New Ulm review. (New Ulm, Brown County, Minn.) 1892-1961, 1905-03-01
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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, AIMEE" he called.
"All rightv' said Anne, but she didn't
move, and Ned waited some more pa
hently. for he knew ne was soon to
have his innings and was IN 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 wafer 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 we'll
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 a little different.
He always made himself supremely
comfortable, and, while he didn't look
at 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 Swimming along the
surface
well go 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 a cigarette and smok-
ed awhile in silence. When he spoke
his words We're, as usual, to the point
"When are you going to marry me,
Anne?''
Anne, deliberately surprised, held her
paddle in midair in charming pose
J for a moment: then it dropped into
the water with a splash.
II have no present intention of mar
rying you at an she said.
f0
intention I'll help you He smiled
| persuasively. make it October. Fall
weddings are SO pretty, and that will
| give you two months to burn all your
old love letters and make your good
resolutions
| The blood rose under the tan on hel
| cheeks, but her only answer was a
vigorous and renewed padding. Ned
| threw away the stub of his cigarette
| and felt in his hip pocket for his to
bacco pouch. If he was nervous he
did not show it.
"Shall we say October, then?" he
queried, adding with a note Of tender
ness in his voice: you have made me
very happy, Anne. You will not re
greet
'Well, Of all the cool impudence
ever heard!w gasped Anne. Il WOuldn-
marry you if-if' She stopped, ex
| asperated.
IF you didn't love me- he finished
for her.
II hate you!" she boiled. ''This il
six times you have made that insane
assertion this summer. Love you!
act as if I loved you, do F." She stop
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.
mo he said; you act as If yo1
| didn't, but know you do" He locke,
serious why, it stands to reason
Anne, that you love me or you wouldn'
get so mad when tell you about it.
! Ned Cramer,'' she blazed out, 81
you ever try to make love to me agai
Fll-Tll make you sorry! Now, 20
either talk about something else Q
keep quiet"
! She had evidently forgotten abou
her intention of reaching the island, fo
she put down her paddle and let tn
canoe drift idly along shore. It wa
growing dark, and crescent moon wa
family shining in the east. Anne, lool
ing attentively upstream. saw whit
speck in the water and, taking her pa6
die, fshed it out and deposited it, dril
ping, on his knee.
Its the letter." he announced, toucI
ing it. Anne started.
Give 1t to me- she demanded, hol(
ing out her hand
"After I've read it" he said calmly.
"Ned Cramer, that's my letter, an
you have no right to read it.
Con the contrary, it's mine sine
: firstly, you threw it away, and, secont
", picked it up again and gave it to m
to have and to hold .
Anne quaked, but she tried brayado
: We'll, It's too dark to read it an.
how; besides, It's all soaked and blea
ed,' she said.
sMy excellent eyes are not the lea.
Of my many good points, said Ne
spreading it out carefully. Anne locke