The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1913-01-16

What is it?''
HE has a mania for proposing mar
rage"
well. declare.. What singular
weakness. Proposes to any girl he hap
pens to meetY'
mot on your life! have known the
girls he has proposed to. and they're all
bellies
'But how does he get out Of his pro-
posals? He can't marry all the girls he
asks"
"Oh, Neds a diplomat at that. He
does it very skillfully. They never
blame him. They can't"
'H'm! I'd blame him."
You might not have chance"
'sThank you very much"
"What for?'
Eliminating that he wouldn't be like
ly to practice his foible on me. But I'm
glad you warned me. If he should I'll
give him piece Of my mind. you can
just depend upon that"
HE won't bother you. You see.
there's to be lot of girls with us, and
you being the hostess
"Oh. don't talk any more about it.
understand why you have told me. II
he should yield to his mania while
here
lone thing wish you to promise me.
Don't breathe word of 1t to any of
the other girl guests"
She gave me the promise, and left
her, satisfied that had done all could
do in the matter. If she didn't make
Ned Culberton propose to her then ]
didn't know anything about feminine
human nature. And If he did knew
he would stand by his proposal.
We had merry time Of 1t with our
sleighing parties-that was before au-
tomobiles put an end to sleighing-our
coasting and skating parties, besides
dancing or playing games afterward.
We had the house nicely decorated
with evergreens and a big Christmas
tree on which was a gift for every
guest. During the festivities kept my
eye on Nell, and it wasn't long before
saw that she was going for Culberton
like yacht with all its sails set l ar
gued that if he didn't propose to her of
his own accord and because he really
wanted her she would get him into a
position wherein his mania would be
sure to show itself-in other words,
she would set trap for him. Doubt
less, If she succeeded in drawing him
into it, she would refuse his offer, but
then / had wits, and it would be time
enough to exercise them when advised
Of the situation.
The holidays were not more than
at breakfast a terrible constraint be-
tween Ned and Nell. The meal was
scarcely finished when Ned came to
me and said he had been suddenly
called away; must leave on the first
train; awfully sorry, but the matter
was. imperative Fortunately the last
train till noon had gone, and that gave
me time to get hold Of Nell and find
out what had happened. She told me
that Ned had been overcome by his
mania and added:
81 was surprised, because you told
me it only affected him in the case Of
bellies"
Surprised be hangedr' exclaimed.
"You forced it upon him. However.
there's no harm done. You know it's
his failing. You have no reason to feel
complimented."
"Do you suppose" she replied, toss
ing her head, that because he has
weakness of that kind he is never
going to fall In lover
"Not in this case"
"How do you known
because ne is going to leave at
noon. If he had done the thing ration
ally he wouldn't act as he does. From
his manner and all that I'm sure this
is one of his ordinary lapses. It's a
pity. He's a fine fellow In other re-
spects."
The dialogue ended by my betting
Nell five pounds Of candy that she
couldn't keep Ned till Christmas day.
Noon came, and he didn't go. Another
day passed. and still he remained.
Meanwhile he was in constant state
Of inquietude, apparently not knowing
whether he was on his head or his
heels. Nell. too. seemed to be getting
nervished up, and it was evident some
thing was brewing.
Christmas morning came. and we
were all wishing each other a merry
day Of 1t, except Ned and Nell. whom
l couldn't see and couldn't find. Pres
emily Annie, the maid, came to me
and told me father wished to see me
in his sitting room upstairs. went
up there, and who should be with him
but the missing parties.
"My son." said father, Nellie has
given us a Christmas gift
"Where is it?" / asked. assuming
stupidity.
"Its not an it; it's he," said Nell.
~ should like to know what you told
me that cock and bull story forT'
"What cock and bull storyr'
"Mr. Culberton and Nellie are en-
gagged" said father. 'He has just
asked my consent. and l have given it
cheerfully. know you will join me
in welcoming your college friend into
the family"
$50 he should" said Ned. ''after the
setting up he gave me to his sister.
at, anyway"
Trying to keep you two apart"