The Irish standard., 1913-08-30
ACROSS THE ROAD
Timed His Proposals Most lnop-
portunely, but Always to
the Same Woman.
BY susANNE GLENN.

John Kennen had always timed his
proposals most inopportunely. Such
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
nefghbors 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 a screen
Of fragrant apple blossoms the CLINT
of Louises 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. 1 declare,
thought she'd say yes long before
this. fail to see the sense of wait
ing till the best part of our lives are
over, for marry me she surely will,
some day. Guess it's about time I
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 John was old enough to
appreciate the attractiveness of his
tantaltzing neighbor. tits 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 direct
ness that had not characterized his
previous declarations, possibly sew.
eral questions" he amended.
f. Louise merely smiled.
my first question is not new one,
but it is final-will you marry me,
Louise?"
Gracious, who do you expect would
accept such heartless proposal as
that?"a Si'. ~ s,.2 "a
II did not much expect you would =
smiled John serenely, "but thought
It safe to try once more, at least. It
isn't lack Of heart that is the trouble,
Louise. You know I've put, heart
enough into the others to satisfy any
woman. l had hoped you would sec
fit to accept me, some time, stillHit is
comfortable to have it settled definite
ly. hope we can continue to be
friends just the same?"
1--WE always have been friends s.
murmured Louise, with a lack of her
customary superiority.
We've been more than friends" he
corrected; ."that is why it is bit peril
GUS to drop back upon mere friend
ship. But, we are both pretty sensi-
BILE, SO. l guess we'll make it CO." For
some minutes he smoked in silence.
There is one thing. I@hope you will
always do, Louise" he continued pres
entity Il hope you will always feel
free to ask me when you want help
about the things I've been in the
habit Of helping you with. I've never
made Sany-secret Of the fact that 1 was
counting you, but now that that is at
end shall not feel Justified in coming
over here with the freedom of the
past. II you understand why, this
will not disturb you-perhaps It will
even be relief" he added.
II trust you will always feel free to
come whenever you like" said Louise,
ignoring his supposition.
THAT'S mighty kind and neighborly
in you," agreed Kennen as he rose to
depart. .".And that reminds me. Lou,
i've rented the cottage to a woman
from Anderly who wishes to get out in
the country for the summer-Mrs.
Carlton her name is. hope you'll
like her. She seems a pleasant
spoken person"
Louise shivered little-the spring
night had turned suddenly chilly, and
she went in and closed the door.
Not once during the weeks that fol-
lowed did she receive call from her
one-time lover. To be sure, he shout
ed friendly greetings across the road
or waved as he scurried past in his
runabout, and Louise began wonder.
ing how long It would take time to
effect that patch about which she had
SO often fretted. She was setting
plants in the vegetable garden the
morning he met the new renter at the
station.
!. Louise had never done the trans
planting alone before, and had never
realized how tedious the task might
be. In fact, when she came to think
about It, John had always helped with
all the undertakings that had made