The daily star-mirror. (Moscow, Idaho) 1911-1939, 1915-07-12

can't, then l suppose my option ex-
pires?"
"Oh, don't take it that way-only-
hang it, just can't wait"
Carolyn rose AID smoothed down
her dress. "At midnight, then-as the
clock in the old belfry strikes the fatal
hour?" She struck an attitude.
"Oh, not midnight-no, let's see
earlier than that can't possibly wait
till midnight, you know. Some time in
the evening. You're coming to my
party, of course"
81 suppose I'll have to, to bring my
answer. You seem to want me to do
most of the work in this affair"
Hall looked at her reproachfully.
ooh, come now! You know I've got to
be here-Tve invited lot OF people"
"All right, then. / shall run all the
way with my hair down, and jump into
your lap, Hall, and whisper 'Yes-or
| Moor 'Yes!" She accented the
speech with an absurd gesture of her
forefnger.
81 wish you'd take it little more
seriously, Carolyn, honestly | do. l
tell you it's mighty serious thing to
mel" He shook his head thoughtfully.
"Why, it will change my whole life!
1t will develop me, make me do things
have never done before! 1t will give
me thousand opportunities I've al
ways wanted
Carolyn laid her hand on his arm.
"Wait minute, pleased" she said.
"I've always known l was an aWfully
nice girl and all that sort of thing, OF
course; but l didn't realize was such
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! Well
have a glorious time, Carolyn! Well
travel and we'll go"
Again she interrupted him. "See
here, Hall, l haven't any money; you
know that, don't your"
He was properly indignant. "By
love, you don't think I'm that kind
of a 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, don't see"
He looked about the studio fatuous-
ly. "Oh, I'll-Ill work hard, you know.
I'm sure l 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!
l almost believe I'll say yes, after all!
But no, / must think it over. | don't
want to be hypnotized, you know
Good-by, 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-iust
your fooling-thats why | 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!
l may see the funny side of it again,
tonight"
"By jove, don't see how I can wait
till then" he replied bravely, encir-
cling her waist. Say, Carolyn"
His lips were almost upon hers
not quite. She burst into laughter as
she sprang away ooh, no, Hall, moth
ing like that! I've got long way to
go, my dear, before I'm ready for the
bunny-hug! You go to work, and let
me ponder. Fare-thee-well!" Then,
without waiting for an answer, she
1oated out of the studio.
In the Office she came face to face
with Flodie. Carolyn stopped and
looked at her keenly.
s'Why, Miss Fisher" she said, "you
ought to get some fresh air, d'you
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 l frightened you'll"
Flodie gave a sarcastic smile.
Carolyn stopped, as surprised as if
woolly lamb had bitten her. She
looked Flodie up, she looked Flodie
down. Then merrily she laughed.
Good for you! Always speak up, lit
tie one! Be bright and pleasant. 1t
makes customers like you'll"
Flodie met her smile for smile.
Thank you so much And now,
would you mind telling me how to like
customers 2"
Carolyn laughed again. WELL" she
said, 81 may not be customer very
long. And then perhaps you'll like
mel"
Flodie bounced her fountain pen
down on the desk and jumped up, eyes
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"
Ill J1x1O H.