Mansfield mirror. (Mansfield, Wright County, Mo.) 1908-1957, 1914-04-16
FOR Three WEEKS
BY ARTHUR COTTONWOOD.

There was something about Alicia
Farrar-a certain ~frankness Of eyes
and speech-that would make you de-
cidedly prone to trust her. Alicia, you
could be sure, was a girl who would
play fair. Jimmy Carroll. coming of
the links with her, and strolling across
the green toward the clubhouse, was
sure of that. He was sure OF other
things, too, among them that he loved
her very much and that he had known
her far too short a time TO yet let II be
known.
Therefore. he was very much sur.
prised when Alicia stopped abruptly.
and with never a prelude of warning.
said quietly:
Would you mind awfully much be-
ing engaged to me. Mr.. CarrollT"
Jimmy's heart skipped about three
beats; then II pounded so violently to
make up for lost time that it sent the
hot blood surging into his cheeks and
his neck and wen his ears.
Mind" he echoed, about to declare
that such a thing was to be devoutly
wished. but beyond his widest dreama.
But before he could voice these choice
and sacred feelings, Alicia was speak
ing again. quickly. with a rueful, tired
little smile.
Only for just a little time, Mr.. Car
roll" she explained. Just while stay
on here al Aunt Helen's. You see,
aunty is such a dear, but | can't seem
to make her understand that I'm tired
out. that | really want to rest; so
she's gone and routed every eligible
nice young nan hereabouts. and
wished him onto me. as 1t were. She
simply sees 10 it that there's tons and
coolies of them at the house every
minute of the day to take me motor
ing or out on the river or golfing." she
ended with a droll little intimate
nudge.
oh, see," said he, trying to laugh
naturally.
And | so want to rest" she went
on. Just go out in the woods and laze
around and read and poke about by
myself. I've picked you out because
you're S nice and understanding about
things, and also because know you're
~level-headed and not the least likely
to fall in love with me. I'm not your
kind a bit.
We'll if you just would be engaged
TO me the rest OF the time I'm here,
don't you see II would let me do all
these things? You could be very de-
voted TO me, come every morning and
afternoon to take me somewhere. and
just get me out OF sight OF the house
and then you'd be free TO de as you
like. 1t will only take just a few min
utes OF your time each day, and you
see how it will keep the others away
and lie. me do the things and get the
rest ! want"
His laugh sounded all right to her
this time.
Why. surely" said he. Il propose
right here and now"
You're so good" said she. And !
accept you-for the next three weeks"
she amended with a chuckle.
And after that?" he asked.
"Oh, we'll quarrel, of course" said
she. and break it off and find out in
time what a mistake We were making"
"Of course" said he.
Therefore, it was announced, and
her u m gave them a jolly little din
ner, and then she was free-free for
the first time since she had come in.
TO this live-wire place, where all the
nice young men had been so anxious
to see that she didn't have a spare
minute on her hands. Now, Of course,
they fell off for the greater part. Each
morning Jimmy Carroll escorted her
down the road to the woods, left her,
and went his way. Each day after
lunch it was the same. She was sup
posed to be motoring or golfng or on
the river with him. Rainy days he sat
with her on her aunt's veranda.
But you needn't do this" she said
that first rainy afternoon. This is
asking rather too much OF you, Mr..
Carroll"
He grinned. One calls ones fance
Jimmy, il that happens to be his
name" he said %gravely. And as to
staying here, l like it; yes, really.
tn keep the others away. oh. I've
made 'em think I'm terribly jealous
OF you. They're scared to come around
when I'm here, and that gives you a
chance to read. Don't mind me. Go
on with that book you're reading. I'll
finish the morning paper. I'm Just the
bulwark, you know. to keep the rest
away"
She smiled at him and let her hand
rest on his arm for a moment.
You're a perfect dear,-Jimmy,"
said she.
Then he brought her the ring. 1t
was a beautiful stone. She caught her
breath. "Why-why-" she began
demurringly.
He laughed easily.
Must have an engagement ring to
make IL look ell fair and aboveboard.
you know" he explained as he slipped
it on her slim finger.
But the expense" she demonstrated.
Again he laughed.
Got it Of a friend OF mine" he ex-
planned. Just left a deposit which |
get back when ] return It. We must
CAcE 0C MIJTIlhI HNIl NOMJN