The Bellefontaine Republican. [volume] (Bellefontaine, Logan County, Ohio) 1855-1905, 1904-06-10
wish my attention. You called to see

me on business"
'Yes-and no-that is. II could not be
termed strictly business. and yet II is
in a way. But on second thoughts.
think I could talk better with you at
home. so IL you will call some evening
this week. feel as IL might broach the
matter more-more-" She fioundered
for the right word: she was beginning
to be a bit phased by the situation.
"Oh. well. all right" he said. cheer
Ily. for. truth to tell. he was expecting
very important client. who was due
that very minute. Say tomorrow even
ing: will that do?" II suited him very
well to call on her as he thoroughly en-
joyed an hour with Ina Patterson. who
was both bright and clever. And thus
II was settled.
Ina was relieved when. next evening
arrived. to find that all the family were
going out, for though she stuck manfully
to her purpose. she had to acknowledge
a slight nervousness which could not be
fought of.
As the electric bell whirred sharply
she gave an involuntary start. then
opened the door herself. and ushered in
MI vi dldtu- one uONeEeu dlOuHu ulAh
while he divested himself of overcoat
and hat. afterward she took him to the
library. all the time in an inward flut-
ter as to how the momentous question
was to be put. They were comfortably
settled. talking generalities. when Miss
Patterson suddenly paused-they were
drifting farther and farther from her
point. She pulled herself together and
|. made a plunge.
Mr.. Graham. you have known me a
long time; do you like me?"
Immensely; you and always get on
swimmingly. Now tell me what it is
you want" He came forward and took
her hand.
You know 1t is leap year?" with shy
hesitation; it was not SO easy. after all.
''Y-e-s," he dropped her hand and sat
down abruptly.
We'll" she began. in a now-or-never
tone of voice, - have decided to ask you
to marry me; will you?"
"Ina-Miss Patterson. you are surely
joking?"
|, NO." with a decided shake of the
head.
# "But-I-I-am sure we are not at ali
/ suited to each other. had no idea you
r thought of me in that way"
, 81 didn't; it all came about suddenly
, Unexpectedly. OF course. you know my
, circumstances. l have enough to sup.
port myself. but my income can go nc
= further. You are aware of just how
> much my father left me. think If 6
woman proposes. she ought at least to bs
I able to support husband, don't your"
He laughed, in spite Of his diseomfi'
= ture. I'm awfully sorry. but it is out o.
the question. / am a grabbed old bach.
elor, and so set in my ways would spoi
: your life. You deserve better fate"
"You refuse. then?" Eagerly On,
|, would have thought that she had beer
\ reprieved from instant death.
81 must decline; though, believe me
am sensible of the great honor yoI
have done me in wanting to marry me.
= "Oh, but l didn't, / didn't" Witt
, startling animation. Don't apologize
please. am so relieved. They can't sa.
I shirked. anyway"
:. But do not understand" rathe
: stifiy. This was a distinct slap at hi
;. vanity, and he felt a trifle miffed. to sa.
. the least
Twill endeavor to explain. which sh,
v did, winding up with: And I coulI
a think of no one else in the whole rang
:. of my acquaintances whom could en-
A dure in the light of husband" Thi
sort Of relieved his complacency. Il
you had accepted me I should have trie'
a lx..~ n erla
didn't" she added, with a rush. as
fearful lest he change his mind. Nov
let me sing you something. and we vii
forget there is such a thing as matri
mony." With a gay laugh. as she seate
herself at the piano.
Strange to say. after that Horace Ora
ham could not get Ina Patterson out @
his thoughts. Her face would rise in
sistently between him and his work. II
kept looking back to that memorabl
/ evening; every time he saw her sh
seemed to take on some new charm-ur
til at last he came to realize he wante
her badly. Her proposal had throw
him out of his rut And then her fran
avowal that she did not want hin
kindled a slow fire within which ha
risen to fierce blaze Of desire. And sh
v all unconscious of the storm she ha
raised. OF what use now his cry: Whs
fool he had been to refuse her? /
the spring he was elected judge. bJ
how worthless all his honors SCENE
without her to share them.
u About six months after Ina Patterso
e received an offer of marriage from Judg
IL n Il
laration of love and the hope that tin
&c might have inclined her affections t.
&c ward him.
= 1t was a novel position. A tidal wa,
~, Of inclination swept over her; she II
. viewed the situation and rendered II
decision in his favor.