Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1915-09-20
6heAMKIEUR CRAFTSMAN.


'I guess I'm not at to speak to you"
he said. "but that's Just what I've
come to do-fcr the third time!"
"Oh, Mr.. Toye!" cried Blanche.
really frightened by the face that
made his meaning clear. 1t relaxed
q little a. she shrank involuntarily,
but the compassion in his eyes and
mouth did not lessen their steady de-
termination.
II didn't have time to make myself
presentable." he explained. x thought
you wouldn't have me waste . moment
II you understood the situation.
want you to promise to marry me
right now!"
Blanche began to breathe again.
Evidently he was en- the eve Of yet an.
other Of his journeys. probably back
to America, and he wanted to 90 over
engaged; at drst she had thought he
had bad news to break to her, but this
WAS no worse than she had heard be-
fore. Only 1t was moro difficult to
cope with him; everything was differ
emit. and he so much more pressing
and pre-. plate. She had never met
this Hilton Toye before. Yes; she
was distinctly frightened by him. But
in minute she had ceased to be
frightened of herself; she knew her
own mind once more. and spoke 1t
much AZ he had spoken his. quite COM
passionately, but Just as tersely to
the point
"One moment" he interrupted. II
said nothing about my feelings. be-
cause they're kind Of stale PROPOSE
ton by this time; but for forms sake
I may state there's no change there,
except in the only direction guess .
PERSONS feelings are liable to change
toward you. Miss Blanche! I'm worse
case than ever, II that makes any diff.
ference"
Blanche shook her yellow head.
Nothing can" she said. There must
be no possible mistake about it this
time, because I want you to be very
good and never ask me again.
Toye accepted his fate with ready
resignation, little short Of alacrity.
There was CLEAN in his somber eyes
and his blue chin came up with jerk.
That's talking!" said he. Nov will
you promise me never to marry GAIA.
LETT"
"Mr. Toye!"
That's talking, too, and guess
mean it to be. It's not all dog-in-the-
maager, either. want that promise a
lot more than want the other. You
needn't marry me. Hiss Blanche, but
you mustn't marry Caxalet"
Blanche was blazing. But this 10
simply outrageous-"
II claim there's an outrageous cause
for It, Are you prepared to swear
what ask. and trust me as Ill trust
you, or am to tell you the whole
thing right now"
"You won't force me to listen to an
other word from you. II you're gen.
tlenan. Mr.. Toye!"
Its not what l am that counts.
Swear that to me, and swear, on my
side. that won't give him away to
you or anyone else. But it must be
the most solemn contract man and
woman ever made"
The silver teapot arrived at this
juncture. and not iaopportunely. She
had to give him his tea, with her
young maids help. and to play tiny
part In which he supported her really
beautifully. She had time to think. al
most co0lly: and one thought brought
thrill. II 1t was . question of her
marrying or not marrying Walter
Cazalet, then he must be free, and only
tie doer Of some dreadful deed!
What has he done?" she begged,
with q pathetic abandonment OF her
previous attitude, the moment they
were by themselves.
Must l tell your" His reluctance
rang genuine.
Il insist upon it," she flashed again.
well, it's long story"
Never mind. I can listen
You know, had to 60 back to
Italy
Had your"
well, l did co." He had slurred
tho first statement; this one was char
enthusiastically deliberate. Il did go.
and before went asked Cazalet for
an introduction to some friends Of his
down in Rome
Il didn't know he had any" said
Blanche.
why. he doesn't have any" said
Toye. hut he claimed to have some
He left the Kaiser Fritz the other dag
at Naples. guess he told your"
'No. understood he came round to
Southampton. Surely you shared q
cabin?"
"Only from Genoa: that's where l
took the steamer and Cazalet regained
her"
.Well!"
"He claimed to have spent tho In.
terval mostly with friends at Rome.
Those friends don't exist, Miss
Blanche" said Toye.
''1s that any business Of mine?" she
asked him squarely.
why, yes, I'm afraid !.'s going to
BE-. That Is. unless you'll still trust
me"
go on, please"
'sWhy, he never stayed at Rome at
all, nor yet in Italy any longer than it
takes to come through on the train.
Your attention for one moment" He
took out neat pocketbook. Blanche