Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1911-11-30
TOodkins'
Interference
By SUSANNA GLENN
Copyright. 1911, BY Associated Literary Pre-.

Evelyn" said the young man, lean
ing anxiously over the veranda rail
toward the girl in the big rocker, Il
want you to marry me, right away"
You are standing on the violet
plants" said Evelyn Foyler. with a
distressed wrinkle on her brows.
| The young man stepped back, apollo
getically.
IL hope haven't injured them
he stammered.
Then, with renewed determination.
he mounted the steps, and sat down
| squarely on the rail itself.
"You haven't answered my questiog
yet" he remarked, as coolly as her.
self.
81 did not know 1t was a question.
Richard
Then will make it question.
VIII you marry me at once?"
But we were not even engaged"
persisted this exasperating young
woman
Il have asked you every full moon
for the past eighteen months, without
fail, though | had to travel three hun
The girl laughed.
Still, we are not actually engaged,
you know" she suggested gently
There has to be an announcement,
and ring, and endless showers be-
fore one may seriously consider get
ting really married."
Then announce it tonight, Evelyn,
and I'll have the ring here tomorrow
morning as soon as you are up!"
THAT would be at once, Dicky!"
But why this unwonted haste? Is
there some dark secret you wish to
hide from me?"
The young man leaned over and
took possession Of two hands that lay
listlessly in his ardent grasp. Il may
as we'll tell you the TRUTH am mis-
erably, maddeningly jealous!"
Miss Foyler drew up little haught
lily.
And you wish to marry person
whose conduct would leave room for
jealously?"
81 wish to marry you, certainly.
Can you doubt 1t, Evelyn" He
laughed, self-deprecating little
laugh.
Il can doubt anything after such
an extraordinary declaration.'
But it is because | love you, dear,
that am jealous. | do not say there
is any real cause. l only want you
where other fellows will know their
limitations"
DO you think" she asked crisply,
that would know-mine?"
Evelyn! Do you suppose do not
know you are the soul Of honor? Ii
you will say you do not care, will
leave off bothering you; but-th1nk
length, watching the other fellows
making the innings! 1t isn't fair,
Evelyn"
You may as we'll tell me what you
really mean." said the young lady in
displeased manner. There is some
thing behind all this!"
why do l find young Holden here
every EVENING"" demanded Richard
Robinson sharply. THAT is precisely
what mean"
II find him most charming" MUIR
INJURED Miss Foyler demurely. Such
| polished manners; 1t is really quite
| delightful and restful to associate
with someone who never plumbers, or
-or-or neglects one!"
eff he loved you as | do" returned
the young man, dropping her hands re-
luctantly, che might not be so sure Of
himself in your presence"
mo, no, Toodkins" little sharp
ly, as huge white cat, walking leis-
urely round the board rail toward
them, presented friendly head to an
Immaculate coat sleeve. You are too
generous with your whiteness!"
Miss Foyler reached out solicitous
hands for her rebuffed pet, and buried
her face in his fluffy neck, producing
delightful song from the complacant
Toodkins.
Never mind, dearie, SO long as 1
love you'll" she murmured with re-
Elective accent
Then | need not bring the ring in
the morning?" inquired the young man
with the utmost cheerfulness.
mo, Dicky, save your money" she
in farewell. But" she added, when
he was safely down on the gravel
walk, you certainly are the dearest
boy In the world for all your blunder-
ing!"
Il suppose 1t has become sort of
habit" she murmured, watching him
stride down the moonlit street But
he did 1t unusually well this ttme
And how much" she inquired of
Toodkins who perched wisely on the
arm of her chair, do you suppose he
really meant about poor Harold Hold
en?"
Next evening as Robson turned in
at the gate to call upon the mistress
of Toodllins, he encountered Holden
on a similar errand. In the porch
they were met by distracted young
lady.
Toodkins had disappeared!
He will easily be found, | can as.
sure you," cried Holden when they
| had listened tn the distressing "details