The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1915-11-02


clock in the hall kept sickeningly
accurate account of the flight Of
time. Was it possible that he would
not come. after all?
She stopped playing abruptly and
wheeled around, anger and indigna-
ton visible in every line of her youth
full figure and piquant face.
The others looked up, startled and
embarrassed.
ooh, Maryr" exclaimed nene con-
tritely. She got up and went over to
her friend, slipping her arm appeal
ingly around Mary's waist. With SUI
perior tact she attempted to draw
Mary into the pleasant circle that had
been formed behind her back, as 1t
were.
But Mary could not mix that night;
the presence Of Allan James embar-
raised her, and the task of listening
for Jack to come made her silent and
distract
The evening slipped by with sick
ening rapidity. and Jack did not
come.
The fact that nene grew gayer and
more amusing with every passing mo-
ment did not comfort Mary. A girl
whom Allan James favored with
flowers and attention for one whole
evening could we'll afford to be gay.
But what was she to do? In the
simple society Of Mary's native town
1t was understood that the young
men Of a party should escort the girls
to their homes. Mary's escort had
failed her.
The party showed signs Of breaking
up. and Mary was on the verge of ask
ing Mrs. Grannis to let her remain
there all night when Ilene informed
her that Allan James was going to
see" her home.
Mary tossed her head, but she of.
fered no objection OF course, Ilene
had asked Allan to do this, and he
had consented for her sake.
Mary, muffied In furs, with warm
overshoes, went out into the beautiful
night. conscious of a little rift OF
light In her dark cloud.
For one whole block she and her
tall, serious escort made no remark.
At the beginning of the second
block Allan remarked stifiy!
Its a beautiful night"
Very" replied Mary politely.
At the end Of the third block he
took her arm and helped her. across
the street. Mary glanced up timidly.
Il am sorry to have to trouble
you," she said.
"How?" he asked shortly.
why. like this" she answered.
This is no trouble" he replied de-
cisively.
did you enjoy the party?"
Eyes, l enjoyed the party" replied
Allan.
Mary sighed; It had always been
difficult to start things with Allan.
She must plunge at once into person
alities. or her golden opportunity
would be gone.
Il didn't firt tonight" she said
softly.
Allan laughed in way that made
Mary vince.
you couldn't very WE'LL" he an
swered; "Ilene carried off all the
honors."
Il suppose" she said YEARLY, that
it would be difficult for you to under
stand how interesting 1t is to fiirt with
new people,"
Allan considered the proposition for
several minutes.
mot after this evening"" he replied
honestly.
"Oh," she said, breathlessly, you
We're flirting, them"
Didn't 1t look like it?"
YES, but / wouldn't have dared
say So"
They had reached Mary's home
now and they paused just inside the
high box fence.
"As for me-" said Mary, casting her
eyes down. Il am going to be a
num-"
"A NUM-" Allan almost shouted the
words. He took Mary's unresistine
hands and drew her quickly to him
THAT. is impossible" he said, DE
cause you're going to marry me-"