Clearwater Republican. [volume] (Orofino, Idaho) 1912-1922, 1915-12-03
Carolyn laid her hand on his arm

nice girl and all that sort of thing, of
course; but | didn't realize l was such
a mighty influence in your life. Do you
really think that If you marry me it's
going to. make all that difference to
your"
why, I'll be another person! Wen
have a glorious time, Carolynl Well
travel and we'll go"
Again she interrupted him. Sec
here, Hall, | haven't any money; you
know that. don't your"
He was properly indignant. by
jove, you don't think I'm that kind
Of man, do you! l don't care wheth-
er you have or not" He waxed prop
erly heroic. Good Lord, Carolyn, do
you think l would marry for money!"
well, then, l don't see"
He looked about the studio fatuous-
ly. ooh, Tll--I'll work hard, you know.
I'm sure can earn enough. In fact l
have splendid prospects, Carolyn. real
ly splendid"
She gave him another of her long
curious glances through half-closed
lids. You certainly are attractive this
morning, Hall. Too darned attractive!
| almost believe I'll say yes, after all!
But no, must think it over. l don't
want to be hypnotized, you know.
Goodby, Hall, I'm going" For scant
moment she paused, hesitating, self
conscious, as she looked at him with
an expression that was seldom seen
on her face. Then she took his hand
impulsively. ooh, Hall, dear-I
thought it was all joke at first-just
your fooling-that's why I was SO hor-
rid But now" Then, as Hall at
tempted to draw her nearer she sprang
away, once more proud and cynical.
Don't you be too sure of me, though!
may see the funny side of it again,
tonight"
by jove, don't see how l can wait
till then" he replied bravely. encir-
cling her waist. Say, Carolyn"
His lips we're almost upon hers
not quite. She burst into laughter as
she sprang away. "Oh, no, HALL. moth
ing like that! I've got a long way to
60, my dear, before I'm ready for. the
bunny-hug! You 60 to work, and let
me ponder Fare-thee-welll" Then,
without waiting for an answer, she
floated out Of the studio.
In the Office she came face to face
with Flodie. Carolyn stopped and
looked at her keenly.
ought to get some fresh air, d'you
know it? You need a change. You're
SO pale" Her intent was kind, but
to poor Flodie, who had waited in
agony for her to leave, it was infuri-
ating. She looked up, with her white
face still whittier.
I'm SO sorry frightened you'll!
Tlodie gave q sarcastic smile.
Carolyn stopped, as surprised a. If a
woolly lamb had bitten her She
looked Tlodie up. she looked F1odie
down. Then merrily she laughed
Good for you! Always speak up, lit
tie one! Be bright and pleasant. II
makes customers like you'll"
Tlodis met her smile for smile.
Thank you SO much! And now
would you mind telling me how to like
customers?"
Carolyn laughed again. WELL" she
said. II may not be a customer very
long. And then perhaps you'll like
mel"
Flodie bounced her fountain pen
t,,vr, nod
swapping. Into the studio she walked
Hall was heading for the dark room
she stopped him with tragic 'Well?'
What d'you Think" he answered
"She wants to think it over, tool"
"She didn't accept you, really?" Flo
die gasped.
mo, took 1t as a joke. Liked It
though What the purple deuce am
going to do?" He looked at his watch
Here 1t is nearly eleven o'clock al
ready, and nothing decided yet! Why
| darent even buy a ring!"
| At the word, Flodie gave a sudden
| gasp, and her hand flew to her heart
| "Oh, wish l could help you'll" she
sighed.
He smiled patronizingly and nodded
Eyes, wish you could" He started
for the door of the dark room and
paused. You can't recommend any
one else, can you, Flodie? II could
only find someone who would say yes
and have it over, l could go right
ahead"
| She gave him such q look! But the
hopelessness of 1t kept her dumb
Down went her eyes to shut the tears
out; Flodie turned away, pretending
that 1t was absolutely necessary that
the Spanish chair be moved two inches
to the right.
Say. Flo, you think up some way tc
beat this game. will you?" With that
Hall shut himself into the dark room
| Into the chair Flodie sank. staring
at space, deep in thought. Her fingers
worked together nervously, her brow
was puckered How blind men were
Deaf and dumb and blind and half.wit
ted! She could not offer herself, she
loved him too well. Oh, never unit