The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-11-09
TWO In A PUNT.

In due time arrived at the little cot
lage by the river. Jane was in a ham,
mock sluEg between two pear trees at
the end of the lawn. Above the waist
line, so to speak, her costume was friliy
and stripys below it was plain and
stripy, the whole of a kind of biscuit
color. Further items were a large, flop
py sort of straw hat and brown shoes
Dne of which dangled Imply underneath
her skirt.
She looked charming, and it seemed
almost criminal not to kiss her.
I told her so, laying special stress on
my relationship, and giving 1nformdt non
for which, 1 fear, there was rather
Insecure ground-as to prevailing Gus
toms in the matter of cousinly statutes.
By way of reply, Jane slowly assumed
an erect position in her hammock ana
Eazed at me with languid interest-the
sort of regard one might give 10 an
amusing insect.
Don't be silly" she said. II sent for
you to take me out for an AFTERNOON IN
the punt"
Now, had never manipulated punt
pole in my life, as Jane very well knew
but she uttered this astounding state
ment without the culver of an eyeno-
So 1 was forced to explain.
"OhI hate men who can't 90 thllss.
But never mind. I must make the pest
of a bad job. and give you lesson
Upon my word,Jane sometimes MAKES
wish was not a COuSln Die AOCSAA
call the numerous other young men OIL
her acquaintance bad jobs!" Still, on
the other hand, they would not have the
privilege of a lesson from her; so, per-
haps. the balance works out on my
side.
I did not say all this to Jane, of course.
1t seemed safer to confine myself to an
expression of regret for my lack OF ETH
cheney.
NIox 1-id
Jane went on "a nice young man
ought to be able to do all the things
that don't matter" she explained cryp-
tically. Every one can do the things
that do matter: and. after all, it is the
things that don't matter that really
matter most. isn't it?"
hastily assented. and removed my
hat to let what breeze there was play
on my heated brow.
Presently we reached the punt. and
when 1 had arranged the cushions
carefully according to her explicit in
structions-getting one soaking wet,
with my usual luck-Jane told me to
take my ease thereon while she gave
me an object lesson.
Not that end"
This was after I had. after much
labor. at length disposed myself COM
fortablv.
This end. where you can watch
me-
Seldom are James instructions so
said as much, and added that 1
should like to go on watching her for
evar.
She tried to look severe. and one
eyebrow did work itself into a futile
imitation of a frown. but the other
would not do what was expected of it.
and there was the least bit of a crump-
ling at the enc corner of her lips.
1t was then that I determined that
1t was proDitious day to propose to
Jane.
Besides. as 7 remembered with hope
fulness 1t would be the twentv-first
ume-and as three is a lucky number
ana seven is very lucky number
three times seven ought to make a
most extraordinary lucky one
While l was engaged in these pro-
found reflections Jane had recovered her
complete severity. She had poled off
from the bank, and we were proceeding
leisurely up stream. When her gaze
IelI upon me 1t was of a sternness that
might make the Sphinx seem bubbling
over with merry affability by COMPARE
son.
There is no need to look at those
girls" said Jane, acidly, after we had
gone some little distance. Watch me,
and notice how 1 am punting.''
1 pulled my head round with a guilty
Jerk and put all my soul into the gaze
1 directed at Jane.
It really did look as easy as might be
wished. Jane drew the pole out of the
water, shaking from it a shower of wa
ter drops that CLEANED like diamonds
in the sun; then quietly dropping it in
again, and with a supple swinging bend
urged the punt along.
Jane" 1 said, not without nervous
ness, though by this time proposing is a
familiar enough occupation with me,
Jane, I think I shall propose to YOU
again today"
Jane took no notice of my remark.
NOW said she. come and try to
punt
Il had much rather you went on You
look so charmingly graceful" 1 spoke
with intention, but Jane was .not to be
beguiled.
What you lack in grace will possibly
be made up in humor,'' she remarked,
handing me the pole.
Now it was a curious thing that had
no sooner taken that pole in my hand
than it seemed to attain the dimensions
of a seaffold pole. 1t was not heavy,
but seemed such an enormous length
that 1 was almost afraid to lift it out
of the water for fear of knocking a hole
In the sky.
Having at length got it well in hand I
Eelected with critical eye a suitable
piece of water to drop it in, and then
gently leaned upon the pole as I re-
membered Jane had done 1t would have
been all right but for the fact that when