The Kenna record. (Kenna, Roosevelt County, N.M.) 190?-1924, 1913-09-05
ACROSS THE ROAD.
Timed His Proposals Most Inop-
portuneIy, but Always to
the Same Woman.
BY SUSANNA GLENN.

John Kennen had always timed his
proposals most inopportunely. Such
a statement might give rise to the
supposition that he had proposed to
many women, when the truth of the
case is that he had merely proposed
many times to one woman.
And what he sees to be so gone
on in Louise Atwood beats me-" the
neighbors were fond of declaring
She's always been an Independent
little piece, while John is the kindest
fellow in the world. He had ought to
know what she is like, living right
across the road from her all his life,
but they say love is blind, and guess
John goes to prove it!'
John was thinking about his pro-
posals as he rested on his porch one
evening, watching through screen
of fragrant apple blossoms the CLINT
of Louise's white dress on the porch
across the road. THAT first one was
about the worst" he decided between
puffs from pipe, "for I've never been
so scared since, and Louise has never
been quite so superior. / declare, l
thought she'd say yes long before
this. / fail to see the sense of walt
ing till the best part of our lives are
over, for marry me she surely will,
some day Guess it's about time
did something beside just propose"
When Kennen presently sauntered
across to occupy the comfortable ex-
ira rocker on her porch, Louise At
wood felt no surprise. Grass had not
grown in the path between the two
houses since Johs was old enough to
appreciate the attractiveness of his
tantalizing neighbor. It's so absurd
of John to suppose should wish to
marry him after having seen him
every day of my life in this tiresome
way,"-she thought, watching him leis-
urely approach Men seem to be
just clear conceit, anyway. Why
should marry any one, when I'm per
fectly comfortable and happy here by
myself?" She smiled patronizingly as
he settled himself in the big arm
chair.
Louise. I've come over to ask you
a question" he stated with a direct.
ness that had not characterized his
previous declarations, possibly sew
eral questions" he amended.
Louise merely smiled.
My first question is not new one
but 1t is final-will you marry me
Louise?"
...GrAcious, who do you expect would
Z accept such -heartless proposal as
that?"
81 did not much expect you would.
smiled John serenely, but thought
1T safe to try once more. at least. II
isn't lack of heart that is the trouble
Louise You know Pve put heart
enough into the others to satisfy any
woman. l had hoped you would sec
fit to accept me, some time, still 1t Ii
comfortable to have 1t settled definite
ly l hope we can continue to be
friends just the same?"
1--WE always have been friends
murmured Louise, with lack OF hel
customary superiority.
We've been more than friends" he
corrected; that is why 1t is bit peril
GUS, to drop back upon mere friend
ship. But we are both pretty sensi
BILE. SO guess Veil make it CO." Fol
some minutes he smoked in silence.
There is one thing hope you viii
always do. Louise" he continued pres
emily. Il hope you will always fee
free to ask me when you want hell
about the things I've been in thu
habit of helping you with. I've nevel
made any secret of the fact that wal
courting you, but now that that is a
end shall not feel justified in coming
over here with the freedom OF thu
past II you understand why, thii
will not disturb you-perhaps 1t will
a,,an ha a raIiaf" ha added