The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1912-12-02
BILLY ADMITS THERE IS
AN ELEMENT Of LUCK
By LESLIE w. QUiRk.

Billy Wlnslow did net believe in
luck.
Now, as any gray-haired philo-
sopher who lives and loves by rule
of-thumb will admit, there really is
no such thing as luck. Perhaps there
isn't. But Billy Winslow was not old
enough to be gray-haired, and he did
not live nor love by rule-of-thumb
Hence his constant observations on
the subject were tiresome.
Today his dissertation on luck had
been particularly positive and pro-
longed. So long had he denied the
possibility Of chance, indeed. that not
once In the whole afternoon had he
found time to propose to Helen
Thurlow. The oversight carried Its
sting. Any girl finds pleasure in LIZ
tening to a proposal, even when. as
in this case, the man proposes some
two or three times a day on an aver
age, only to be politely but dimpling'
ly rejected. Down in her heart Helen
.Thurlow loved Billy Winslow, and
meant In the fullness Of time to say
yes.
"But don't you think. Billy" she
asked finally, that sometimes luck
or chance. or fate"
"Ah, fate" interrupted Billy, Us
quite another thing. II it is ordained
that thing is to be, some power
works for that end. But the act,
while It may seem the veriest dip OF
luck. is really nothing Of the kind.
Now, II we go back into the history
Of the ancients-"
"Please," pouted two pretty lips
please let's keep to the present
Now, Billy, what were you about to
say?"
And Billy. being neither gray
haired nor guided by rule-of-thumb
in his loving, forgot ancients and
luck, and proposed again.
Il don't know what to answer,
said Helen, looking a little startled
as II this were the first time. Il am
not sure love you enough to marry
you. But, Billy"-and her face light
ed roguishly-"if you are certain
that we are merely the playthings Of
fate, I am willing to leave my answer
to-to luck"
This was striking in q wholly un
fair and poignant manner.
please explain"
WELL" said Helen. tonight
shall 70 to my desk and write yor
two notes. One will be an acceptance
of your proposal and one rejection
I shall inclose both in similar en-
velopes, with nothing to indicate
which Is which. Then I shall shuffl'
them fairly-oh, quite fairly. Billy
that no telepathy OF mine shall In
terfere with that which is to be-an'
one I shall stamp and mail to you
and one I shall toss into the fireplace
without opening to know which ha
gone to you, and"
Helen! You're insane! You'll d
nothing Of the kind! Love is to-
sacred to trifle with in this fashion
I won't allow it."
But, Billy, some power will wor
for the proper end that has been Of
da!ned. You have just said so you
self. You know, Billy. there is n
such thing as luck. Now, not Wort
Here's your hat Tomorrow morI
ing. when your mail comes, you wi
find my note. Goodbye and"-sh
could not resist the final boon of tn
last taunt-"good luck!"
For a man who had not been a
cepted-yet-the hour OF Billy's ca
the next morning was little short
scandalous. But early as he wa
Heien was waiting for him. She mi
him at the door, and after he ha
swung 1t to, that the curious worl
outside might not share In his hapr
ness, he took her in his arms witho'
b a word. For a long minute neith'
5 of them spoke Then Billy lifted Il
/ girls face to his.
Its yes" he declared, not as
question, but as the repeating Of
set form.
Its fate, Billy" whispered the gil
I1eT WuOlt ldCO WAC 49,
smile Of contentment.
After they had talked Of many 9th
= things, the girl said abruptly:
81 think, Billy, l must have BET
r mad yesterday to leave the decisit
to luck-that is, fate. After you hi
gone, and l had written the notes,
began to grow afraid. But l W
3 stubborn enough not to give up t
silly plan, and l burned one al
3 mailed the other. Then, Billy,
& gan to wonder what you would thil
of me, and whether you mightnt st
3 loving me altogether; and / lay
4 the bed and cried myself to slee
q YOU'LL forgive me, won't yo
Il Billy?"
I. Forgive you! It was my fau
& Helen. l suspect I've been babbli
81 fool with my theories. / am the o
y who was to blame, because / goad
b you into making the test to open +
y eyes. I-well. grille, after this
81 going to admit there Is an eleme