The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1916-09-01
CHAPTER xI-contInued.

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Mary Alice. Her mouth began to wa
ter delicately. She picked up the mug
and set it to her lips.
"Ughy' She put it hastily back on
the table and looked graveIy at the
young man. He was placidly slipping
the mixture.
"What is that, Francis?''
This? Tom-and-Jerry. of course.
Just the thing for cold day like
Why. Mary Alice, what's the matter2"
II wish you'll don't like can't
have a glass of water?'
Sure, sure! But you'd better have
chocolate He rang bell and direct
ed the serving man to bring it. II
don't know suppose you're offended.
thought you'd like the other. Every
body else does"
: He finished his mug hastily. as If
fearing that something might cheat
him of it, and displayed half-annoyed
embarrassment.
"Tm sorry" said the girl 81 didn't
mean--it surprised me. You, wouldn't
blame me if refused to drink-arse-
mic or something like that, would your"
But this isn't
Eyes, it is. To me it's no different
from any other poison, only little
slower. and--it makes people suffer
80, Francis! You don't know, you
can't know Forgive me. didn't
mean to spoil your good time"
"Spoil nothing" cried Francis.
.'Why, Mary Alice, this has been the
most perfect day ever spent. Oh.
Mary Alice, dear little pretty Mary
Alice, let's you and me get marriedw
"Don't start in again, Francis!
mustn't let you talk like that, especially
when you've been-taking that"
s'That harmless little mugful? Pooh!
But never mind, Mary Alice. I'll make a
bargain with you. ! don't care cent
for it. | like it, sometimes. But it'll
never get the best Of"
Il thought it got you expelled from
college"
Francis Willett bounded out of his
chair as if he had been shot at. He
stood over his companion, eyes blaz-
ing.
Don't you dare to talk like that to
me, Mary Alice Brown" he cried
aiercely. do you think I'm nothing
but kid? Look here; I'll show you. :"
He picked up the second mug. which
she had set down.
Twill you marry me, or won't you?
Speak quick, now. You don't like this
stuff you're afraid of it. You say it's
poison. Well. then, I'll give you your
choice Say you'll marry me give me
your promise-and I'll give you mine
never to touch another drop as long
as live. I'm In earnest. You be the
same. Come. what's the verdict?"
He set the little mug to his lips.
Mary Alice threw herself out of her
chair and struck at the cup. Francis
waved it out of her reach, and the
contents spilled.
.'Ouehr' said Francis "It's running
up my sleeve"
He lowered the mug, and Mary Al
ice sent it spinning into the fireplace,
where the liquor sizzled and spat like
a snake among the Goals.
Lets go home" begged Mary Alice.
. AFTER your chocolate" said Fran
els.
Out in the open. under the early
stars. they sped along the frozen coun-
try roads again. Mary Alice said
nothing for long time. Francis. sub
dued and half-apologetic, gave his en-
tire attention to the wheel. s
'That wasn't bit nice of you. Fran
els Willett" the girl said. at last.
you weren't fair with me. You
haven't any right to make me take
the responsibility of what you do"
II meant it." said Francis. He was
a tiffie gIum. II still mean it"
Listen. Francis" began Mary Alice,
gently. "You want me to love you
against my better judgment. You
want me to do thing that would just
sbout break your mothers heart. She
wouldn't have You marry a shopglrl.
Besides. how can / know? You're very
nice-when you want to be. But you're
tich--a rich mans son. I'm poor-a
Iah0rer's daughter. My mother used
to take in washing. Lots of girls would
jump at the chance. but | can't do 1t.
Something tells me not to. Why don't
you make me the promise. anyhow
It was your own suggestion. didn't
ask 1t OF you. do ask it now. II
you do well you will be rich some day.
like your father. He is such good
man, You said yourself it was the
one thing"
'One of the two things"
"One of the things that made you
go on trying. Let's make bargain.
Give me three years-two years. Go
on aud do your best. Promise to keep
from drinking. just as you said you
could, and would Then I'll make you
a promise. II your father and mother
want you to marry me Mt the end OF
the two years. I'll do it, provided you
keep your promise"
Is Francis Willett was twenty-one