The Spectator., 1916-01-07
IOE in0( (G7A) TNJPRY S@4R2) @R bT GELETT DURGE SSl
 ILLUSTRATED GIRAY WALfTB5

the table and gracefully lighted it. puffed out the smoke. and yawned.
 As she drew in her line thus, his frenzied struggles were getting short CT, but more violent. "Oh, hang it all, Carolyn, you know was only fooling, of course! Why. we were laughing all the time. you know that! had no idea you'd ever accept me! Do you mean to tell me that you are in love with me?" he asked bitingly.
 Not at all! I see no need of lying about 1t. whatever. But you certainly do amuse me-" Her eyes danced.
 Well. should say 1t was hardly enough to accept man simply be- cause he amused you!" This was the best Hall could do. now; he was get. ting winded.
 "Oh, yes." she replied jauntily, "on the contrary, I'm quite sure that l shall want to be amused all my life especially when I'm married"
 Heavens! Do you consider that we are engaged?"
 She looked at him with surprised eyes. Her fishing was approaching a climax. She began to wind in her line to short length. speaking incisively. See here, Hall, you're not trying to get out of it, or anything, are you?" = Hall gasped, wearied with the duel. Now, Carolyn, let me explain just how 1t is-I'll have to tell you some thing-I want to-hang it-you make 1t so damned hard for me-what I mean is-"
 Carolyn rose and looked him in the eye. She laid her hand on him; and. soft as was it's touch, he felt as If 1t were gripping him like handcufr. Hall, see here! Are you trying to get out of 1t. or aren't you! Just tell me that!"
 "Why-why. think you're carrying the joke little too far, Carolyn. that's all-honestly I dol"
 Carolyn now had him at the edge of the boat. She jerked him in with a laugh. My dear old Hall," she said, and her voice was honey-sweet, I'm carrying 1t only far enough to want to wear that ring you bought today for me. Where Is it?" She actually be- gan to feel in his waistcoat pocket.
 He backed off in terror. "I haven't any ring!"
 Carolyn smiled. "Well, never mind. We don't want anyone to know lust yet, anyway, do we? Rings can wait. Now come over here and sit down, and I'll tell you exactly what we're go- ing to do." She proceeded to lead him. too dazed to resist, toward the couch where they sat down together.
 Now be brave" she said. smiling. "Fll let you hold my hand You do just what l say. and you'll never re- gret 1t. l hate engagements; they have neither the excitement of court. ship. nor the satisfaction of matri- mony. So, at just nine o'clock tomor- row morning. you are going to call on me and we'll toddle down to a Justice of the peace. We'll just cut out the white veil and downcast eyes and everything. All you'll have to do Is to put gold band on my finger; and my share will be to say I will and become Mrs. Hall Bonistelle. What's the mat ter?"
 Hall was staring toward the door My cousin Jonas," he said.
 "Oh. bother!" Carolyn's eyes shot fire. Just as we want to arrange everything"
 Jonas Hassingbury. tall and gaunt. eating lettuce sandwich. strolled in, as cool and self-possessed as the most experienced cotillion leader in town. He was perfectly sure of himself; without wealth, or power or social training. he was blessed with an ego. ism that king might have envied. Jonas had never been embarrassed in his life.
 Hall looked at him, for the first time with relief. and rose.
 Miss Dallys," he said, let me pre- sent my cousin, Mir Hassingbury"
 Jonas put the sandwich behind his back. and bowed. Carolyn looked up at him, annoyed.
 "Dallys?" Jonas Queried. never heerd O that name before. to my knowledge. What be ye. Portuguee?" With the grace of veteran. he dropped down beside her on the couch.
 At any other time Carolyn would have welcomed his quaint charm. But her eyes were now for Hall. and she was anxious. Her answer was vague.
 Jonas. however. did not appear to notice 1t. His work was plain. He had to make himself attractive. and get rid of Hall. He launched forth, on a description of the town of Branford while Carolyn yawned be- hind her fan.
 At the first pause Hall broke in. By jove. Carolyn. I've got to get some in my room promised to show Mir Doremus! Cousin Jonas will take care of you all right, Carolyn. He's a great man for the ladies!" and with this slid out of range of her pro test.
 Carolyn pulled herself together to