The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1909-08-18
JIMMY'S
OPPORTUNITY.
A Very Important Conversation
That Settled Matters.
BY HARRIET LuMMls SMITH.


Everybody was against him, he told
himself. and in that sweeping general
ization he included even Carroll. For
II 1t had not been for CAROLS con-
nivance her tame submission to the
maneuvers of interfering relatives, the
words which had trembled ON his lips
for three dragging months would have
been spoken long ago.
From the standpoint Of disinter-
ested spectator Jimmy was ready to
admire the cleverness which so far
had circumvented him. Good team
work." he denominated It. The in
genious air with which Grandmother
Reynolds would appear to claim Car
rolls assistance in regard to a dropped
stitch in her knitting just when jim
my was bringing matters to ell
max and Carroll was turning a most
becoming pink was only equaled by the
childlike innocence with which Car
rolls small brother would rush bawl-
ing into the library with bloody
handkerchief held to his nose. inter
rupting an eloquent outbreak begin
ming "Since the first hour l saw YOU
In Jimmy's estimation this was all
the harder to bear because he was so
perfectly eligible. Character and pros
poets alike were beyond question. The
most serious accusation that could be
brought against the match was that
both of them were young. Carrolls
sister. Marie. was OF the opinion that
an engagement would be absurd, and
Jimmy thought he knew why. Ii
George Freeman, Marie's latest ad-
mirer had been as eager to propose as
Jimmy was. the latter young man felt
positive that no obstacles would be put
In his way.
With a duplicity foreign to his usu-
ally frank nature, Jimmy lost no op-
portunity of expressing to Freeman the
admiration with which Marie inspired
him. If the older sister were once en-
gagged or better STILL married. Jimmy
believed there would be hope for him.
Meanwhile the family opposition
showed itself in system of espionage
spoken. Ii he suggested walk, either
Mrs. Reynolds declared that CAROLS
cold would not permit her to venture
out or Marie invited herself to accom-
pany them; II the theater, a chaperon
was necessary. Whole souled cooper.
alton on Carrolrs part would have re-
lieved the situation. but the girl knew
modesty shrank from giving him any
thing but the most negative assistance.
Accordingly Jimmy decided that she.
too. was against him and gave him
self up to thoughts of unutterable
gloom.
He called one afternoon wearing an
expression of grim determination
which. If he had known it, put the con
spirators on their guard. He was ush-
cred into the family living room, and
Mrs. Reynolds entertained him till Car
roll came down. Jimmy made few
inane comments on the weather, his
eyes devouring the pretty girlish fig
ure seated demurely In the opposite
corner.
ITS too fine day for the house."
said Jimmy Suppose we take lit
tie walk"
Really. Carroll, DEAR" said Mrs.
Reynolds before Carroll could reply.
ut won't do for you to leave.the house
Mrs. Baker is likely to want you any
moment. We have a dressmaker here.
Mr.. Fitzgerald" she continued, turn
ing to Jimmy with her most charming
smile.
Cant we sit on the piaZza?" sug-
gested Jimmy. Carroll agreed to the
suggestion. But, as 1t proved. her
small brother, Bob, was In possession
Of the hammock. and he remained for
two hours. enlivenIng the occasion by
describing the exploits Of the ball
team.
An ear splitting whistle In the rear
of the house relieved them at length
Of Bob's company. Without delay
Jimmy plunged into the subject up
permost in his mind.
Carroll, there's something = want
to say to YOU
Carroll. Mrs. Baker is ready for
you" said Maries voice behind the
parlor shutters. That she had been
waiting there, biding her time. Jimmy
could not doubt. Then the gate click
ed, and Mr.. Reynolds came up the
walk. He settled himself In the chair
Carroll had vacated. and he and Jimmy
talked politics till dinner time.
The young man refused an invita-
ton to remain TO dinner He went
away with lowering brow and a
heavy heart. But at half past 0 that
evening the telephone bell rang in
terrupting game Of bridge going on
In the den. Carroll, who was nearest
to the insstent instrument. pushed
back her chair and went to answer
the summons.
"Hello-hello. Oh. yes. this is Car.
roll" She turned pretty. flushed
face toward the three at the card table.
'Please don't talk for minute.
can't hear"
The next minute she heard very dis
tinctly, for the room had become abso.
lutely still, and the voice at the other
end Of the wire was clear and penetrat-
ing.
'"rhls is Jimmy. Carroll There's
SoAhSthAa6 We OCcA " say u
you for three months. And I'm going
to say 1t now"
"Why, don't see"-
well. 1t doesn't matter whether you
see or not. Just listen. Ever since
met you on Phil Reynolds yacht a
year ago I've loved you-from the
very first hour"
"Oh, hushw
"Pm not going to hush think about
you every minute while I'm awake
and dream about you when I'm asleep.
I'm not any good any more, and /
shan't be till find out whether you
care for me or not. And IL you don't
I'm going to the Philippines or some
where"
Don't talk SO loud"
Il don't care who hears me. I've
kept It to myself Just as long as can
Carroll, darling, can't you care for me