The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-10-02
A PROPOSAL.


They had come in from the theater
and gone into the kitchen for a bite.
The Chinaman had set out the beer
and sandwiches on the top of the ice
chest in the laundry. She lighted every
gas burner in sight, fetched the tray
into the kitchen and got down the
plates, while he opened the beer and
filed the two glasses.
There's pate sandwiches she said,
punching each little pile with the tip
of her fingers as she spoke, land sar
dine sandwiches and lettuce and may
onnaise sandwiches. and don't say and
the sand which is on the floor be-
cause you say it every time, and it's
once, but isn't funny any more at all.
Here; don't talk SO much, but drink
your beer. Here's success to you"
They drank to each other, she sitting
on the deal table, clicking her heels to-
gether, he with his chair tilted back
against the sink, grinning at her over
the top of the glass.
Huh he exclaimed all of q sudden
as he set down his glass and glanced
about him-..four burners going full
head in the kitchen at this hour!
won't let you do that when we're mar
ried, young woman I can't afford it,"
when were"-she shouted, adding
furiously. well, do like thatl''
Yes, 1 thought you would he re-
piled calmly.
You thought-you thought." she
gesped, getting to her feet and gazing
at him wide eyed and breathless. You
Were-you are-we are
Il am, thou art, he isl he interrupt
ed, beginning to laugh, which means
that I am quite determined to marry
you, and thou art to be my welded
wife. and he ls-that is to say, your
father is to give US his consent and his
blessing I've been thinking it all over.
and I've made up my mind that it will
be for next Thursday at twenty min
ntes after 80
'Oh. you have, have your" she cried.
breathing hard through her nose. you
might have asked me something about
it,
oh I didn't need to ask" he an
swered. you see. I'm pretty sure al
ready
Pretty suret" she retorted 'tOh, this
is ffnel Oh, isn't this splendid? just
hate and loathe and detest and abhor
and abominate your
Yes, yes, know" he answered, put
ting up his hand. Does Thursday
night suit?"
mo. it doesn't suitl- she flashed back
at him. cit will be when say and
choose meant mean
He shouted with laughter. and her
face blazed.
II mean it won't ever bel oh. could
Il could kill your
At think it will be on Thursday" he
said refectively. "I'u call for you h ere
in carriage at 1920. and in the mean
time I'll see your father and fix things"
She sank into a chair and let her
hands drop into her lap, palms rp-
ward, and drew long breath two.
gazing at him helplessly and shaking
her head.
well. of all the coor'-
You see that will give us time
enough for supper, and then we can
take the S:55''-
What are you talking about?'' she
inquired deliberately. He went on un-
needing:
Il got the tickets this afternoon"
''Ticketsl" she faltered.
tUm- humI" he answered absently
feeling in his inside pocket Here they
are. See? This is the railroad ticket"
'Oh-oh how hate you'll"
THAT will give us two days in New
York / wired for stateroom day be-
fore yesterday. It's the ST. Paul. 1t
sails on the 23d. Do you like the hoat?''
"Oh, go right on-go right onl" she
cried. waving her hands at him. Don't
mind me-"
.sWell, that's as far ahead as i've
planned now. don't think we should
want to stay over on the other vile
more than four months. Then, you
know, there's the expense
She was about to answer when they
both heard the front door close. That's
Davel" she explained. Her brother
came out into the kitchen in evening
dress.
Hello, helIOi ne said beer ana
skittles-domestic enough. Can I belong?
Beers fiat. of course but I'll have skit-
tie, If you don't mind" And he began to
eat a sandwich, telling them the while
where he had been and what he had been
doing.
He and the brother fell a-tallxing. She
sat silent. very thoughtful; looking at him
from time to time.
Wen said he at last, IT must be go
ing" adding he turned to her: I've
a deal to do in the next few days" She
made q little gasp and got up and went
with him into the front hall, leaving the
brother to grumble over the fiatness of
the beer She helped him with his
overcoat. There was silence. He stood
with his hand the knob of the door.
Good night. she said, adding she al
ways did: When am to see you again2
We'll" he answered, suddenly grave,
very much in earnest, when are you to
see me again? It's up to you. little girl.
What's your answer Now, when shall
Gomez
She didn't answer at once. In the still
ness they. heard the humming of the ca
BILE in the street outside. Then there was
an opening and closing of doors as the
brother came out of the kitchen.
"Quickr' he said, putting hand on her
shoulder. Hen be here in g. minute
When am / to see you again?
Then she turned to him:
ooh 1 suppose Thursday at 20 minutes
after ar