The Press., 1914-03-04

ed loudly.
 Now, don't get preachy, old man." he demonstrated. Its only a joke, and i've years from now Freeman will be laughing at it himself
 Five years is mighty long time to wait when you're trying to appreciate g joke like that on yourself. He'll be sore about it.
 Its only joke. Look out you don't get caught yourself" laughed Jefferson as he went on alone.
 Sam Freeman found the dainty little note among his letters one morning
 He had recognized the handwriting at once, and his wildly throbbing heart had testified to his desperate interest in lovely Alice Chase. But Jefferson Dean, that light hearted cavalier, had appeared to be first favorite At least he was always in the field ahead of Sam, and now an engagement was openly rumored.
 In the face of these facts the con- ing to Sam Freeman. He bored over the few words with white. stunned face and bright eyes.
 What did 1t mean?
 Alice Chase was saying that she loved him and would marry him. and she hoped he would come tonight when father would be home, and his proposal was so unexpected. but she was so happy.
 Ho had not ovon oSLSo6 hnP to marry him, though he had Ionged to do so. Again he asked himself what it could mean. Surely, surely he was not con- ceited enough to believe that Alice had thrown the handkerchief i'll his direc-. tion She was not that sort Anyway he would call upon her that evening. ::
 Again he read the little note. It was for him alone. 1t began "Doar MT. Freeman" and ended Yours ever, AL ice Chase"
 He was of a dozen minds whether to send her flowers or not, but his long ing to do so prevailed. and he sent huge box of American Beauties.
 That evening Jefferson Dean reach ed the Chase mansion at an early hour. Alice received him with her accustom- ed sweet cordiality, and he noted that she was looking especially beautiful in cream cOlored gown. frightened by several American Beauty roses.
 They were not his offering. and MT. Dean felt thrill of excitement as he pondered whether Sam Freeman had taken advantage of the note and sent her the flowers.
 But there was little time for such reflections. The successful working out of his joke absorbed his attention for presently Sam Freeman was an nOunced
 Now for the fun," chuckled Jeff in- wardly as he shook hands with his rival and noted that young mans tense. eager face as he bent over Alice's hand.
 The fun came thick and fast. but somehow it was not amusing to lief ferson Dean
 While that young mans attention was diverted by Alice's mother the. girl had few words alone with Free man at the other end of the room.
 When Mrs. Chase had gone Alice turned and came down the room with Freeman. and Sam was holding her hand with an air of proprietorshiD
 Jefferson Dean saw and gasped in- wardly Outwardly his face was quite cOlOrless, and he cursed his own folly..I
 Jefferson" said Alice sweetly, "con- graduate us. We are engaged to be married" She bent down and her lips brushed one of the e'r0ses on her breast \
 "Iarriedr' echoed Jefferson. with a hollow laugh. "Is it a joke?'' 4
 No, indeed"' protested the happy pair in unison. Its true" And they turned and looked into each others eyes and entirely forgot poor Jeffer- son Dean. who gladly slipped out of the house
 He met Bob Waters, and that young man hooked a hand in the arm of the one and led him to the club. Perhaps Bob was conscience stricken. for he had conversed with Alice Chase over the telephone that morning. and he had told her a few son Dean. and Alice had declared 1t was the most sensible thing Jeff Dean had ever done in his life
 After a long and moody silence lief fersOn Dean looked up from a steady contemplation of his dead cigar and addressed his sympathetic friend. s
 II say. Bob. what's that thing those Muth sea islanders use-you throw it and it comes back and hits you on fhe head-what?'
 "A bOomerang? asked Bob in steady voice.
 "A boomerang! An. yes: thanks!' Jefferson Dean. and he re- turned to the obseQuies he was holding