Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1911-05-10


wen both ride" she declared shortly.
There followed long silence which
he broke at last with a sudden frank
outburst:
Look here, Kate. I can't help 1t IL
It is taking advantage of you: that is,
when you can't run away from me az
you've been doing for ages, it seemsl
but I've got to know what's the mat.
ter between us. There had been no
formal declaration, but you knew that
| loved you-I never tried to hide 1t.
You accepted my attentions. letting
me hope everything l-then suddenly
you cut me absolutely. 1 can't think
you coquette, there must be rea-
son. Tell me plainly what it is"
"Coquette!" she shrilled. you
couldI.'t complain II I were"
He studied a bit Honestly, Kate.
don't know what you mean"
How exceedingly Innocent" she
jeered.
Kate" he begged, Tell me frank
ly what you mean. what Islander you
have heard about me-
None! | saw But it doesn't mat
ter, It's nothing to me-"
Il had hoped that anything concern
ing me was considerable to you Kate
ie pleaded. And though suppose
your manner should be sufficient, lam
going to have straight answer. I
love you. Kate. win you marry me?"
Proposing to girl on horseback
mas Its disadvantages. At that Instant
one of Docs forelegs went into hole.
pitching the pair forward to the verge
OF unseating them. When they were
again under way Roger Immediately
repeated his declaration and request
Ihat question should go with your
KISS sir" Kate retorted "You never
kissed me, thank fortunel"
Meaning. take 1t, that I did kiss
some other girl-and from what you
said a moment ago. l infer that you
saw me. When, whom and where.
please?"
Your pretense is contemplated"
she burst out. Il could respect you if
you had simply discovered that you
were mistaken in your feeling for me.
but to be trifiing with both Of usl-
Well. then. though / hate myself for
mentioning it-and l haven't before
now, even to mother, and she was with
me-we were coming from town. 1t
was almost dark--you were at the
gate with Ella Mason. and you--you
kissed heri That's my last word!"
she said.
4 suppose you never dreamed you
might be mistaken?"
Il couldn't bel / know your brown
overcoat as well as know youi II
you're half man you'll try to make
ella happy"
He said nothing. but urged Doc
around corner.
Let me on, or take me straight
homel" she ordered.
We're going up to see about Elias
happiness arst," he returned, paying
no heed to her angry commands and
demands.
Ella ran down to the gate, laughing.
well II you folks aren't in stylei"
Don't laugh at u.s." Roger begged.
slyly You know you wouldn't mind
riding 80 with Frank White"
It's none of your business II
wouldn't" Ella tossed her head. There
was an explosive breath behind Roger.
Come in" Ella urged
Cant" Roger replied. Kate seemed
dumb. Il stopped to ask you II you
remember when It was that Frank
was here with my overcoat on. want
the deto particularly. haven't Eeen
him since"
"Why-wny It was three weeks las.
Thursday, the seventh" Evidently Ella
had reason for remembering the date.
her face famed scarlet.
THANK you. guess you're right"
Roger said, turning Doc.
Kate mumbled few words 10 Ella
over her shoulder as Doc trudged
away.
Roger whistIed softly until they
neared her home, then remarked to
the atmosphere. ut wasn't very cold
and Frank had come out without an
oyercoet He was just up from the
grip. and mother made him take
mine" he added. plaintively. "He has
It yet. too"
Kate's attempted speech quavered
into a sob.
AS they rode up to the side porch
her mother came out, exclaiming;
Il told you 1t would be dreadfully
muddy in the bottoms. Kate. I'm
glad Roger picked you up. Did you
| get to Mary's?"
"No. she didn't" Roger interposed.
But we went up and saw Ella Ma
son a minute, at the gate"
Il saw Ella at the gate. too. and
Frank White with her They didn't
seem to mind the public little bit"
| Mrs. williams responded smartly.
Come in and stay to supper. Roger"
"Thank you. will"
Roger lifted Kate down and kissed
her boldly, saving, Evidence all IN,
Miss Williams Here's the kiss with
the question / asked you awhile ago.
| you're going to marry me. you know"
Kate did not deny the impudent as
sertion, but ran away as her mother
cried:
Did you ever! You two don't seem
] TO mind the public little bit either.