The Kootenai herald. [volume] (Kootenai, Idaho) 1891-1904, 1901-12-20
"When Tom Proposed"


CO ON was wont TO declare tnat his
environmenthad eradicated every
"a vestige of sentiment that he had
originally possessed.
"How can a fellow retain any feel
ing of sacredness in regard to proposal
or an engagement after hearing such
things canvassed by the girls as
have" he would say, pathetically ITS
my firm belief that most women have
no more sentiment than oyster. If ever
l propose it will be in such way that
the girl can't make fun of it afterward
among the other girls"
Tom was an only son. He had seven
sisters and innumerable girl cousins.
Tom was thoroughly conversant with
the love affairs of all of them.
There was good ground for his belief
that he knew more of the inside facts
as to how men propose than any other
man living. His presence had never in
terrupted or postponed any account of
a girlish adventure, a Irritation or a
proposal.
Its only Tom" the girls would say.
And Tom rather enjoyed the revela-
tons.
From the height of his superior
knowledge, Tom occasionally advised
his comrades, who were less blessed
with sisters and cousins.
Its no use, Billy" he said to Billy
Baxter, who had suggested a proposal
by letter as an easy way; its no use
trying to dodge the inevitable. If there
is any particular she in your case,
don't try writing, for even if she in
tends to refuse you she will write ask
ing you to call. and you must go over
the whole thing by word of mouth, be-
fore she drops you into the depths with
no.
Besides, it gives the girls an awful
chance at a fellow" he continued. I'm
not calling any names, but less than a
week ago | heard a letter proposal read
by the recipient, and a dozen girls as
sisted in composing suitable reply.
furnished the stamps and posted the
letter. The poor devil is in Germany.
also cabled my condolences. l now
they will be appreciated when that let
ter reaches him"
Billy groaned dismally.
81 infer you've already sent your let
ter" said Tom, cheerfully
Billy groaned again in reply.
Now, l like the 'Barkis is willin' >
plan" went on Tom. You know Bob
Bob Treherne? Well Bob has what
Sam Weller calls the gift of CAB very
gallopin'.' He made elaborate prepare
tons; rehearsed before the glass; left
hand in coat front, right used in appro-
pirate gestures, head thrown back.
chest xpanded-favorite attitude with
men who are photographed in dress
suits. Told the story of his love to his
own reflection in the mirror, using the
choicest dictiOn and the most beautiful
" rounded sentences. Make big stock
of ideals passionate devotion, 'life'>
inspiration and all that sort Pictured
to himself Bessie's dOwncast eyes. soft
ly flushed cheeks and trembling lips.
Bob confessed all this to me recent
ly. / was about years Old and was in
the room when the actual occurrence
took place. Bob took my sisters kitten
on his lap and said Pussy, ask your
mistress If she will marry me- Ant
Bess pulled Kittys tail, saying, Tel
him yes, Pussy Then she said: Tom
go tell father and mother that Bob anC
l are engaged
Il suppose the regulation things hap
pened after l went out. But that goe.
to show of how little avail are grea
preparations"
"But such abruptness might displeast
some girls" suggested Billy.
$50 it might" admitted Billy; "foi
instance, when Silvie was visiting Bar
bara in western Kansas, a good-loOkinl
ranchman whom Silvie had met twic,