wiil
hut search for them. that there is little
excuse for any ones going about with
a long face"
You have not answered my ducs-
ton" Milton accused. But 7 am no;
going TO press YOU to do So. ono thing
however I do know-and that is that
you must at times he liomesick.'
II have no home TO be homcsicii for
she reminded him.
"No.-buc you mus, miss YOUR father
dreadfully-oT here. away from all tho
rcople who knew him and 20 whom you
could 'slt about hint
Don Sne cncckcd MIN. irclor-
in-iN. her voice breaking. Don't
speak about it, please. cannot sta nd
it"
They had reached rhc Van saun
house. and As they mounted tho steps
Milton took in his grasp for an instant
tho hand that tho girl had laid on his
arm.
~ understand" he said softly. IF
roE over do want 10 talk about Your
troubles. remember that shall be hon
ored II YOU Confde them ~ me. But If
YOU do no. want to talk about them. re-
member also that I wish YOU TO do
only that which is least pain frl to YOU.
Please try 20 remember this"