The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1908-07-08
BY BESS MEREDITH.

ranged the pillows back of her head
and then sank back once more upon
the divan.
}, speaking of men" she began.
"That's all you ever speak Of" her
youthful cousin interrupted, sweetly.
"Cicely!" Marian rebuked. but,
as l was saying, my brother Tom is,
without exception, the most bashful
man l have ever seen as far as girls
are concerned"
p Cicely Warren arose and walked
over to the side of the girl who was
seated at the rosewood writing desk.
''Eileen," she remarked, Marian
IS merely implying that there is abso-
lutely no chance for you in that di-
fection."
Eileen Donovan blushed and turned
again to her writing. This charming
Irish girl, on visit to her American
cousins, had habit of blushing when
ever the name of Tom Anderson
whom she had met three or four
Hines = was mentioned. At present
he was at college, but was expected
home soon.
!" ''Do you know" Marian was speak
ing again, Bob Webster, Toms
ehum. once said that poor Tom would
never be brave enough to propose to
a girl, nor would he be brave enough
10 refuse one if she proposed to him."
That's merely another hint for
you. Eileen" Ci9ely interposed, air.
lily. TITS up TO you, as Tom would
say, to propose to him."
This time Eileen met her cousins
gaze frankly. Are you sure it would
be satisfactory" she ssked, naively.
"Very," affirmed Cicely.
Marian Anderson suppressed a
yawn. why don't you propose to
him?" she asked languidly.
Eileen's blue eyes danced merrily.
"Why, I believe WILL" she said in
nocently.
Cicely giggled and Marian turned
with smile to her novel.
TITS leap year." Cicely reminded
her mirthfully, 'and he won't dare
refuse you"
Eileen selected sheet of her dain-
tiest notepaper and occupied herself
Tor some minutes writing. Then she
looked up.
will this do?" she inquired, and
with smile she read:
Dear Toni trust that You will
not think me too bold, but as this is
leap year wished to make use of my
prerogative and ask you to marry me.
Awaiting your reply, am ever yours,
EILEEN DONOVAN"
"Bravo!" applauded Cicely.
splendid" assented Marian.
And, after addressing the envelope
Eileen thrust the letter into one of
the pigeonholes. intending to destroy
1t later on.
1t was almost week later and the
girls were seated in the breakfast
room when the maid entered with the
mail. Marian, after asserting it,
handed three envelopes to Eileen.
Two were postmarked from Ireland,
but one was postmarked Boston.
Wonderingly she opened 1t and
pulled forth the letter.
"of all things" she gasped, after
reading it through twice. Listen to
fhis:
Dear Eileen-I accept with pleas
ure your kind proposal and trust that
you will make the date of our mar
riage an early one. l will be home
Monday on the evening train and ex-
pect you to meet me at the station
with the trap. Until then / am ever
your loving fiance.
THOMAS ANDERSON"
Eileen finished breathlessly. who
cent him that letter." she asked, her
lace white with anger.
Cicely blushed and became sudden
~ interested in the pattern on the
cloth.
''Cicely Warren, did you send that
1efter?" Eileen went on.
why = er- err yes!" blurted
Cicely. Il took it out of your desk
and sent it."
"Oh. you little wretch" Eileen
said. You'll have to explain, and
furthermore I absolutely refuse to
meet him. What time does his train
get INF" she finished abruptly.
mot until o. Marian interposed
hastily.
Why. It. began Cicely, but
stopped as she caught Marian's warn
ing look.
We are to go over to the Annes-
1eys for lunch" Marian continued.
so we'd better hurry, as it's a long
drive" And the three arose from the
table.
1t was $40 and Eileen aad Just
finished dressing when Marian en-
oered her room.
"Dearie." Marian began softly. 81
kn|A - x1r. -, A. 4Lf-