The daily morning Alaskan., 1903-07-03
PROPOSAL
 BY PIANO

fcopyrlgtt lsO2. by Meclurc's Newspaper
 Syndicate,l
 Clarlce Vantine sat In the coolest cor, ner of thc hotel piazza idly strummins upon her guitar The light from the parlor window fell at her feet, broad band of yellow streaking the soft gloom of the vine hung corner. Som, one was picking out popular songs with one finger. but presently the h. bored playing ceased, and Clarlce gave sigh of relief.
 Her aunt. Mrs. Harvan, sighed also in deep satisfaction, not. however. oves the departure of the pianist, because she had been deaf to music and all other sounds thesc ten comfortable years. Her contentment was due to the fact that she had steered Clarice through an entire summer at Ocean View without once having permitted a tcte-a.tete with Carleton Jason, though he had not missed a single Sunday since their arrival.
 There was no particular reason why Mrs. Harvan should discriminate against Carl save that he had found favor in Clarice's eyes and Mrs, liar van wanted her pretty niece to herself. She loved her. but with a love that was completely selfish. though never lacking In generosity. Clarlce was showcred with an the good things of llge save that which sue now wanted most of all--love.
 Curl Jason had made this final trip to the shore expressly to lay his heart and his comfortable little fortune at the feet of Chrice that is, provided Mrs. Ilaryun would kindly get out of his way long enough. Prowling round the porch this very moment, he r'al- lzcd that he should have sailed for Flu rope a week since and that on the fol- lowing Saturday he must start whcth' er his love story moved on another chapter or not. Worst of all this was Clnriccs last night at the hotel On the morrow she and Mrs, Ilarvan
  land city. whithcr Carl could not fol. low them and stin make hls selling date on Saturday. Carl was thinking wrethrully of thls twentieth century bondage when hls eye caught the glcam of Clarice's guitar He started Co hls feet: then. with we'll assumed noucha- ance. strollcd Into the parlor.
 When Clurlce heard the tw,rl of the plano stool. she made tiny mouc. pre- pared to be bored again by some in- competent musician. She preferred si- lencc and her thoughts of Carl
 But she drew a breath ot happy re- uor when she recognized the touch. No one but Carl played just like that and now he was putting his very soul Into Tostrs "Goodby." She did not lean forward lest she should thus ot' tract her aunt's attention, but on the last refrain her guitar was keeping perfect harmony Co the passionate rise and fan of the plano music.
 A moments pause and then Clarlce smiled merrily. for there noatcd out from the parlor the strains of popu- lar song "Ain't .t a ShameT The guitar promptly answered, "Ize Wait nd. Honey Waited Long For You Back from the piano rang "I Thought [ Heard Somebody Calling Me- And she smiled again as a moment later the music changed to "rake Your Clothes and Go" for she realized that this musical hint was not for her.
 Carl waited a moment for her com mcnt. which came tlnkllng in the re- rrain Of You're All Right, but You Can't Ring ln." to be answered by "l Don't Want to Play In Your Yard' and Wont You Come Out and Play| from the piano.
 Clarice glanced at her aunt Tn the Sweet By and By" she played, and ca ger response came In "Oh, Promise Me-" and that hls meaning might be perfectly clear Carl ran in few famil- lar bars from the "Lohengrln" wedding march. A vivid blush mounted to the girls forehead. and she glanced nerv- ously at her aunt Surely such a keen eyed chaperon must mark her embar- rassmcnt. For Q moment the guitar lay untouched. Clarlce was pondering the question. and not until the first Jew strains of Answer" noated out upon the night dld she again pick up her instrument. But her decision had now been reached, and right brayely she played "I1l Be Your Honeysuckle; You Be the Bee"
 A mighty crash emanated from the plano, followed by the lively chorus of "I'in the Lucklest Coon In Town;' a seconds pause, then. with martial swing. Hold the Fort, For Am Com. ing"
 When Carl stepped out on the piazza, Mrs. Harvar regarded him with an un- favorable eve When he bent over Clarice's hand. she drowned. But this mild dlsapproval changed to vehement gestures when he caught up the mouth piece of tue flexible ear trumpet the el- Ter woman carried.
 "l have asked ClarIce to marry me, llrs. Haryan." he explained, and she
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