This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
12
THE YOUNG GIRL ON THE BENCH.

"You know, Dick," she said, softly, as he still gazed across the green lawn, trying to find a mental foothold, as it were, "that I told you this before"——

"Yes, this makes the sixth time I have proposed," he said, savagely, still looking away.

"I have always told you," smiling slightly at his remark and lowering her voice as she glanced apprehensively at a girl seated on a bench near by, "that I will not marry you as long as you live as you do. I have money enough for two, so it makes no difference whether the man I marry has any or not. But I can't and won't marry a—a worthless man—one who has never done anything, and is too indolent to do anything. I want a husband who has some ability—who has accomplished something—just one worthy thing even, and then—well, it won't make so much difference if he is indolent afterwards. You know, Dick,