The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1913-03-28

meant not TO Do seaten Jim seaared
himself IN the middle OF the path.
touched AgathaH shoulder with the
lightest, most respectful finger. and
requested "Bul / would ask you. as
a special favor. 10 stay a few min
uteG longer"
inns tone left Agatha no choice
She sat down again on the pine stump
hut she could not meet Jimmy'a eyes
lie stood a few feet away from her
When he spoke. his voice was firm
and steady, ringing with earnestness
There was no doubt now but that he
vas In the game for an he was worth
Agatha, you shall not turn me
down like this Wait until you know
me better and know yourself better
You've had no time 10 think this mat
ter over. and Il involves a good deal
! admit But we have lived through
O good deal together IN these few
weeks. I'm here I'm here TO stay
You can't say now. dear. that you
care nothing for me-can you?"
What Is the use Of all this, ! ask!
You will always be my friend, my res.
cuer to whom am eternally CRATE
full"
Jimmy emitted a sound halfway be
tween "Shucks" and Damn" and
swung impatiently clean round on his
heels.
Grateful be hanged! I don't want
anybody to be grateful. I want you TO
love me-to marry me- Why, Agatha
he argued boyishly. his hopes rising
as he saw her face soften a little,
you're mine, for l plucked you out OF
the sea. had to have you. ! guess /
knew it that Sunday, only It was way
on, somewhere in the back of my
brain. You're a dream I've always
loved, Just as this old house is. You're
the woman I could have prayed for
I'll do, I'll be, anything you wish; III |
change myself over. but oh, don't say
YOU won't have me. Agatha, Agatha, /
you don't know how much you mean
to mel"
Before his speech was finished. /.
James, according to the good old fash. /
ion. was down on his knees before his |
lady, and had imprisoned one of her |
hands. Stole she was, not 10 yield! .
Her eyes had a suspicious moistness. T.
as she shook her head.
You will always be the most gal /
ant, unseliish friend | have ever
known. But"
"But-what?"
Marry you | can not"
why not?"
Il can not marry anybody"
Then JImsy said disgraceful
hing you kissed me once VIII you
10 it again?"
At this inpudence, she neither got
lngry nor changed her mind-a bad
ign for Jimmy. She put his hand
lway, saying: You must forgive me
he kiss"
Jimmy jumped to his feet with an
'ther inarticulate sound, every whit
IS bad as an oath, and stood before
Ter.
Agatha Redmond, will you marry
ne?"
No
Jim turned in his tracks and left
be wood.
Two hours later, at supper, Jim was
inquired for,
Our last supper together, and Mr..
Iambleton not here!" mourned Cham
erlain.
Agatha felt guilty, but could scarce
: confess It. "To.: are all invited for
ext year, you know" she said.
And we're all coming" announced
lelanie. But poor Mr. Hambleton
i'll miss his supper tonight"
The poor Mr. Hambleton" struck
gatha. 81 think Mr.. Hambleton is
ding very well indeed. l saw him
art of for a walk this afternoon"
"Jim's a chump. Give him a cold
otato," jeered Aleck
But after supper was over, and the
Wight deepened into darkness.
gatha sought Aleck where she could
leak with him alone
Il think Mr. Hambleton was
'oubled when he left here this after.
oon," she said. Can you think
here he would be likely to go? He
not strong enough to bear much
ard exercise yet"
Aleck looked at her keenly.
IF he went anywhere, | think he'd
} straight to the yacht"
Il feel a little anxious, someway,"
Agatha.
Chamberlain's voice broke in upon
lem. Anybody ready to take me
1wn to the Sea Gull in the carr"
As Aleck started for the machine, {
e anxiety in Agathas face percept-
ly lightened. And may / go with
)u?" she asked eagerly.