The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1913-04-16
AN ABRUPT PROPOSAL
BY MARY o. ARNoTT.

clink OF punch cups as the twelve
guests arose to toast their genial hos
tess, and to wish her bon voyage on
her prospective trip to the continent.
There was a tremor in her voice as
Mrs. Thomas responded to the kindly
wishes of her guests. Honeymoon
House had in turn harbored four of
the couples during the embarkation
onto the sea Of matrimony Being
childless herself Mrs. Smith took es-
pecial interest in young people who
were making their own way in life.
James Sutcliffe arose. ITO the next
couple who occupy Honeymoon
Housed" he said.
There was hearty response and a
burst of merriment as all eyes CEN
tered on the speaker. Out Of the laugh
ter the hosts voice arose.
It's up to you and Reta--you are
the only eligibles for the position
he toasted with eyes that embraced
discounted couple.
A blank look came into Reta FL
lots face as she glanced at Mr.
Thomas
you know very well. Ted. that
Jimmy Sutcliffe and are far too busy
in our individual pursuits to entertain
the thought of matrimony." She
smiled half wistfully at big Jim. you
see, Jim's pleasure and mine, in
Honeymoon House, preceded that of
any of you. An interior decorator and
an architect are apt to look upon the
output Of their brains as something
infinitely beautiful. Jim and love
every nook and Granny in this house,
but 1t is not necessity that we mar
ry-in order to enjoy it."
A shadow fitted into the eyes Of
the hostess.
Il am sorry, In view of your fond
ness for the place, to tell you that
this may be your farewell visit to
Honeymoon House." she said.
Mrs. Thomas continued without
awaiting the protests which she knew
were on every lip.
"Yes-it is a fact. The first couple
to marry before my trip abroad is to
have it for a wedding present"
WHAT" exclaimed Sutcliffe. ''You
are going to give 1t away?"
Mrs. Thomas nodded.
For keeps?" questioned Reta.
The hostess nodded more emphati-
cally.
Eyes. To tell you the TRUTH am
bit tired of journeying into the
mountains every year. I have decid-
ed to give it to some of my friends
who will appreciate its beauty. and
who will take good care of it. l know
at least three possible tenants. They
will no doubt all jump at the offer"
An ominous silence fell upon the
group. Honeymoon House held mem
cries of many happy yesterdays that
were to be no part of the tomorrows.
Unconsciously, Reta and Jim had
sought each others eyes. A look of
pain drew them into closer under
standing.
"Reta and are responsible for all
its beauty" thought Jim
1T is ours thought Reta, and a
tear felt strangely near her lashes,
Edith Thomas has no right to give
1t away!" She cast resentful glance
at her hostess.
Mrs. Thomas caught the glance and
it's meaning. She laughingly retorted:
II know what is in your mind, Reta,
but you have as good chance of win
ming the house as anyone"
Retas voice was not altogether
steady as she answered.: That
wouldn't do Jimmy any good, and he
loves the house as much as do"
The hosts voice, half laughing and
half earnest, Joined the discussion.
Under the trying circumstances
why not make this marriage OF con-
venience. The house is, fortunately.
of rambling temperament Jim
might occupy the east ramble and
Reta the west. Also the room intend
ed for nursery could be converted
into second dining-room. That is, :"
he continued in raillery, providing
you cannot agree to dine together"
Ted" admonished Mrs Thomas.
Cant you see that you are embar
RAISING our guests?"
From out the merriment Jim's voice
finally found itself. No one observed
the strained muscles about his mouth
nor the hardness of his tone as he adj
dressed Reta.
We'll Reta-how does Ted's idea
strike YOU"
A breathless silence followed Jim s
abrupt proposal A stirring of SYM
pathy swept over the feminine ele-
ment.
Reta cast an indignant glance at
jim. Rising swiftly she left the room
without a backward gIance.
The hosts face fell as he watched
the retreating figure. He turned
alphabetically toward Sutcliffe Il am
afraid we are in bad" he said. 1t
is up to you to square us"
But Jim had not heard Already he
was striding toward the arbor whittier
Reta had taken her indignation.
He put his arms about her and
would not let her go for all her fran
tic struggles.
Il couldn't propose sentimentally