The Point Pleasant register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, W. Va.) 1909-1939, 1909-10-20
JIMMY'S
OPPORTUNITY
a Very Important Conversation
That Settled Matters.
By HARRIET LUMMls SMITH.

By HARRIET LuMMls SMITH.
Copyright. 1903. by Associated Literary
PreSS.I
Jimmy Fitzgerald was downcast.
Everybody was against him. he told
himself. and In that sweeping general
tzation be included even Carroll. For
II It bad not been for CAROLS con-
nivance. her tame submission to the
maneuyers 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 circnmvented him. Good team
work." he denominated #. The In
genious air with which Grandmothe,
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 a cli-
max and Carroll was turning 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 saw you
In Jimmy's estimation this was all
the harder to bear because be 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. CAROLS
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 us
Jimmy was. the latter young man felt
positive that no obstacles would be put
! In his way.
With dupIicity foreign to his usu-
ally frank nature. Jimmy lost no OPP
portunity OF expressing to Freeman the
admiration with which Marie inspired
him. II 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
which kept Jimmy's great avowal I'M
spoken. II he suggested walk. either
Mrs. Reynolds declared that CarroIl's
cold would not permit her to venture
out or Marie invited herself to accom-
/ pany them; II the theater. chaperon
was necessary. Whole SouIed cooper.
alton on Carrolrs part would have re-
lieved the situation. but the girl knew
so well what Jimmy wanted that her
modesty shrauk 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 unutterabre
gloom.
He called one afternoon wearing an
expression Of grim determination
which. II he had known 1t, 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
tnane comments on the weather. his
eyes devouring the pretty girlIsh tig-
ure seated demurely in the opposite
corner.
Its too fine a day for the house."
said Jimmy. Suppose We take lit
tie walk"
Really. Carroll. dear" said Mrs.
Reynolds before Carroll could reply.
1T won't do for you to leave the house.
Mrs. Baker is likely to want you any
moment. We have 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 it 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 iuto the subject up
permoSt III his mind.
Carroll. there's something I want
to say TO you
Carroll. Mrs. Baker IS ready for
you" said Marie's 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