The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1911-12-28
COLONEL -
Ms IODHUNIER M
@<MSSOL1oI NW'
BYRIpLtY D. SAUNDERS
Copyright Bobs Merrill comp.y
Dr RIPLEY D. SAUNDERS.
Copyright 1911. The Bobbs Merrill Compsay

don't know I've been in love with you
all this time you must be blind. Ana
now I've told you, why-well, you've
got TO give me an answer-and love
YOU so that I'm afraid to hear IL! III
it's novel;, it'll break my heart,
that's all
There was no answer TO his plead
ing. Mary had given him one star
tied look. Then her eyes had softened
and turned away from his. IL seemed
20 Tom that she was crying.
Mary" he said humbly. II didn't
mean TO say anything TO trouble You.
but | had To tell YOU some time or
other. I've loved you a long. long
time. is there any chance for me al
all?"
Still there was no answer.
/ reckon I've been the blind one,
said Tom sadly. II reckon you can't
care for me the way | care for you.
Yes. Mary, reckon it's me that's been
blind"
Yes. Tom" replied Mary Todhunt-
err Its you that have been blind.
Tom bowed his head. Il ought 10
have seen that you didn't love me" he
said Il ought to have seen II. Then
wouldn't have given you the pain
of having TO tell me So"
I'm not going TO tell you said
Mary.
"All right. Mary" replied Tom. "Tll
take my answer without hurting you
by making you put II into words. I'm
no hog. anyway~-I know when I've had
enough. : $3.50
az "a ,rAo..cooo, Man.. hurSt nut
laughing. "Of all the funny things TO
say at such time," she cried. Her
eyes were full OF mischief, vet beauti
fully tender "Oh. Tom. indeer you
are the blindest OF the blind"
A sudden hope stirred in Toms soul.
Mary" he exclaimed. You don't
mean
II do, Tom" softly replied Mary.
How could you believe | didn't love
you? You ought TO be ashamed or
yourself"
And Tom Strickland took Mary Tod
hunter in his arms. leaving old Sol
ONION TO go his own way unguided.
"I'l tell Mrs Todhunter and the
Colonel this very day" he announced
few moments later. Lord, they'd
see II anyway in my face. I'm so
proud and happy / want 10 know III
they think I'm good enough for you.
Mary tossed her head. They'd bet
ter think So" she retorted Indignantly.
Not good enough, indeed!
But Tom was near 10 being panic
stricken when they had gained the
wide gallery OF Mary's home and were
confronting her parents.
! "Howdy, Tom" spoke Colonel Tod
hunter His glance passed from
young Strickland to his daughter, with
| Just the faintest twinkle OF amuse-
ment in his gray-blue eyes.
Tom Strickland had taken Mrs. Tod
hunters hand 'Howdy, Mrs. Tod
/ hunter-Howdy, Colonel" he said,
his face an open book Of confession.
'I-I-well. MARY was good enough
TO say | could come home with her!
We're glad you did, Tom,' replied
Mrs. Todhunter. And you've got to
stay for supper"
Colonel Todhunter's lips were
twitching. Il don't know about that.
honey" he spoke. tom don't look to
me like he's very hungry"
Mary flashed swift Indignation ar
her father. Mrs. Todhunter looked at
the Colonel In surprise. Then, In sud-
den understanding, she shot quick
glace at the young people. Tom
Strickland blushed redder than ever.
Mary fred at her mother one soft vol
lev of entreaty from dewy eyes and
] then fed precipitately into the house.
Her face filed with compromising
tenderness, Mrs. Todhunter followed
Mary, making no excuses.
Tom" said Colonel Strickland,
you seem 10 have been kicking up
mighty funny rumpus this load o
poles, young man."
Tom stood like a condemned felon In
the dock. Il reckon l have, Colonel
he made answer. Then, after dis
may-filled pause, "I-I-PSe been ask
ing Mary to marry me, dr."
Colonel Todhunter's face was I'M
passive.
| Tom Strickland stood very erect.
Pride shone in his eyes. Il don't
know. sir. whether you've noticed II or
not" he resumed. but I've been In
love with Mary for long time"
A relishful twinkle was In ColonePs
Todhunter's eyes.
And. sir-and-well, Colonel Tod.
hunter, it's just this!" exultantly, but
blushingly. exclaimed Tom, Il know
don't deserve It'll can't hardly be-
lieve it--but Mary says she loves me,
too and-well, sir | want 10 ask
Mrs. Todhunter's and your consent to
our marriage. sir"
fTo Re Continued.l