The Monticellonian., 1903-10-22
HOW JAMES POPPED.
He Never Would Have Summoned Up Courage If "Jim" Hadn't
 Helped Him Out.

Polly Jones had done up the mornings s work, washed the dishes, strained the milk. made the beds, tidied up the rooms in general, peeled the potatoes for din- ner and set the table, covering it with spotless white spread Then she bathed her flushed face, combed her ringlets. changed her dress for one more becom- ing, and finally sat down to breath awhile before beginning the dinner. In that household meals must be on time and dinner was invariably at 12, writes Fan nie E. Turner, in Prairie Farmers Home Magazine
 She made pretty picture as she sat at the window facing the street. Present ly a footstep she knew quite well came tramping by. When the gentleman was opposite her window, he lifted his hat with an admiring smile and passed on.
 At that moaent he heard Miss Polly's voice call; Come back, Jim, come back Jim" He turned willingly and came quickly up the steps He was met at the door by Polly all blushes and confusion. who informed him 1t was the parrot Jim" and not herself who had been so impudent. James went away rather dis appointed. telling Polly he would return some day when Jim" was asleep.
 Polly's parents were dead. She lived with her Uncle Hiram Janaker. The family consisted of himself, his wife, Mary Ann, Polly. maltese cat named Bob, and parrot who answered to the name of Jim.
 Now, Jim was bird" in more ways than one. One night he overheard Polly and her admirer. James Bascome, con- versing in the hall. and the only thing that impressed him most was: Come back, Jim"
 After that, if he caught glimpse of James in the street. he never failed to call in voice very much resembling Polly's: Come back, Jim" until the gentleman would stop James could never tell who was talking for the bird mimicked Pouy's voice to perfection.
 James Bascome loved Polly, but could never muster up courage to propound the momentous question that was always at his tongues end. when he looked into her eyes, when he would go away kicking himself for a silly coward
 One evening James dropped in as usu- al. He had determined to ask Poly that very night to become his wife. But every time he started the conversation in that direction, Polly would branch off on some other subject
 Presently she left the room moment, when James, thinking aloud. said: "I love you, Polly. will you be my wife,"
 When Polly returned and the conver- sation was renewed. they were suddenly startled by hearing the words: T love you. Polly. will you be my wife?" Come back. Jim. come back. Jim. Co way back and sit down" "Ha, ha. ha. ha." screamed Jim at the top of his voice from his perch in the corner.
 Polly was blushing like rose, while James looked as though he would like to "go way back and sit down."
 Polly flew to the parrot. and would have whipped him soundly. but James caught her hands. exclaiming: Tt is my fault, Polly. punish me; 1t is truei do love you. Polly, will you be my wife?"
 After the ice was broken and the mo- mentous question asked. it was not SO difficult to tell the rest of the old. old. story to willing ears, whilst Jin from his corner looked wisely on.
 And when things were settled to the satisfaction of all concerned and the compact was sealed with kiss. from the corner a hoarse voice screamed: "Ha, ha ha, Come back. Jim l love you. Polly, will you be my wife? Go way back and sit down. Ha, ha-" But Polly es- capped from James embrace and drove Jim from the room