The national forum., 1910-09-10

1t as they sat on the boathouse We
randa after dinner.
And I've been fishing every day
for a week ard haven't caught a
thing" she added SO pathetically
that, all unseen in the dark, Bob
kicked his fatner's foot to call his
attention to it.
Don't you get any pites?" asked
the artist ingenuously,
Il hardly know, Sometimes have
fancied that was getting queer
little nibble, don't you know, but
nothing comes of it."
Remember the advice Of the i'm,
mortal Sir Isaak-'Persevere and
keep on persevering, counseled
Bob wickedly.
Perhaps will follow Sir Izaak's
advice" she said, rising. in the
meantime am going to play lot OF
Schumann for your father accord
Ing to my promise Of this morning.
Hes the only person in the camp
whose musical taste scars above rag
time"
Il don't mind Schumann at all
when-when I'm In good health"
Bob protested
For an entire week the subject
which had been brought to such a
sudden interruption by the pickerel
was not resumed. Hope Terriss was
the life Of the camp, and even old
Mrs. Vechton, who had ceased long
ago to speak in unqualified praise of
anybody or anything on the foot
stool, was greatly taken with her,
and admitted 1t openly.
THAT girl lis of the right Sort
she declared She's got more man.
ner and more common sense than all
the rest of us combined, She's the
real thing. Don't you agree with nae,
Mr.. Hunter?"
And Bob-who chanced to be the
Mr.. Hunter addressed his father and
Hope having gone for a stroll into
the village-had the effrontery to
reply, languidly:
Miss Terriss-oh, yes, quite so---a
trif1e youngish, don't you think
Excellent society for father"
Young jackanapes!" the old wom-
an muttered as Bob disappeared
around the end of the veranda. He's
completely gone on the girl Pity he
hasn't some Of his fathers good looks
and attractive manner"
That night as they fingered on the
boat house veranda after the others
had retired the artist and his son
were discussing the latter's business
prospects.
ITO hear you talk, Dan," the young
man laughed between vigorous draws
of his pipe, which was not behaving
it's best, "one who did not know you
might think that you we're contem'
plating something serious"
For Instance, Bob?"
Wei, providing me with brand
new stepmother." .llI s.,.l
Better stop that business, Bob,
counseIed his father seriously. "Sug.
gestion plays strange tricks now and
then"
Then wish suggestion would
get busy. Only let me choose her
and everything will be we'll
On the morning OF the day appoint.
ed for the breaking up of the camp
Bob and Miss Terriss were in earnest
conversation in secluded corner of
the veranda.
It's come to climax" croaked
Mrs. Vechton to herself and to any
one else who happened to be within
hearing.
do you recognize this hand?"
Hope asked serenely, holding an en-
velope before Bob's eyes.
Il ought to- he returned prompt
ly. Dad must have helped himself
to my stationery"
1T contains a proposition to be-
come your stepmother," she con.
tinued, without looking at him and
entirely without embarrassment
Noble old DAM" he cried raptur.
ously. He's the salt of the EARTH"
What would you advise me to
dor
Accept Internationally"
81 shall impose one condition." she
said with flush that made her
charming You are to leave off call.
ing him Dan, 1t isn't respectful"
AS an earnest Of his intention 80
comply with her terms he kissed her.
What did tell your" demanded
mrs. Vechton, who accepted what she
saw as confirmation Of her wis.
dom in such matters.