The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1902-08-28
he maid when her mistress isn't look


ing"
Burton saw no application to himself
in particular and took the shot at his
sex as a piece Of badinage. He retort-
ed laughingly, "You wouldn't have him
kiss her in the presence of her mis-
treSs"
Miss Kingsley had been in the house
lust one month when Burton went
through the operation of personal
stocktaking. You're not Ouida
Adonis, JIM" he told himself, "but you
seem to be decent, fairly good looking
sort Of chap, according to everyday
standards; you are good tempered, rea-
sonably domesticated and willing to
become more so, of tclerable dispO-
sition and financially in position to
marry modest maid
When a man holds this kind of COM
munion with himself. it goes without
saying that he is in love, and Jim was
frank to himself, at least on that ques-
ton.
Although 70 definite time had been
fixed upol fer Miss Kingsley's depar-
tdre, Burton felt instinctiyely that her
stay was corning to an end. There
was rrenlcnition Of farewell in the
air. and, although his acquaintance
was only SIX weeks old, he determined
to take the desperate step. Now, a
proposal is a delicate and difficult mat
ter, and Jim felt that Of all the known
and approved methods only one suited
his temperamental and physical make
up. The romantic was out of the ques-
ton. the fippant too extreme on the
other side, the abrupt too unwise, the
roundabout beyond his compass.
Therefore he planned what he believed
to be style of his own.
She was playing the piano. He was
leaning negligently at the side.
II suppose you are looking forward
to the opening Of the grand opera sea-
son?" he inquired, with deliberate in
tention to discover the date Of her de-
parture.
"No; that is one Of my disappoint-
ments. l leave on Monday"
Jim was silent for awhile. 1t was
part Of his plan.
II shall be very sorry. 1t is pity
you will not remain in New York alto
gether."
''Fhank you. You are very kind"
This. with frank smile into his eyes,
disconnected Jim somewhat. He''had
expected a reply with why" in it.
He tried it again.
81 wish you could remain"
"But l can't"
"You can" See ..'....
"HowY'
81 should like the right to keep you
here"
'Is this proposal?
Jim nodded.
"Well, am very much 1attered in
deed, and l think would like to ac-
cept you-now, keep your distance,
please-if'-
eff! Yes! If what?"
'If you comply with the conditions.
Do you drink" $50,
mo"
Good! You don't stay out late Al
night?"
No" y"
Excellent! And, suppose, if mar
ried you. you'd never kiss the maid"
"Neverw said Jim fervently.
"Stay where you are, please. Have
you ever kissed the maid?
"What! Kissed her?' cried Burton
in righteous indignation at the impu.
tation on his taste.
>.No! Mollie, l mean. hear she was
a very attractive girl"
Burton was about to founder Tito
confession and an explanation, but
twinkle in Etta's eye saved him. NO."
he declared stoutly. 81 never kissed
Noble. / kissed your
He had her in his arms. and she ca
pitulated.
81 never debited up that kiss against
your character" she told him, "be-
cause knew from the way you did it
that it was the first attempt"
And now jim is wondering how she
knew. '-~'.i~s.,-.e. reaz..