Life — April 15, 1897 — page 19: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

There was silence for a moment. ‘You are jealous of me,” said the Intellect, pushing its advantage. “I'm not!" from the girl. “Oh, yes, you are!" cheerfully resumed the Intellect. ‘* But you couldn't be even that, if it were not for me. You wouldn't know enough, and you wouldn't care. Any atten- tion, any interest, would seem to be for you, and it is only because of me that you are able to distinguish.” The girl yawned. “I've concluded to give you a rest,” with a half smile from the Intellect The girl looked startled. ‘There is one way you can get rid of me— for a time,” in an undertone. The girl sat up.‘ What is it?” she asked, breathlessly. ** By falling in love,” solemnly. The girl pouted. You'd stop me even then,” she said. ‘‘ I've tried it often enough, but you wouldn't Jet me.” ** But I'll leave you completely this time, so that you can.” The girl's face began to sober and the laugh died out of the blue eyes. “You will have the satisfaction of being like other girls,” continued the Intellect, never looking at the flushed face beside him. “There will be no severe judge to point out the fallacy of life, and to sift the chaff from the wheat. It will be very delicious! You will live in a world of dearest delight, where there is nothing but beauty and joy and love. That which is not will seem to be, and that which seems substance will be but shadow. There will be no cruel awakening when the falling petals reveal the worm-eaten heart of the rose, for without me the awakening cannot come. And now I will go.” 309 Already it seemed far away. The girl started from her reverie. She threw out her hand and held the Intellect as it would have vanished. ‘‘1 think "—her voice was low—"'] think you'd bette: a There was silence, broken only by the clear notes of a bluejay as he burst into a song of triumph. She and the Intellect were at peace once more. Harrvet Caryl Cox. “GRANDMA, 1 WISH YOU AND 1 HAD REAUX, DON'T you ?”