The Green Forest tribune., 1916-02-18

oool way, lOllOWeQ Dy the rector.
 The sweetest flower that blows in any dale," quoted Daddy" Manning, batting Calls hand affectionately
 The rector stood by, waiting to greet her, after Manning had monopolized her selfish moment, and the newly aroused eye for color in him seized upon the gold and blue and red of her straight Egyptian costume, and recog- nlzed in them a part of her endless variety. The black on her lashes. He was close enough to see that; and he marveled at himself that he could not disapprove.
 Gail was most uncomfortably aware of him in this nearness; but she turned to him with a frank smile of friendship.
 This looks like conspiracy" she commented, glancing towards the study, which was thick with smoke
 Its an offensively innocent one," returned Manning, giving the rector but small chance. Were discussing plans for the new Vedder court tene- ments."
 "Oh!" observed Gail, and radiated distinct chill, whereupon Rev. Smith Boyd, divesting himself of some cour- teous compliment. exchanged inane adieus with Mrs. Davies and young Van Ploon, and took his committee back into the study.
 Mrs. Davies remained but moment or so. She even seemed eager to retire, and as she left the library, she cast a hopeful backward glance at the danc- ing-eyed Gail and the correct young Van Ploon, who, with his Dutch con- plexion and his blonde English mus tache and his stalwart American body to say nothing of his being Van PloOn, represented to her the ideal of masculine perfection. He was an eli gible who never did anything a second too early or a second too late, or de- viated by one syllable from the exact things he should say.
 If the anxious Aunt Helen had counted on any important results from this evenings opportunities, she had not taken into her calculations the adroitness of Gail. In preciselx five minutes Van Ploon was on the door step, with his Inverness on his shoul- ders and his silk hat in his hand, with out even having approached the elabo- rate introduction to certain important remarks he had definitely decided to make. Gail might not have been able n rid bnrcnIf of was person of considerable momen. tum, but he had rather planned to make more deliberate ceremony of the matter, impulsive opportunities not being in his line of thought.
 A tall young man in an Inverness Van Ploon was saying the correctly clever things in the way of adeu; and before she had closed the door on Van Ploon, Dick Rodley walked into the house with careless assurance.
 Gracious, Dicky, you can't come in!" protested Gail, with half frown. ing, half laughing remonstrance. It's fearful hour for calls"
 I'm a friend of the family" in. sisted Dick, calmly closing the door behind them and hanging his hat on the rack. T guess you've forgotten the program"
 "Oh, yes, the proposal. We'll, have it over with"
 "All right" he agreed, and taking her arm and tucking her shoulder comfortably close to him, he walked easily with her back to the library. Arrived there, he seated her on her favorite chair, and drew up another one squarely in front of her.
 Pm going to shock you to death," he told her. I'm going to propose se- riously to you.''
 Some laughing retort was on her lips, but she caught a look in his eyes which suddenly stopped her.
 'I am very much in earnest about it, Gail," and his voice bore the stamp of deep sincerity. q love you. want you to be my wife"
 Dick" protested Gail, and It was she who reached out and placed her hand in his The action was too con-
 ASAJ Aielhh loi IO IIlSIdh0 It,
 T was afraid you'd think that way about it." he said, his voice full of pain of which they neither one had believed him capable. This is the first time I ever proposed, except in fun, and 1 want to make you take me seriously. Gail, I've said so many pretty things to you, that now, when am in such desperate earnest, there's nothing left but just to try to tell you how much I love you; how much want you!" He stopped and, holding her hand,-patting it gently with uncon- scious tenderness, he gazed earnestly into her eyes. His own were entirely without that burning glow which he had. for so long, bestowed on all the young and beautiful. They were al- most somber now, and in their depth was humble wistfulness which made Calls heart flow out to him.
 'I cant Dick" she told him, smiling afectionately at him. You're the dearest boy in the world, and I want you for my friend as long as we live;