Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1921-10-22


Marie was alone at home one after
noon when young Atkins called.
1t was Sunday, and Miss Chester
had motored out into the country to
see friend who was sick.
Perhaps young Atkins knew this, for.
at any rate there was look of deter
mination about him az he walked into
the drawing room, where Marie was
pretending to read and trying to pre-
vent herself from writing to Chris,
a moment ago she had been feeling
desperately lonely. and longing for some
| one to, come in, but queer sort Of fear
came to her as she looked into youna
Atkins eyes.
lie was rather pale. and this after
noon the boyishness seemed to have been
wiped out of his face by an older,
graver look.
won't you have some tca?" she
asked him. I've had mine, but VIC
will soon get some more for YOU"
No, he would NOT have tea. He sat
down only to get up again Immediately
and walk restlessly about the room.
Marie watched him ncrvously,
Shall we go for n walk" she asked
with sudden inspiration. II have not
been out all day. Do let US go for n
walk"
He hardly seemed to hear. lie had
taken up a cigarette case belonging to
chris, and was opening and shutting II
with nervous aimlcssncsS.
Suddenly he asked abruptly:
when is Chris coming home?"
Mnrio caught her breath sharply.
~ was never good at riddles" she
said in hard voice.
There was moments silence, then
ne hung the cigarette case down, and
turning, came over to where she stood
and cnught her in his arms-such strong
young arms they We're. which there was
no resisting.
Il love you." he said desperately
II think I've always loved you. and
| can t bear it any longer. II Chris
doesn't care for yOu, what did he want
to marry you for? 1t was cheating some
other poor devil out Of Paradise
Marie--l know you think I'm only
boy, but I'd die for you this minute if
it would make YOU happy; I'd ."
oh, my darling. don't cry"
Marie had made no attempt TO free
herself from his clasp. She was stand
ing in the circle of his arms. her head
nvcrted and the big tears running
slowly down her cheeks.
She put up her hand to brush them
away when she heard the distress in
his voice.
I'm all right--oh, please, if you
wouldn't - For he had caught her
hand and was kissing it passionately.
He went on pleading, praying, i'm
ploring, in his boys voice; for he
was very sincere, and he had suffered
more for her sake and the neglect which
q, ,,,.. ~
than from the hOpelcssness of his own
cause.
He would make her so happy. he
said they would 30 away together
abroad somewhere. lie hadn't got any
least, only n little-but he'd
work like the very deuce if he had her
to work for.
She put her hand over his lips then
TO silence him.
Tommy. dear, don't ="
His name was not Tommy but every
body had called him Tommy for SO long
because it seemed to go naturally with
his surname that now he had almost |
forgotten what he had really been
'hristcned, but il sounded sweet from |
Mare's lips, and he kissed passi0nately !
the little hand that would have silenced |
his pleading
lONc Hou loNe you ne salu |
again.
She shook her head She knew that
'he ought to have been angry with him,
lut there was something very comfort
ng to her sore heart in this boys love.
Its no good, Tommy" she said
gently, and YOU know it isn't. Even
{ cared for you-and don't. not in
hat wNy-you're re so young, and
md I'm married =" And theme
with very real burst of emotion, she
added: 1--WE were such good friends,
md now you've gone and spoiled it
III.
II couldn't help tit had to come
md I'm glad. I've never fc.t like a
riend to you. l thought you knew it,
'ut If you want me to I'll go on being
'our frinnd all my life" he added in
consequently.
Her tears came again at that. and
Tommy got out his handkerchief-a
lice, soft silk one which he had family
ccntcd for the occasion-and wiped
Ter eyes for her. and reprOached him
elf. and cOmfOrtCd her all in n breath,
i'll she looked up and smiled again.
And now we've been thoroughly
oOlish." she said with little sob,
please be a dear. and take me for a
walk"
1T hasn't been foolishncss," he an
wered, with a new manlincRs that sur
Drised her and made her feel n little
ashamed. II love you. and shall
ways love YOU. but II You only want
rc for friend wcil that's all there Is
o be said"
She took his hand and held it hard
or a moment
"lou're kind boy. Tommy"
CONTINUED MONnAY