The Argosy, Christmas 1912 — page 115: what you’re looking at

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

BEFORE, THE DARK. seem to find it. He groped for it for several minutes. I was standing up, and I could see it clearly.” Osgood was serious. ‘“There’s just another indication,” he said. “ These things are what make me think there really is something in the prediction. The mistake he made in the review, in particular, seems to show it. I advised him to see an oculist.”’ “What did he say? Is he going to do it?” “That was before the review. He didn’t seem much concerned then. He probably is now. I hope you’ll use your influence to make him go to an oculist right away.” “T will, though I don’t know what: influence J have.” She paused, and studied him closely. “I should think you, who know him better, would have more. More than anybody else. J am awfully glad you two are such friends. I think it’s splendid.” Osgood smiled to himself. “Yes, I think we get along all right,” he said, “ considering.” She looked at him quickly. ‘Considering what?” “Oh, nothing much.” “ But what? ”’ “Why do you ask?” ‘“‘ Because I want to know.” “You don’t really want me to tell you?” “Yes, Ido. Please.” “Well, it’s just this. are the best friends in the world. No one thinks more of him than 1 do. He is a fine fellow and we have always got on together excellently. But now there is one question which is coming up. We haven’t discussed it yet, and so far it has made no difference. But I can see it will have to be considered, and it may make a difference. Perhaps soon.” “What is it?” “You.” 66 IP? 39 39 Yes.”’ “But I don’t understand. How could 1?” Bennett and I[ 101 ‘ Because we both like you—more than we do other girls.” “Well?” “ Well, the question is: How do you like us?” “ T like you both very much.” ‘ But which do you prefer? ”’ She hesitated. “ Don’t let’s talk about it,’’ she said. “ Let’s talk about something else.’’ “ But I want to know. I think you should tell me. I mean, I think it would be nice of you.” “Td rather not.” “Why not? It means a great deal to me, more than you know, perhaps. Edith, I love you. I am crazy about you. I think about you all the time. All day—” “Stop,” she said. say another word.” “Why? Is it so very unwelcome? ” “No, it isn’t that. I like you very much, and I want you to like me, but you mustn’t talk about love.” “Why not?” “Because I don’t love you.” “Perhaps not now, but—” ““ No, I could never love you. Don’t say any more about it. Let’s be good friends, as we have always been.” Osgood’s face darkened. “You mean that you are in love with somebody else? ”’ She did not answer. “Ts it that you could never love me or that. you are in love with somebody else?’ he persisted. Still she did not answer. “Ts it Bennett? ” he hazarded. She faced him. ; “Why do you ask that?” “ Because I think it may be. In fact, I think it ts.” There was a pause. “Am I right?” he went on. “Yes, you are.” “Are you engaged to him?” “Yes, to-day.” Osgood stared. “Oh,” he said. ‘“‘ Oh, I understand now. I am sorry I did not know. It would be idle and insincere for me to “You mustn't CoOMmicbook CO