Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1905-02-11
FILIPINO THE COIN.

lat it splendid, DAMP" said Alicia,
With appreciative enthusiasm. Il
d'la't really know there were such
sgs OF landscape about here"
AEON settled back comfortably on
the cushions. With studied delibera-
ton he lighted cigar and pulled
away several moments before he
turned to the girl.
Il thought I'd stop in the pleasant
est spot knew Of" ne explained.
"We'n probably stay here for some
time"
"Tndeedg" she said.
I'VE shall stay here until you de-
eide" he affirmed.
Decide what?' said she.
Decide to answer the question
asked you short time since; the
one. in fact have asked you repeat
edly during the past year.
Alicia frowned.
you develop determination rather
suddenly" she observed.
Exactly" he returned, stolidly.
| WELL" she said. you may as well
go on. I'm not ready TO answer you
yet"
Alicia" he said, gravely, "it's not
fair to treat me In this way. You
should give me an answer, one way
or the other"
"And either answer would be quite
welcome after this patient wait Of
yours" she Knocked.
| 'Did | say so?" he asked, quickly.
ut is evident I'm not worth waiting
for" she said, looking pensively
across the valley.
"You are worth waiting for for
ever" he declared. stoutly, "but 1t
isn't fair to keep me in suspense
like this. You know as we'll now as
you ever WILL"
There are pros and cons to be
weighed thoroughly before / decide"
she said. "A man always thinks a
woman can decide offhand matter of
the gravest import.
ATOMS eyes twinkled.
Heaven Forbid" he muttered.
Alicia flashed him an angry glance.
I'VE may as well be going" she
said with some constraint. TITS
growing late"
Il haven't my answer yet" Alton
reminded her.
IF you intend to wait for that, I'll
walk home" she said.
Alton sat erect and knocked the
ashes from his cigar. He drew pen.
NY from his pocket and laid 1t on his
knee with exaggerated care.
i 1--WE q proposition to make" he
said slowly 1T seems that you have
no intention of definitely settling this
matter Therefore, suppose we let
Fate decide it with the turn of this
coin. II 1t comes heads you'll marry
me In June; II tails I'll leave the
field TO other suitors. Is 1t agreed?'
The girl turned her eyes and gazed
at him silently. There was unutter
able scorn in that look.
WED better go back" she said
icily.
Alton turned the automobile and
they sped homewards over the hard
white roads. Alicia sat silently be
side him. Her head was turned away
but he could see the angry color in
her cheek.
Instead of being crushed, as 1t was
meant he should have been, he seemed
vastly amused. For some time he
made no attempt to resume CONVEX
sation.
Alicia" he said at length, have
blundered again? Are you angry?"
81 didn't think you were capable Of
such a thing" she said wrathfully
"You have said my answer meant
everything In the world to you; but
how much do you care II you are will
ing to leave it to the turn Of coin?
everything" he said imperturba
bly,
"You can't, or you'd never have
suggested such a hazard" she do
clered.
81 was desperate" he said with be
coming meekness.
perhaps we'd best say nothing
more about It," she said.
"And, with all this, l haven't IN,
answer" he complained.
Alicia's face was calmly disdainful
''Dan." she said, "it seems to me yot
might guess, after what has happened
what my answer viii be. II 20,
were willing to leave 1t all t.
chance"
"Chance?" he cried.
Certainly" she cried, "the cnanc'
of coins turn"
Alton threw back his head ant
laughed heartily. Alicia watched hin
in amazement. Then his face became
grave.
Pardon, Alicia" he apologized
"but those remarks about chance ar,
amusing. Did you imagine for a min
ute that would trust to the turn Q
an ordinary penny?"
He drew the penny again from hi
pocket and laid II In her hand.
1T wasn't coined at a mint" he ex
planned Kindly examine 1t CAREFUL,
and tell me what you find"
Alicia bent over the penny.
"Why lists heads on both sides