The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1914-01-23

ing.
Nancy Cricket caught her breath.
Never before had Mr.. Dickson invited
her to ride in the little red car, al
though once, several years before, he
had taken her to a lecture. How de-
lightful 1t would be to join that pro-
cession Of motorists In the park and
know that one was out simply for
pleasure! To feel the soft, sweet wind
against her tired face-Nancy be-
lieved' 1t would actually smooth out
the lines that gathered there.
oh, thank you, but" she was
saying when Mr.. Dickson stopped her
with a frown.
mo butts Miss Cricket! I'll wait
for you down here"
Nancy darted upstairs to her little
room, quite unconscious that she had
been looking pretty as a picture in
the eyes Of Benjamin Dickson. IN
known to Nancy, Belle Brown had
dressed the luxurlant, gray-brown
hair in another fashion and her skill
full fingers had transformed the ap-
pearance of the little over-worked
seamstress.
Without glance In the mirror
Nancy pinned on her Sunday hat and
brought forth with trembling fingers
an automobile veil of pink chiffon
which she tied over her hat and about
her throat in great fluffy, rosy bow
that lent color to her pale cheeks. 1t
was secret of her own that Nancy
had bought that veil at the same time
Mr.. Dickson had purchased the red
car-one never knew when one would
be invited to ride-and although she
had waited many weeks for the invi.
tation 1t had come at last!
How kind Mr.. Dickson was-how
masterful his way with a woman!
Nancy Cricket was a very womanly
little woman and she dearly loved to
be bossed around by big man.
Ready? Ali" Mr.. Dickson, looking
very youthful in his linen duster and
gauntlets with cap in his hand,
handed Nancy into the car while his
admirfhg eyes rested on the trans
formed little woman. The street light
made 1t very bright in front OF the
Beeks house so that when they rode
away all the women boarders who had
peeked from behind the basement cur
tains when the red car had honked its
departure, knew that Mr.. Dickson had
taken Miss Cricket out for ride.
The red car glided down the street
and into the pleasant avenue that led
to the park Nancy leaned back in
her seat and sighed blissfully.
1t was a never-to-be-forgotten ride
for several reasons. First, Mr.. Dick
son had been silent for a very long
time when he suddenly asked in a
queer voice: Are you a suffragette,
Miss Crickett?"
And Miss Cricket, much surprised,
had gasped: Mercy no. why should
l be-"
80 many women are nowadays"
he murmured In a relieved tone.
Miss Cricket was silent again-she
did not want to spoil this wonderful
drive by talking -besides, there was a
note in Mr.. Dicksons voice that dis
turbed her strangely; 1t caused her
heart to beat In most unaccustomed
manner.
Around and around the park they
glided in the procession of automo-
biles that wound In and out along the
perfect roads. They listened to the
band concert and at last when it was
over they stopped at pavilion and
Mr.. Dickson brought her out a plate
of ice cream. They sat in the little
red car and ate ice cream and listened
to another band concert.
At last they left the park and
turned back to the city. The little
red car went around corner, chuckled
along a quiet side street and with
derisive snort stopped in front of an
old stone church with its vine-clad
rectory close by.
What is the matter?" cried Nancy
Cricket, shaken out Of her dreamy
abstraction.
Mr.. Dickson was on the ground,
looking under the car. Presently he
arose, brushed his knees and leaning
against the car looked up at Miss
Nancy perched on the seat.
This has happened" he said de-
liberately, and the masterful tone sent
delightful thrills through Nancy Crick-
ct, 81 came out to ask you to marry
me, Miss Cricket, and couldn't sum-
mon courage to do it-but this blessed
little car OF mine has paved the way.
Il stopped right In front Of the church
and the minister's-and that's the
question, Nancy? What is your an
swer?"
In one binding fash the future was
revealed to Nancy Cricket-to marry
BENJAMIN Dickson whom she secretly
loved, to have cosy little home
where she would have nothing to do
save to make 1t comfortable for him.
to ride In the little red car whenever
she liked. 1t was too much! Nancy
bowed her head and quite regardless
Of the fluffy pink chiffon bows she
cried softly.
Mr. Dickson was holding both her
hands in his when the door OF the
-oot0rv onopod ond tho roctorIa r0f,nd