Arizona republican. [volume] (Phoenix, Ariz.) 1890-1930, 1908-06-09


quired at last.
Mr.. Pierce stopped and ran his fingers lingering
ly, lovingly, down the stick. The Chaperon
thought he had decided to give up.
I've quit fishing" he replied.
She stared at him with the tiny Pickering smile
about the altogether charming mouth.
II believe it is honestly this tiue," she said.
Poor old Bobi''
He sat down suddenly and enthusiastically kiss
ed her hand. At last some one believed in him
"Oh, now, really!'' voice cooed from some
where behind the hedge.
Mr.. Pierce aHd the Chaperon looked quickly
at each other distinct giggle sounded. Mr..
Pierce grinned sheo pshly and the Chaperon dove
head first into her handkerchief.
Somebody's hu, band could kick up a row If he
wanted to-" the voice went on.
The Chaperon's shoulders shook visibly.
Polly" Mr. Pierce called softly.
No answer
Pretty Pollyi" he called again in the tone that
would have moved the sphinx viii you marry
me?"
"Of course not"
I'D go around the world my knees for youi"
The giggle merged into repressed chuckle.
Polly, if 1 should fling myself in the ocean
you'd be sorry"
"Oh. splash" came the answer
The Chaperon emerged from the handkerchief.
IF I'm in the Way" she suggested
The chuckle ended in a silvery peal of laughter
which-strangely enough-was accompanied by z
deep bass. The Chaperon arose shook out her
lacy skirts, adjusted her paEasol at fetching an
gle and smiled sweetly at the hedge
IF my husband viii kindly give me his arm"
She ted will laava
two to adjust your little misunderstanding.
Mr.. Pierce ficked at the pansies as he watched
the couple saunter of down the path
Polly love you!" he whispered softly.
But the voice behind the hedge remained per-
fectly silent.
collapsed khaki mgure surmounted by big
Topping hat with red scarf it was the only
thing visible along the stretch of sandy beach.
Half dozen anchored boats of varying sizes
bobbed at little distance upon the water and oc-
casionally tiny speck appeared dpon the horizon,
that, coming nearer would develop into sailboat
skimming franticaIly but purposelessly toward the
southwest Sometimes it would be northeast, but
then the movement was sluggish and the boatnev--
came toward the beach.
On the sand a book and pair of marine
glasses that had been in constant use the greater
part of the afternoon. Underneath the hat was
unrepressed longing evaporation and great
deal of uneasiness. The wind tore at the hat, the
curls. and sent nervous shivers over the khaki
figure Finally Polly picked up the book and
glasses and dug briskly through the sand and up
a fight of steps to the rocky pathway above. Her
heart was in her mouth she crossed the grassy
stretch to the house
The Chaperon playing bridge.
where's Bob?'' she questioned casually.
"Oh. sailing Polly replied. She tried to make
the tone frivolous, but the voice shook a bit.
Its great day for sailing" remarked the
Chaperon, with Indifferent glance outside
Polly sneaked into the hall and sat down upon
settee, where. she deliberately put herself into
a temper. got just angry she possibly could
for bothering something that wasn't of the
least consequence. At last she went boldly up to
her ROOM shook down her curls and began to get
into linen gown. A panic seized her. She
climbed back into the khaki, bundled up her curls
under the big hat and started for the beach The
sound of the breaking upon the rocks gave
her a tight little feeling in her throat
She ran into Mr.. Pierce at turn in the path
way.
How dare you brighten us so?" she demanded
codly.
He looked at her in establishment.
What's the matter?'' he inquired.
"Oh nothing" she returned with her chin in
the air, except tnaI you We Deen out TOUR hours
on this horribly windy Lay and have scared every
body to DEATH
Everybody" he asked looking about for the
uneasy ones Then great light dawned upon
him Polly" he breathed Dear Polly"
She gave him a look that suggested twenty de-
grees below zero turned and started up the path.
Il wonder" he began.
She degLed to turn and look at him. He held
out his hand and in the upturned palm ring
set with a ruby encrcled with diamonds
Another one?' she inquired with uplifted
brows.
He shook his head and smiled.
81 thought you threw that Gway?"
He shook his head again.
Wont you" he coaxed.
"Oh, give it here she said suddenly. She