Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-11-16
THE DAILY NOVELETTE,
MATS PROBLEM
By Ethel NJ. Farmer


TT WAS ono of those autumnal nights
when the clear moon seemed cold and
distant. and strong wind was tossing
the dried leaves around in mad fury.
| Yet the little parlOr seemed cosier than
ever, or at least It seemed that way to
Margaret and Ernest, as they sat on
the strange, old.fashioned horse-hair
couch just as they had done many
evenings during the last five years.
She was a very pretty girl. and the
Pickering rays from the parlor lamp
seemed only to eXtol her beauty. He
was sailor. and the dark blue uniform
fitted his manly form to perfection. but
it could not hide the boyish twinkle
that kept creeping into his dark eyes.
Just made for each other the viii
lage gossips would agree, 'but it really
was too bad about his one fault. -
This fault was that he was bashful.
Many shook their heads in doubt as
to whether he would ever dare pop the
momentous question that they were all
expecting and anticipating.
Ernest looked at the girl beside him
and smiled. Then assuring himself that
a little box was safely in his pocket. he
cleared his throat nervously and began:
We have been friends for long time
now, haven't we?'
Margaret's heart gave quick thump:
Yes, we have, and good friends, too"
she answered almost eagerly.
Don't you think that 1t Is time
Just then the door swung noisily open
and Mr.. and Mrs. M entered the
room for a social hour with them.
1>an lounge
detected. and Margaret's heart sank.
HE had never got as far as that be-
fore, and probably he never would
The evening passed quickly and pleas
antiy, but Ernest did not return to his
unfinished question. AZ too soon he he
had gone and the faithtui parior Hsnt
was eXtinguished.
,iH: Very ? sober mood. This was the last
day Of Ernest's furlough. With sigh
she seated herself IN me paIh,or uho,o,stea ana
that was left from the preceding night
She did not hear her ten-year-old broth
er Nat sneak softly along the halfway,
in the doorway with his eyes glued hur
grly on the box in her lap.
oh dear she cried in despair, why
can't girls propose"
"What?" Nat spoke
Margaret jumped to her feet and. her
face turned a deep scarlet.
What are you doing here?" she cried
in confusion when she spied her broth
er standing in the doorway with his
~ tbousht You spoke to me-" he re-
well, I did not, and you cannot have
any this morning! Margaret was SO
provoked to think that she had spoken
her thoughts aloud that she refused MAJ
his expected feast.
1t was a much surprised and 'subdued
little boy that walked slowly away He
walked down the street and climbed
the stone steps Of large house;
Ernest answered his ring, and smiled
when he saw the Thoughtful little fell
Another problem" he asked cheer,
fully AS he was Mats hero, he had
many Of his problems TO- solve.
shortly.
Ernest ushered his caller quickly into
the parlor. and waited as patiently as
possible while he settled himself COM
| fortably in large leather chalr.
Well Nat began, this morning !
wanted chocolate, so went very
quietly to the parlor and stood in the
door, kind of waiting for her to speak
you know she was In there, ne eN-
planned, Just then she said sometnlng
about she wished girls could repose or
propose. or something like that, and |
just said what?' And she was SO
cross I didn't get even one chocolate
He ended with a sigh. s
Ernest's eyes frightened. fer he SUD
denly realized how his girl felt;
Cheer up, old pal" he said, happily
II guess | can fix It up so that she
will be cheerful. and give you some
| candy Don't worry any more. Anu
he slipped coin into Mats hahd.
Nat whistled a gay tune as he walked
UP the street, carefully holding the coin
| in his hand. for he had full confidence
in his friend.
Mats problem seemed to drive all of
Ernest's bashfulness to the oacksrouna;
It seemed as though central would
never answer his telephone call.
The result of the call was that when
he appeared at the door or the NJ
home little later girl was waiting
for him dressed for tramp In the COOL
| fresh air ,
They laughed as they started gally
off, for both realized that this last AFTER
room must be enjoyed 70 the utmost;
They shuftied through huge ples OF
| leaves as they wandered away from tne
village and scrambled over stone walls
when especially good-looking apple
trees were discovered. on and on they
went until they came to the foot OF
"shaIl VIC climb?" he asked his
healthy companion,
"of course" she laughed. starting up
the hill
Their rapid pace slackened as tleS
neared the top. At last, out of breath
they reached the top and stood on
huge fiat rock, which was known as
| Lookout Rock" II was well named,
for II commanded splendid view of the
peaceful little village, where flowed a
beautiful river.
The two looked silently at, the scene.
1T is grand ! She spoke at last.
1T isr' he agreed enthusiastically.
"Do you remember the first time we
Inus Ave
Yes, and what good time we had
that dayI she answered
And what good time we have had
ever since" he added, fumbiing again