Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1913-01-09
after THE GREAT JUMP
Hustled for the First Time in His
Life.
by LOUISE MERRIFEILD.


copyright, 1912. by the Mcclure News
paper Syndicate.)
Garret awakened the next morning
with most unusual feeling OF happi-
ness and even elation Then he re-
membered. He had jumped the lass
fence the night before Eight years
Of bachelorhood. eight years OF solid
single comfort with all their warn
ings and lessons had gone up like
pun Of smoke
Letters. sir. and shall l raise the
shades?"
Peters recalled him 1t gave him
mastery over himself, the self he had
always relied on. even to hear Peters
voice at his pillow, for Peters went
with all individuality which had turn
ed q complete cosmic handspring 30
to speak. under the glamour OF Guen
Warnings presence.
"Yes. Peters, do" Garret reached
for the letters eagerly. Perhaps she
had written since the night before.
Sometimes they changed their minds
most impetuously, he had understood.
and used special delivery stamps
His mouth widened In a slow smile
OF deadly amusement. Oh. yes, he
knew the usual rules of the game, but
not when It was played "for keeps"
~ the children say.
She had listened to him in silence.
What had she weighed in the balance
during that silence?-her own depth
Of love or his? And she had not an
swered his question. merely told him
he might call the next morning,
After his cold shower and coffee. he
took photograph Of her from lock
ed drawer. and set 1t up before him
while he smoked. leaning back in a
chair. hands in his pockets. His sis
ter had sent him 1t while he was
abroad.
II want you to love Guen Waring,"
she had written him. "She is the only
woman want for a sister-in law. She
is absolutely bully"
Later Kit had specified reasons, aft
or his return.
But l don't want to marry any
body"
"You will as soon as you have met
Guen."
II wouldn't marry a New York
girl"
"She isn't. She was born in Paris.
brought up In California and has
lived in Italy since she was seven.
teen. Can you beat IT."
Kit had a provoking dimple and
side glance that probed straight to
ones inner weaknesses. Garret
spared for time.
II don't care to be caught"
ANY fish can be hooked with the
bait most suited to its peculiar tenn
perament."
What's my bait'" Garret grlnned
at her lazily.
Kit looked serious. II think sin
cUrtty Garret You have tried about
everything else-havent you?-beau-
ty. sweet disposition. magnetic tenn
permanent. fortune. Individuality"
"Quit." interposed Garret peevishly
mo fair keeping tab. What's my fu
ture Wlfes speclalryl
She's just herself, and men like
her. She has you all ticketed and
classified and tabulated and indexed
and nearly all filled Some she keeps
at hand for ready reference"
She'll not keep me at hand for
ready reference"
Kit had laughed, and patted his
head a. II he had been a surly col
lie.
"she will do Just exactly as she
thinks best with you. dear"
And she had He remembered the
look in Kits teasing eyes this morn
ing, curiously enough. the morning
after he had asked Guen Waring to
be his wife.
She had not seemed surprised nor
embarrassed. yet he had experienced
both emotions most Unexpectedly.
surprise at finding himself off guard.
embarrassment as he heard himself
stammering like any cub as he tried
to tell this woman he loved her
"Guen, listen. IL when can see
you? VIII you be my wife?"
She had stared at him In frank as
constituent. her dark eyes almost full
Of sudden pain.
do you only care that way about
met thought we were pals"
"You understand that I am asking
you to be my wife!"
"Of course" impatiently; but you
-l-Ak ~.I opy wop,op fo ho
II never asked any other"
Hurry. We will be late"
He barred the way doggedly. when
can I see your"
Tomorrow morning If you like.
Hurry"
"Nine forty-ive. SIR" said Peters.
gently.
Call a taxi for ten-thirty." He
reached for the telephone. and gave
her number. It would nerve him to
hear her voice. He smiled, waiting
for the response.
miss Waring please" The answer
was immediate. Miss Waring had left
at seven-thirty for out Of town. No.
she had left no address.
Garret hung up the receiver. He
felt piqued. stumped. worried baf-
fed, indignant. Why had she run
away from him? He had felt a re-
action from the elation Of dawning
consciousness. almost a reverse in
bachelorhood, but this stirred every
dormant proprietary male instinct In
him. He called up Kit imperatively.
She was fresh and spirited after
ride in the park. No, certainly not.
She knew nothing of Guens plan.