The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1914-03-14

countenance- took on new length, new
depth as he observed her. From her
he looked to Jackson. How very young
he seemed! A mere child, in fact.
why, no." he granted, knowing that
he lied. OF course not But II didn't
understand. L"
Broadway, himself with nerves I'M
strung almost to hysteria. began to
hum tune and walk about, endeavor-
ing to look unconscious. Wallace eyed
him with new hope kindling In his
eyes. Was it, after all, jest?
Now. see here. Jackson; if you're
trying to fool me 1 want to know! L"
Mrs. Gerard, who had been upon the
point of granting him forgiveness,
stiffened in new wrath. There you go
again!" she screamed Historically.
Another INSULT"
Really, Mrs. Gerard, didn't mean
It,"
Then what did you mean?" The
lady fixed him with baleful glance.
He was entirely undone. why, L
God knows! I don't!"
WELL" said Jackson, 81 think I do.
You're still in doubt as to whether or
not we are really going to be married.
Isn't that %"
Put thus lucidIy and simply, Wallace
| could not definitely deny that that ex-
| planned his mental state. He had
opened his distressed lips to admit
this when Mrs. Gerard prevented the
expression of his worries with:
But why should he imagine such
| thing? Il"
Broadway rose to the occasion, near
ly making Wallace faint with the glib
ease with which he used endearing
words when talking to the ancient
dame. "Just a moment, sweetheart
dearie-please!" Then he turned to
Wallace. Come on, now; tell me the
truth"
We'll. will admit said his mis-
erably heartsick friend, that at first
did think it was joke. But
And you're not quite satisfied yet
thai it is not?"
why, of course, If you say-why-"
'T'l1 put you right. It'll all true.
We're engaged. We're going to be
married and we expect to be very hap
by. Do you believe it, now?"
why, certainly, if you say So" His
next question was of Mrs. Gerard.
May ask how long you've been en-
gaged?" @--~~
I'VE became engaged last night at
dinner" F.. -
That's right It was-last night at
dinner" her fiance corroborated.. Tt
was during the ice cream
1T all happened in a moment" said
| the bride-elect. ~ --+ .-.t
Just like this" said Jackson. See?
Only one question asked: VIII you
marry me?' And Isaid Yes"
''What?" cried his Mortified inamo-
rata
81 mean she said yes Beatrice said
yes" corrected Jackson. ss.s-zz i
We're going to spend our honey
moon in Spain she gushed, restored
to good temper by Broadway's expla-
nation.
"spain!" It was Wallace who ez-
claimed.
Yes, spain,~ said Broadway, too
elated at the thought OF finding cash
to pay bills to be worried about any
i thing. I'm going out this afternoon
to buy a sombrero and a tambourine.
Won't you congratulate US, Wallace %
But Wallace simply could not trust
his ears. jackson, If you're trying to
fool me"
There he goes again." cried the
now thoroughly Infatuated bride-elect
jackson, I'm not going to stay here
and be insulted in such a manner!"
"Therei There!" Jackson soothed
following her as she essayed to leave
the room Cont be worried Mp
Wallace only thinks we're foolfns
him. zg.szsz
/ but why should he think such a
thing?"
Wallace. again contrite. approached
and started to apologize. She waved
him back with wild hand. szssgs.s
Leave him to me, DEAR jackson
urged her. In five minutes I'll con
vince him that It all is absolutely
true"
She was comforted a little by his
tone. Then you won't come for g
driver
/ Stop for me in. say, half an hour
Well, I'll runs along, then. 1 must
get the air. ALI this has given me g
dreadful headache
: Jackson turned FeproachfulIy tt
Wallace. "See what you've done? T.
= Bye bye. dearie." cried his aancee.
Il Bye bye, sweetheart"
; Tn half an hour?'
About that"
Don't you listen to that mani" This
in warning tone.
No; I'm going to make him lister
!. to me-"
Oh, you dear boy. Bye bye, dearie!
5 She waved a plumpIy wrinkled hand a
: him, and left the twq young men alone
together
: Say. are you going crazy" wer,
: Wallace's first words, spoken as sool
1 as he was sure that she was gone.
r Nothing OF the kind. I'm perfectl,
all right
you mean to tell me shat