Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1913-05-09

lieve that you're not afraid of II horse
but / know better. Won't you let Inc
see you homer"
The two had met in the lazy quiet OF
Nineveh's town square. and Tom was
quick to see his opportunity. Mary
Todhunter laughed at his apprehensive
manner.
"How can you keep a straight face
when you say that. Tom?" she asked.
"You know as well as l do that I've
driven old Solomon million times,
more or less. and that nothing on earth
would make him run away.S
"You can never tell about these old
reliables." said Tom. Solomon might
take it into his head to get frisky any
minute. can see devilment in his eye
right n,w."
He paced an entreating hand on the
buggys side.
"We,l. get In. them" conceded Mary
tossing her pretty head. II reckon
won't have any peace until let you
have your own way"
Tom swung himself into the buggy
Instantly That's mighty wise con
clusion. Mary" he remarked. taking
the reins and heading old Solomon to-
ward the shady road that led to Mary's
home. Il wish to goodness you'd make
up your mind to it as a permanent
thing
Mary flashed mockery at him. IL
reckon you do" she exclaimed. "It's
Just like you. But there's no danger Of
it's coming to pass. Mr.. Tom Strick-
land"
They were now well out of the drow.
~ town. Old Solomon trotted content.
eddy along Under the leafy foliage that
arched his always welcome homeward
way.
That's one reason I'd like to see
your father elected governor" contin.
ued Mary THOSE jefferson City girls
will soon teach you your proper place
Tom Strickland. even though you are
the governors son."
I'm not the governors son yet
Mary" responded Tom. an Intentional
meekness in his tone. "And even II
the time ever comes that l am. Jeffer
son City will see mighty little Of me-"
what do you mean?" asked Mary
you'll certainly have to go to the
state capital when Colonel and Mrs
Strickland go. won't your
Toms face took on an injured ex
preston. II declare. Mary" be spoke
lyon never seem to realize that I'm nc
longer q boy. Please remember that
I'm q grown man now and that I've
studied law and been admitted to prac
tice at the Missouri barr
Laughter cleaned In Mary's eyes
well, Mr.. Thomas Strickland. great
lawyer that you are" she Knocked
''what them
"why. just this. that intend to stay
right here In Nineveh." announced Ton
loftily. It's all settled too. I'm going
to be taken into partnership with my
father and old Judge Boiling. and ther
can hold my fathers practice II he'i
elected. Anyway. I'm to be a partner
Strickland. Boiling & Strickland. that
how the new sign will readr'
Mary laughed outright. Goodness
me!' she cried. won't we be a biz
man then? Oh. Tom. It'll be such fur
to hear you make a speech In court
Ahem-Gentlemen of the jury
Shame on you. Mary Todhunter::'
cried Tom. reddening boyishly. "It''
Just like you. though. You've poket
fun at me all your life"
II haven't either!" denied Mary In
stantly. 1--we only laughed at you
high and mighty ways now and then
and you know it,"
Toms angry eyes looked straight t
the front.
"You had no right to say that abou
me-" continued Mary. i've beel
mighty good to you
up to a certain point. yes." agreet
Tom. "But just the minute get seri
Gus about anything you begin laughing
at me-"
''Why. Tom. don't do anything o.
the sortr' protested Mary. y neve
dreamed Of such thing. You can try
me this very minute and Sect
''All right. WILL" spoke Tom quick
~. MARY. love you. want you t,
promise to be my wife. Won't you
I've loved you all my Iife.'
TON Stricklandw cried Mary. blush
ing holly. You ought to he sshamet
Of yourself! You've got no rigir. 20 vi!
that just bccause-just because l.
was trying to be good to you!'
MARY" said Tom sturdily. II 90,
don't know I've been in love with yot
all this time you must be blind. Ant
now I've told you. why-well. you'v,
got to give me an answer-and | low
you so that I'm afraid to hear 1t. Il
it's novel;. it'll break my heart. that.
ALI"
There was no answer to his pleading
Mary had given him one startled look