The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1922-01-19
The Lonesome
Girl
by CLARISSA MAcKIE.

Miss Dalloe came idly down the
hundred wooden steps that led to the
beach. Above her rose the bold head.
and. thrustlng into the sound its sand.
laced slopes, its crown OF cedars oaks
ana locusts, where, hidden among the
trees was her fathers country home
few other handsome places were
scattered along the point of land, the
houses concealed In the woods; long
lights OF wooden steps wriggled down
.hc slopes to bath houses and boat
houses. each with little wooden piers
running out to meet the tide.
The tide was coming In rapidly: In
ifteen minutes It would surround the
Dig rock that marked the outpost for
safe bathing. The beach was deserted
and a cold wind was coming out of the
northeast. yet poised ON the big rock
girls slender figure was silhouetted
igainst the primrose of the evening
sky. Paula Dalloe frowned.
Little fooll" she muttered Impa-
iently, and ran down the remaining
steps to the hard white sand; when
she reached the big rock she drew
pack from the flying spray as the
waves rolled against the base.
Can you swim3" she called to the
girl on the rock.
The girl turned a pale, determined
face. NO" she said fatty.
"Then you must come down at once
h.a a
1T doesn't. matter" said the other
DULY, and turned away to stare ut the
TAR horizon.
"Why-how absurdi I"
The girl spoke over her pretty
shoulder, impudently.
Does 1t matter to you-partlcu-
larlyT
"of course--don't you think you had
better come down and talk things
over with me-you might change your
mind"
"Never-never-neverw cried the
girl passionately. "There is nothing
to care for--no one to care-lt's INV
own life-if want to-go-that way:
It's my business"
"We cannot shout at each other this
way-come down for while. and II
you must go back later-very we'll
It's your life," suggested Paula.
IF you won't interfere with my go
Ing back-T'll come for a whIle-the
tide Is so SLOW" conceded the girl ms
she slipped wearily down the shore
side Of the rock and Joined the other.
They sat down on the sand In the
afterglow of the pale sunset.
who are your" asked Miss Dalloe.
with puzzled look at the small elf
IKE figure, the really beautiful face
and sad eyes of the girl. 1--WE seen
you somewhere"
You saw me last night-I was
singing in the chorus OF the Sea Maid
at the entertainment In the big house
yonder." She nodded toward a glimpse
OF red-tiled roof In the distance.
"Ah-at the Eallngs-I remember:
you We're the smallest girl, ut the very
end"
The girl nodded. "Who are your"
she asked bluntly.
Paula Dalloe."
"Your father the rich Dalloe-vou
i've up here?" She glanced up the
slope.
Didn't you want to return with the
this morningf"
mo; l was sick and stayed over.
They were kind; the housekeeper sent
ne to the beach to get the air, and /
-hought 1t was the best way out"
"Out Of what7 Tell me, please"
Paula smiled and laid her strong
'rown fingers on the delicate hand of
he younger girl.
Everything I am all alone in the
asylum--you know
nd then the stage-and 1 met him
les fine-the best In the world-but
We lost each other. ! know his name.
'ut won't seek him, because"
"Because--?"
"Well, I'm not In that class, Miss
)alloe. / haven't had much education.
nut he said 1t didn't matter. because
ny heart was right, and I'd learn, and
we'd be happy. He told me about his
ouse, and how. when we were mar
led, would be the mistress. II
cared mel was afraid OF all the
olks he knew-and so l left the COM
any ! was with and ran away--and
e never could trace me. This is two
ears ago, but II hurts yet" She stared
tralght ahead with unseeing eyes.
Il am sorry" said Paula gently.
Don't you think you should let him
now where you are--he may be very
nhappy."
Il couldn't. Tn not his sort. When
re were together 1t seemed easy. but
fter he went thought OF his grand
rlends and the disgrace would bring
pom him."
II am afraid you haven't treated
Inn very we'll"
HE has forgotten by this time" I
aid the girl suddenly. 4
"Will you tell me your namer II
"Evalyn Clark"
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