The Lexington intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1901-1949, 1916-03-24

encouraged by Ned's talk. He did
some thinking, mustered up his cour-
age, and finally went to the telephone.
1t was to call up Miss Warner
would she be at home that evening?
Would she honor him by allowing a
friendly call? A silvery tone at the
other end Of the wire responded af-
frmatively to both inquiries
Dismally, however, Uncle Peter
looked out Of the window of his SUI
perb bachelor quarters, as eight
o'clock arrived. 1t had begun to drlz-
zle outside. Now Uncle Peter was
a pink Of perfection as to neatpess
and dress. He abhorred a crease or
wrinkle in his immaculate attire, and
damp clothes-horrors!
"Ah, Ned's umbrella" suddenly iu-
bilated the old fellow. TITS water
proof" he said, its big and broad.
Yes, I'll 60"
Glad was he that he did. He met
a warm welcome. Never had Miss
Warner seemed so charming, so en-.
%couraging, The bright lamplight, the
CHEEKY CRATE fire, the luxurious best
easy chair he fitted, the exquisite cup
Of tea her own fair hands brewed--
ali! this was worth living for, true,
homelike happiness.
Twice Uncle Peter "Ha-humedl" The
speech Of speeches upon his lips, he
faltered. Those radiant eyes abashed
him. He fancied he detected q within.
steal smile on those charming lips,
and, too, a pleased glow in the mag
netic eyes, but he only blushed, embar-
raised, and with a sigh arose at
length to say good night.
1T is still raining, / fear" spoke
Miss Warner, as they stood in the
hall.
Il have brought an umbrella Ok
planned Uncle Peter. "And, oh! by the
way" and, glad Of an excuse to re-
main by the side Of his lady love as
long as possible, he took 1t from the
rack to begin to explain that 1t was
Ned's own invention, and how it op-
Grated.
"Oh, dear! see what / have done!"
she cried in dismay, as, after 1t was
opened, and she, standing dangerously
near to Uncle Peter, CHANGED to touch
the button.
For at once the ribbed folds Of the
umbrella embraced them, squeezed
them in a close prison, and there, in
a truly ludicrous position, they stood.
Il can't reach the button" began
Uncle Peter.
How awkward" murmured Miss
Warner, but she did not make any
great effort at release, and then Uncle
Peter grasped the grand opportunity
Of his life.
Miss Warner" he uttered rapidly,
zone moment, please. l a break the
umbrella and free ourselves, but, here,
in the dark, that is, with your eyes not
upon me, l mean-dear eyes-my
dearest-I mean to say-I love you!'
There! 1t was out. Her head was
near his shoulder. Creak! he expand
ed his arms and thrust the battered
umbrella aside, a wreck. He directed
a swift glance to her face. Its e1
preston was telltale.
rs It possible that a laundering ole
idiot like myself might hope he ha'
not offended your" he blurted out.
Don't you dare to abuse my dearest
friend, sir" she rallied, and extended
both hands, and Uncle Peter nearly
hurrahed amid his great Joy!
THE finest invention ever made
Ned, my boy!" he declared to his
nephew the next day. Il want to buy
your patent. Why, It's a regular love
umbrella, and there, Ned" and he
pressed a slip Of paper into the hand
Of his nephew, rs a check for ter
thousand dollars. See Bella, get mar
ried, and be happy-iust like mel"