The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1915-03-17

you want to marry met" She .
whispered the words.
"Sure!" confirmed Jack, eagerly.
She went to him and looked into his
eyes. |
You really want to marry me?"
why, grille said Jack tenderly,
taking her arm, Il want you to be my |
wife. Don't you understand"
Your wife," she repeated.
Il think an awful lot of you" whis !
pered Jack softly.
Il like you, too, she nurmured, !
turning her head away.
Well go and tell the governor" he
cried enthusiastically, and started to-
wards the other Office
She ran after him and caught his
arm.
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.. No. Not him!
Please don't tell him."
Why not?" he asked. IT'S the hap
piest day of my life. l think he'll be
delighted"
Not now-please!" she entreated.
They were interrupted by the en-
trance Of Stuart, SCOTS lawyer. Jack
took his leave. Stuart questioned Ger
trude, and finally made her PROPOSE
ton on his own account To his
amazenent, she flouted him. Gertrude
was learning. He was about to ask
her point blark if Mr.. Scott had Sc
cured any equity" in her, when that
gentleman appeared and interrupted.
Stuart had called to get the money
for the settlement with the girl con-
corning whom he had called the day
Gertrude was employed. Gertrude was
sent out Of the room, and Miss Wig
gins was brought in to write oot re-
ceipt on Gertrude's typewriter When
she had finished. Stuart thanked her.
She rose from the desk and remarked
brightly:
you're welcome It's pleasure to
write letter in his private office" She
looked at Jerrold r. Il enjoyed it very
/ much, assure you" She laughed and
/ went out
That's one on you, Scott" laughed
Stuart. The two men went out to-
gether.
Gertrude came back into the office,
Jack came in.
Il have something awfully i'm portant
to say to you" he whispered.
What is it," she asked, smiling.
II love YOU more and more every
! minute." he announced dramatically.
Look QUIT" cautioned Gertrude.
pointing towards the door.
Il don't care. He has to know pretty
soon, now, and I'm ready to explode
any minute" She went up to him and
put her hand on his shoulder, and
looked at him. IF you'll give me just
one little kiss" he whispered, Il think
I can hold out till the days over. Gee,
it's nearly five now. I'll take you home
! in the touring car. There's something
l want to say to you-and to your
mother"
He crushed her to him, stopping her
objections with kisses. and fed.
: Jerr0ld r. came back into the office
with Crane, and issued some orders.
Crane asked If he could close up the
Office and dismiss the force. and was
told to do so. Gertrude was about to
go to meet Jack downstairs, when Jer-
rold r, asked her to remain for a few
minutes to take another letter.
Crane went out; there was the hurry
and hustle Of the force in the outer
office going home; but Jerrold r. re-
manned at his desk until the lights in
the outer Offices were out. and the en-
tire esta blishment was quiet He sent
her TO file some letters in a cabinet
AS she did so. he quickly snapped the
lock of the door to the outside offices
shut Gertrude heard the lock snap
and turned quickly, but said nothing.
This time, however, Jerrold R.
wasted but little time with prelimi-
naries.
Jack grew impatient waiting down
stairs, and finally took the elevator up
to the office to find out Why Gertrude
was taking such a long time. AS he
stepped out of the elevator shaft, he
heard piercing scream. and fumbling
for his key, opened the private door to
his stepfathers office and rushed in
He found Gertrude on her knees on
the floor by her desk, clinging TO 1t for
support, her hair half down, her sailor
blouse pulled to one side, exposing one
bare white shoulder.
Scott wheeled TO face Jack. his hair