Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1916-02-17
NO. 49,.

encouraged Dy NeuS tdlk. he QlQ
sone thinking, mustered up his cour.
age, and finally went to the telephone.
It was to call up Miss Warner
would she be at home that evening?
Would she honor him by allowing
friendly call? A silvery tone at the
other end of the wire responded af-
firmatively 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 drz-
zle outside. Now Uncle Peter was
a pink Of perfection as to neatness
and dress. He abhorred a crease or
wrinkle in his immaculate attire, and
damp clothes-horrors!
"Ah, Neds umbrella" suddenly ju-
bilated the old fellow. ITS 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 lamplght, the
CHEEKY crate fire, the luxurious pest
easy chair he fitted, the exquisite cup
Of tea her own fair hands brewed-
ah! this was worth living for, true,
homelike happiness.
Twice Uncle Peter 'Ha-humed," The
speech of speeches upon his lips, he
faltered. Those radiant eyes abashed
him. He fancied he detected a whim-
sical smile on those charming lips,
and, too, a pleased glow i'll the mag
netic eyes, but he only blushed, embar-
rasscd, 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 ex-
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 it from the
rack to begin to explain that it was
Neds own invention, and how it op-
Grated.
"Oh, dear! see what have done!"
she cried in dismay, as, after it was
opened, and she, standing dangerously
near to Uncle Peter, chanced to touch
the button.
For at once the ribbed folds Of the
umbrella embraced them, squeezed
them in 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,
"one moment, please. l can break the
umbrella and free ourselves, but, here,
in the dark, that is, with your eyes not
upon me, mean-dear eyes-my
dearest-I mean to say--I love you!"
There! it was out. Her head was
near his shoulder Creak! he expand
ed his arms and thrust the battered
umbrella aside, wreck. He directed
a swift glance to her face. Its ex-
preston was telltale
rs it possible that blundering old
idiot like myself might hope he has
not offended you?" 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 regular love
umbrella, and there, Ned and he
pressed a slip of paper into the hand
of his nephew, "is a check for ten
thousand dollars. See Bella, get mar
ried, and be happy-just like mel"