The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1905-05-25
r q r By
- Ii CECILIA A.
OF '''.'A'1 ).
LOVE 'i:.:,:2;, $:,:::s. :: s::;::s x: = ::

OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
Ned Cramer showed the little canoe
into the water and waited moment.
the tying rope in his hand. While he
waited he looked at Anne Prescott, who
was standing on the very edge of the
wharf reading letter. Anne's dress
was of cerulean blue linen, and the set
ting sun made her hair red gold. Final
" Ned spoke, albeit the picture was
rarely pretty and appealed to him.
Ready. Amer he called.
'.All rightm said Anne, but she didn't
move, and Ned waited some more pa
tiently, for he knew he was soon to
have his innings and was i'll no hurry
to take the bat. But when he spoke the
second time he said firmly:
"Come, Anne
Anne tore the letter in two, threw 1t
into the water and came to the little
bark, where she settled herself Indian
fashion on her knees in the business
end of the canoe. She held it steadily
while he stepped in and bestowed his
long length Of limb opposite; then she
let the boat drift while she rolled up
her cerulean blue sleeves. It was one
of Anne's peculiarities that she always
did the padding herself. 1t was not
merely that the attitude and motion
were becoming to her, though she was
aware of her good points. like most well
balanced girls. 1t was simply that she
preferred having the men at a disad-
vantage-at her mercy, as it were. They
always looked awkward with nothing
to do and it seemed hard for them to
keep up the conversation.
Ned Cramer was little different.
He always made himself supremely
comfortable. and. while he didn't look
ut her as, much as most of the fellows
did. his glance always put her on her
mettle
The quick strokes of her paddle sent
them rapidly downstream. When they
reached the first bend they passed the
letter, which was sklmming along the
surface.
well 20 down to the island and see
how long it will take for the letter to
get there" said Anne. and Ned assent.
ed lazily. He lit cigarette and smok.
ed awhile In silence. When he spoke
| his words were. as usual, to the point.
when are you going to marry me
Amer
anne. elaborately surprised, held hel
| paddle in midair in charming pose
for moment; then it dropped into
the water with splash.
| ~ have no present intention Of mar
rying you at ALL" she said.
"Then it's a good time to form ar
intention. I'll help YOU" He smilet
persuasively. make it October. Fal
/ weddings are so pretty. and that viii
give you two months to burn all you
old love letters and make your goot
resolutions"
The blood rose under the tan on he
cheeks, but her only answer was ;
vigorous and renewed padding. Net
threw away the stub of his cigarett
and felt in his hip pocket for his to
bacco pouch. II he was nervous b.
did not show it.
shall we say October, then!' b
queried, adding with Il note of tender
ness in his voice: You have made m
very happy, Anne. You will not re
gret''-
"Weil. Of all the cool impudence
ever heard.' gasped Anne. II wouldn'
marry you if-if''- She stopped. eS
asperated.
III you didn't love me-" he finishe
for her.
II hate your she boiled. This
six times you have made that insan
assertion this summer. Love you!
act as If loved you. do II" She stoI
ped padding and looked at him. He
eyes blazed. and he thought she hadn
looked SO pretty since the last tim
she had refused him.
NE" he said; you act as If yo
didn't. but know you do He locke
serious. 'Why. it stands to rcasol
Anne, that you love ME or you wouldn
get so mad when tell you about it"
"Ned Cramer," she blazel out. =
you ever try to make love to me agal
Tll-I'll make you sorry! Now. ye
either talk about something else I
keep quiet"
She had evidently forgotten abo'
her intention Of reaching the island, 4
she put down her paddle and let Il
canoe drift idly along shore. 1t WI
growing dark. and a crescent moon WI
family shining in the east. Anne, loo
ing attentively upstream, saw a viii
speck in the water and, taking her pa
die, fished it out and deposited It, dri
} ping on his knee.
: "It's the letter. he announced, touc
ing it. Anne started
81 Give it to me-" she demanded. hol
ing out her hand.
II AFTER I've read it." he said calmly
II "Ned Cramer. that's my letter. al
YOU have no right to read it."
81 "On the contrary. it's mine SIM
! firstly. you threw it away, and. secon
/; II, picked it up again and gave 1t to
! to have and to hold
= Anne quaked, but she tried bravadt
J. "Well. it's too dark to read It ar