Charlevoix county herald., 1913-05-17

ground. so to speak. But can't le,
you leave me this way"
you will have to. am going back
to the house."
Up to this point, James had merely
been playing tag. as 1t were. The
game wasn't really on. A little Skin
mishing on either side was In order.
But Agatha's last words were the call
to action. They reused the ghost OF
some old Hambleton ancestor who
meant not to be beaten. Jim squared
himself in the middle of the path.
touched Agatha's shoulder with the
lightest. most respectful finger. and
requested: But would ask you. az
a special favor. to stay few min
utes longer"
Jim's tone left Agatha no choice.
She sat down again on the pine stump.
but she could not meet Hmmy's eyes
He stood a few feet away from har.
When he spoke. his voice was nrm
and steady. ringing with earnestness-
There was no doubt now but that he
was in the game for all hs- was worth.
Agatha, you shall not turn Ne
down like this. Wait until yHlnsn0
me better. and knQH
You've lad mol - w tnlfik thiB mat
ter over. and 1t involves a good deal.
admit. But we have lived through
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, l ask!
You will always be my friend. my res
cuer. to whom l 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! don't want
anybody to be grateful. / 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 plucked you out OF
the sea. had to have you. guess
knew 1t that Sunday. only 1t was way
on. somewhere in the back OF my
brain. You're dream I've always
loved, Just az this old house 10. You're
the woman I could have prayH6 for.
I'll do, I'll be. anything you I'll
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 to yield!
Her eyes had a suspicious moistness.
as she shook her head.
You will always be the most gal
liant. unselfish friend have ever
known. But"
"But-what?'
Marry you / can not"
why not?"
IL can not marry anybody"
Then Jimsy said disgraceful
thing you kissed me once. VIII you
do 1t again."
At this irpudence, she neitheE got
angry nor changed her mind--a bad
sign for Jimmy. She put his hand
away. saying: You must forgive me
the kiss"
Jimmy jumped to his feet with an
other inarticulate sound. every whit
as bad as an oath. and stood before
her.
Agatha Redmond. will you marry
me?"
mo"
Jim turned In his tracks and left
the wood.
Two hours later. at supper. Jim was
inquired for.
Our last supper together, and Mr.
Hambleton not here!" mourned Cham
berlain.
Agatha felt guilty. but could scarce
ly confess 1t. You are all invited for
next year. you know" she said.
And we're all coming" announced
Melanie. But poor Mr.. Hambleton
will miss his supper tonight"
The poor Mr.. Hambleton" struck
Agatha. LNluh Iii. f1dmDlelOn Is
doing very we'll indeed. saw him
start of for walk this afternoon"
"Jim's a chump. Give him a cold
potato" jeered Aleck.
But after supper was over, and the
twilight deepened into darkness.
Agatha sought Aleck where she could
speak with him alone.
I-I think Mr.. Hambleton was
troubled when he left here this after
noon" she said. Can you think
where he would be likely to go? He
is not strong enough to bear much
hard exercise yet"
Aleck looked at her keenly.
IF he went anywhere, l think he'd
60 straight to the yacht"
81 feel a little anxious. someway."
confessed Agatha.
Chamberlain voice broke in upon
them. Anybody ready to take me
down to the Sea Gull In the carr"
kIooI, otortad For tho machine