Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1904-11-04

decided that she didn't want to say
yes but didn't quite know why she
objected. So she was fencing for her
life. and wondered why Jack didn't I
happen to look in, or a chimney catch /
Are, or indeed anything happen to save
her from her own obstinate folly.
Without giving him a chance to say
a word, she chartered on. And all the
time she was chattering she was think
ing and trying to reconcile herself to
the inevitable. But tho more she look
ed at him. the less alluring became
the prospect of carriage and furs.
She noticed that his forehead was both
narrow and low, and though she had
not much brain herself. as she reflect
ed. she liked it in other people. Be
sides that, his watch chain troubled
her. Why did he wear such very
heavy one?
But 1 can't stand here listening TO
you," she said at last, when she found
her breath was giving out. You are
such a chatterbox, Monty. I'll 60 and
pop on my hat, and we'll go out"
But l haven't asked you my ques-
tion?" he gasped, and in sheer des-
peration he placed his back to the
door.
"Oh, dear, how slow you are" she
said. "If it's about the dance"
1T isn't about the dance" he STAN
mered. "It's about you. II want
you to marry me-"
Nothing could have been more awk
ward than his proposal, but it reduced
her to state of despair.
The piano tuning was going on SOL
EMMY. Tap-tap-tap, went the notes,
followed by grand flourish of chords.
| Then -tap-tap, again.
Why" she asked, argumentative-
ly.
"Why-what?" he gasped. blinking
his little eyes in bewildered way.
Il really must call at the butchers"
she said, jumping at the chance for
delay given by his indecision.
'But-will your?
You mean, marry your" she asked
demurely. You don't give me time to
| think"
I'm awfully fond of you, and-and
all that sort Of thing" he said, eager
| ly. I'VE should be tremendously jol-
ly, and-al that sort of thing. The
governor says l can draw up to So 100
year out of the business for a start,
and-and things would be ripping"
She looked at him desperately. What
was she to do? She began to feel for
some queer reason that to accept him
was almost impossible, but she had
given her foolish little word
Then a bright idea struck her. Per-
haps he would let her off.
Suppose l don't love you" she
said.
THAT doesn't matter bit" he said
cheerfully. IF you will promise to
marry me, l expect l shall make you
love me in time. | am-oh. lord, what
a beastly row that piano-tuner is max
ing"
Perhaps it would be better to talk
it over another morning" she sug-
gested.
"No, no, tell me now" he said. The
piano tuning had suddenly ceased and
he was dashing at the subject brave,
ly. I'm awfully fond of you, Mar.
garet The fact Is you-you have fair.
ly bowled me over. ! can't say exactly
what mean, because | am not much
Of a hand at talking, and all that sort
of thing, but"
There was a gentle knock at the
door, and Monty muttered something
under his breath which no British prin
ter would set up in type.
1t was little Mr.. Winternood who
entered.
Good morning, miss" he said. 81
hope l haven't disturbed you"
Not at ALL" she said, beaming will
pleasure.
"Oh, found something Of yours IL
the piano." said the little man.
Something Of mine"
Eyes, it's a letter. No wonder tn,
bass notes were nearly dumb. Coco
, morning, miss"
She took the envelope, and tore 1
open. 1t was addressed to her IL
Jacks handwriting.
Dear Maggie'-it ram expec
| you'll be wild with me for not turnin,
up to take you to the concert. But
have been summoned into the countr,
by telegram. Uncle Tom Is seriousl.
i'll, probably dying, and has asked t,
. see me. leave Euston tonight, ant
have just dashed in here hoping t.
, catch you, but too late. shan't b.
o back for two or three days at tn
soonest. Goodbye, dear little girl, o
rather all revoir. This is my birth