The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1904-05-11
HER
LEAP YEAR RIGHTS
X X X
BY M. w.


destination that you have shrouded
so far in mystery"
81 was-I thought I was going to
sneeze," Miss Towne explained with q
nervous giggle.
Danforth turned to look at the cur
tanned window, and MS his gaze came
back to her he caught her in the act
of shaking a plump fist apparently at
his head.
"Well, really! If you're going to get
violent" he said. after an embar-
RAISING contemplative stare, during
which she turned scarlet, fidgeted, and
laughed. "Terhaps you will elucidate
the psychology of these-shall 1 call
them-seizmes:
'It was a"
"The sneeze, Of course. Took you in
the hand" he finished, as she hesitat-
ed. "Alore effective and less noisy than
the old-fashioned methods. But" he
added, with an air of concern, Its a
triae incomprehensible until one is
| used to it."
How silly" commented Miss
Towne, meeting his eyes with affected
scorn. AS they both laughed repres-
sively the bell sounded with a mufled
clack. The girl stared over his head
in the direction of the noise, which he
had not noticed.
"Yes, 1 noticed that 1t was getting
bit thin" he said, regretfully. "But
what is this sort of absent treatment
for The scalp. l wouldn't rub it in
If l We're you. Besides, whatever your
intentions, your conduct is strongly
susceptible to explanation. In plain
English, what is the matter?"
Miss Towne glanced at the hand that
flashed wickedly between the folds
OF The draperies.
This is leap year, you know" she
began desperately, and stopped.
Let me also add to this wild but
attractive conversation" he began,
with chuclile. columbus discovered
America in 1902. Now your turn.
One of your chief charms has been
your unexpectedness. I've never seen
you in better form. You are doing
nobly. Don't give way"
Miss Towne covered her face with
her hands. After bit. in which she
struggled for composure and won the
battle, she wiped the tears of mirth
from her eyes and began again.
This is leap year, and-and am GO
ing to take my rights"
Bravo! Bravo!" he cried, languidly,
"Thnre spoke the right American
: spirit"
"Oh, hush" she said, with an un
willing smile. II shall lose my courac &C
to-to-to-that is''-she stood up anl
moved toward the window.
WELL" he inquired, rising and fac
: ing her, with the ready appreciation
7 of an expected jest qulvering at til,
i corners of his mobile mouth.
Danny" she said, with frank seri
\ BUSINESS. "We've been awfully goot
friends for four years. l don't low,
you, but like you better than all tn,
love in the world. You are so fine an,
straight and-and white. 1 think
would have asked you-Aunt Cora die,
: last December and left me two thou
sand year, so it isn't as if 1 was ask
Ing you to support me. If you hadn'
/ Il penny in the world I'd share wha
: l had with you. Jordan and the 9th
ers are rich, but don't care for thai
:, Danny, stop looking at me that way
II II oh! this is too hard. Why don't 70
Il help me?
- DO you mean what you are say
ing?' he asked sternly, laying a han
4 on her shoulder. Il am sorry--" h
- began in answer to her nod. His eye
! roved beyond her, then he suddenl
- swung on his heel and paced 10 III
g end Of the room and came back I
!, where She stood with scarlet cheek
and compressed lips.
"There's a girl that I-thought OF fc
VI a long time, but until this last trip"-
he spoke gently, looking away frol
~ her-"I have not felt able financial
~ 10 speak am quite honest, you Sc
= / inteiid to speak shortly to her, so
want-I thank you for the regard /
= which you say you-why don't you he
" me out?"
l llIl IiIlI g I;S9: & $s' ii