The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1920-01-01
THE DAILY
SHORT STORY
New Years Resolution.
BytA W. rEAcH

Il any more. j am Sorry, for 90 rove
you, you know! But ! have had dreams
since a mere girl OF doing wonderful
things with my music. So have maue
up my mind Today is New Years and
b am goiIyS TO begin to work for Just
one end. Phil
"A New Years resolution. them
he answered gently. "a sad one for
me.
Il know-you have been good to
me, but but 1t has reached point
Vhere-where- get to thinking OF
YOU The rose In her cheeks deep
ened. -And a home with you. Now
must pus such thoughts away. Think
how my friends and father and
mcsher would feel! They have such
plans for me TO marry and settle
down. can mo, I can't think Of IT.!
SO YOU must promise to say-say no
more to me about about loving me-
He rose TO go. Beth, If it troubles
you, will
1T doesn't trouble me, Phil. have
loved TO have you. But my mind is
certain Tomorrow am sailing for
( Italy
NO he said hurriedly. "You don't
Listen she said tenderly. 81
must leave you now or later. And ]
want it to be soon. 1t will be easier. .
He stood staring at a future with
out her-her merry, sweet voice that
was finer music TO him than to any
one in the world. Her bright head,
her dark, tender eyes, her ways, every
one familiar and dear to him.
She read his thoughts and put one
white, slim arm around his neck
Phi, you dear old chum, think how
proud you will be Of me, one of these
days, when return and you come to
hear me.
He smiled down into her eyes. II
know who're would rather hear you
sing-in my home, some evening,
some little song such"
Hush!' she said quickly drawing
from him, her eyes pleading for his
silence. 80
Il will. But, Beth, tonight you must
80 with me to the concert at the con-
servatory. Will your
VIII I?r She gave him by way of
answer what, under other circum-
stances would have developed into a
hug.
Mafsden left her and walked slowly
homeward to his apartments. The
world had suddenly gone to ashes
about him OF for Italy with that
birdlike voice Of hers. He had often
thought of her as thrush-a lover
Of hidden and secret places almost
within his reach yet beyond it.
He found his chosen friend and
boon companion sprawled. out in big
chair IN his den smoking and reading.
Stevens jumped up at the sight of his
face.
What's the matter, old chapr he
calculated.
Seating himself Marsden told the
story-a story pnnctuated by whistled
comments on Steeen's part. At the
story's end Stevens leaned back.
"Hsil, that is a blow. had jusr
begun to count on having real home
to drop intoyours and the lady's
with the merry eyes. Ye gods that is
a stunneri
Stevens drew on his pipe and
mused, looking now and then at his
silent friend in the clubchair who
scanned to be far away IN some dis
NAL valley OF his own thoughts.
Suddenly. Stevens struck his pipe
with decision against the CRATE OF the
fireplace and jumped ito his feet. 81
suppose the party Is on tonight at the
eonservatoryr'
TT is,s Marsden said. "1'iI see you
and Alice there !.
You bet was Stevens answer as
he hurried out.
As II with a plan already in mind
he hurried Nown the street, boarded
car that whirled Its way into the
residential part OF the city. Before a
= ftIfv. :. SO
alighted. and went to the door.
He searched for 4 name and a lit
tie later found himself shaking hands
With short, pleasant faced italian.
D0naluzzi. have tale for your
ears Stevens announced. &c -
"All right. the Italian answered
Any man who plays cello as you.
can tell me any tale an / listen"
Stevens told him swiftly of the
situation between Marsden and the
girl he whole heartedly loved. Now,
here is the point! Beth is your punt.
i have plan.'
He proceeded 70 unfold 1t. The
Italian alternately blinked, shook lis
head. gasped, refused, and finally
nodded. You say she really loves
him and he loves her, he asked.
Man, 1t is the love would die for
4 could have it" stevens said firm
Consider It settled, panaluzia ans
Tereu. -
At 8 o'clock, Stevens and Alice the
girl who might some day marry him.
as she said. when he takys life seri-
ously enough to propose without
working in a Joke Marsden and
bright haired Beth were, in their
The concert began, but Marsden's
thoughts were not on the music but
close to the bright head at his shoul-
der; and she, too glanced up at him
once In while, shyly, quickly.
In one OF the intermissions. an
Italian voice came to them saving
4oftly TO some friend yes. Miss Ellis
worth has a fine yoice-yes, but not
voice Toto train for the operate
stage. the great role-sh, no. TO sing
q homs-before friends, yes. But
that's all.
The singer on the stage began
Narsden was conscious Of tense lit
tie body at his side and of his own
Rstonishment. A nudge In his side
drew his attention. He looked down
PHI, Is that-is that Donaluzzi?