Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1910-06-19

i replied grimly and he went out.
1 believe that Richey and Hotchkiss led
me somewhere to dinner, and that for
fear / would be lonely without him. they
sent for Johnson. And / recall a spirited
discussion In which Hotchkiss told the de-
tective that he could manage certain cases.
but that he lacked induction. Richey and
I were mainly silent My thoughts would
slip ahead to that hour, later In the even
ing, when 1 should see Alison again.
1 dressed in savage haste finally, and
was 80 particular about my tie that Mrs.
Klopton gave up in despair.
IT wish, until your arm is better, that
you would buy the kind with hooks on"
she protested. almost tearfully. I'm sure
they look very nice, Mr.. Lawrence My
late husband always"
That's a lovers knot you've tied this
time" I snarled. and. Jerking open the
bow knot she had so painfully executed,
looked out the window for Johnson-until
recalled that he no longer belonged in
my perspective. ended by driving
frantically to the club and getting George
to do 1t.
was late, Of course. The drawing room
and library at the Dallas home were
empty I could hear billiard balls rolling
somewhere, and I turned the other way.
I found Alison at last on the balcony. sit
ting much as she had that night on the
beach-her chin In her hands, her eyes
fixed unseeingly on the trees and lights Of
the square across. She was even whistllng
a little, softly. But this time the plaintive-
ness was gone. II was a tender little tune.
She did not move. as I stood beside her.
looking down. And now when the mo-
ment had come. all the thousand and one
things ! had been waiting to say Torsook
me, preclpately beat q retreat, and left
me unsupported The arc-moon sent little
fugitive lights over her hair. her eyes, her
gown
"Don't-do that" said unsteadiy. "You
YOU know what want to do when you
whistle"
She glanced up at me, but she did not
stop She did not stop! She went on
whlstling softly. bit TREMENDOUSLY. And
stralghtway forgot the street. the chance
OF passers-bv. the voices in the house be-
hind U.S. THE world doesn't hold any one
but you" I said reverently. 1T Is our
world. sweetheart. I love you"
And I kissed her
A boy was whistling on the pavement
below. let her 70 reluctantly and sat
hack where ! could see her
ct haven't done this the way intended
to at ALL" confessed. I'm books they get
things all settled and then kiss the lady"
"setted?" she INQUIRED
ooh, about getting married and that sort
OF thing" I explained with elaborate care
lessness. We've could 20 down 10 Ber-
muda-or-or Jamaica, say IN December"
She drew her hand away and faced me
squarely.
IT believe you are afraidl" she declared.
IT refuse 10 marry you unless you propose
properly. Everybody does It. And It Is a
womap's privilege: she wants TO have that
10 look back to-"
Very we'll" I consented with an cxag-
gerated sigh. IF you promise not to think
look like an IDIOT shall do It. knee and
all"
had to pass her 10 close the door behind
us but when l kissed her again she pro-
tested that we were not really engaged.
turned TO look down at her 1T is n
terrible thing" ] said exuitantly, ito lovc
a girl the way l love you, and 20 have
only one ARM" Then closed the door.
From across the street there came a
sharp crescendo whistle and a vaguely
familiar figure separated itself from the
park railing.
Say" he called in a hoarse whist er.
shall throw the key down the elevator
shaf?"
Crhs End.)