Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1912-02-16
CHAPTER xv.-continued.

But through 1t all ran the golden
thread of love. At first he had been
content just to ride with Dede and to
be on comradely terms with her; but
the desire and the need for her in
creased. The more he knew of her,
the higher was his appraisal. Had
she been reserved and naughty with
him. or been merely giggling, sim
pering creature of woman. 1t would
have been different. Instead, she
amazed him with her simplicity and
wholesomeness, with her great store
of comradeliness The latter was the
unexpected. He had never looked
upon woman in that way Woman,
'he toy; woman, the harpy; woman,
the necessary wife and mother of the
races offspring-all this had been his
expectation and understanding of
woman. But woman, the comrade and
playfellow and joyfellow-this was
what Dede had surprised him in. And
the more she became worth while. the
more ardently his love burned, un-
consciously shading his voice with
caresses, and with equal unconscious
ness f1aring up signal fires in his eyes.
Nor was she blind to it, yet. like many
women before her. she thought to play
with the pretty fire and escape the
consequent conflagration."
winter will soon be coming on, "
she said regretfully, and with provoca-
ton, one day. "and then there won't
be any more riding"
"But | must see you in the winter
Just the same" he cried hastily.
She shook her head
I've been pretty good" he declared.
II leave 1t to you If l haven't. It's
been pretty hard, too. | can tell you.
You just think 1t over. Not once have
said Il word about love to you, and
me loving you all the time. That's
going some for man that's used to
having his own way. I'm somewhat
of rusher when 1t comes to travel.
ing. ! reckon I'd rush God Almighty
If 1t came to race over the ice. And
yet ! didn't rush you. | guess this
fact Is an Indication of how much
do love you. OF course | want you to
marry me, Have said word about
1t. though? Nary chirp, nary fut
ter. I've been quiet and good, though
It's almost made me sick at times, this
keeping quiet haven't asked you to
marry me. I'm not asking you now
oh. not but what you satisfy me-
sure know you're the wife for me. But
how about myself? Do you know me
70 I'm D
He shrugged his shoulders. 81 don't
know and l amt going to take
chances on 1t now You've got tc
know for sure whether you think you
could get along with me or not, and
I'm playing slow conservative game
amt a-going to lose for overlooking
my hand"
This was love-making of sort be-
yond Dede's experience. Nor had she
ever heard OF anything like It.
$50 you see," he urged. lust for a
square deal we've got to see some
more of each other this wiater. Most
likely your mind amt made up yet
But 1t is" she interrupted. ~
wouldn't dare permit myself to care fol-
you. Happiness. for me. would not lie
that way. I like you. Mr.. Harnish
and all that. but 1t can never be more
than that"
x Its because you don't like my way
Cf living" he charged. thinking In his
own mind OF the sensational joy-rides
and general profllgacy with which the
newspapers had credited him-think
ing this. and wondering whether oil
mot. In maiden modesty. she would
disclaim knowledge of It,
To his surprise, her answer was fia,
and uncompromising
mo: ! don't"
Il know I've been brash on some Of
shose rides that got into the papers,
10 began his defence. land that I've