Palisadian. [volume] (Cliffside Park, N.J.) 1906-current, 1919-08-30

"Diet," re-echoed Mr.. Perkins, "ho~
can / diet at the Carlton hotel. and
how can I exercise when I'm at the
store all day."
'The exercise" responded Doctor
Foster, you wilt have to arrange
yourself. The diet, perhaps Miss
Thorne," he paused Indicating his as
sistant who had just re-entered the
room, "can attend to-"
The patient arose with effort to ac-
knowledge the introduction. THANK
you, doctor, if it is agreeable to Miss
Thorne, l would be glad to have some
one watch out for me-"
Jupiter Perkins raised his thick
brows, Doctor Foster smiled, and Miss
Thorne giggled.
And so Mr.. Perkins commenced to
diet at the home of the slender at
tendant Gone from his table were
thick cream, luscious steaks, rich but
ter and sweet sugar. But, strangely,
despite most exacting menu, the
subject continued to gain roll upon
roll of flesh. Doctor Foster was puz-
zled.
You're not eating forbidden food
on the sly, Mr.. Perkins?" asked the
physician.
mo, no, DOCTOR" answered Mr.. Per-
kins, "but it seems no matter what l
eat at Miss Thorne's table, l enjoy
with the greatest relish. Miss Thorne
makes everything so cheerful"
Doctor Foster tried to look wise.
"On the same principle it is strange
Miss Thorne does not take on flesh.
She is thinner than before. See me
next week"
But several weeks later the con-
tinued association seemed to have
caused reversal of appetiteS. Miss
Thorne's capacity to eat increased as
Mr.. Perkins zest for food dwindled.
MIR Perkins," remarked Miss
Thorne one evening, "try this lettuce
with the vinegar dressing. 1t is good
for you"
He took the dish and laid 1t down.
Miss ThOrne helped herself to a Sec
ond portion as he left the table, food
untouched. And so Mr.. Perkins con-
tinued to sigh and grow thin while
Miss Thorne smiled and grew stouter.
Doctor Foster was delighted with
the result of his treatment. "Ten
pounds less, Mr.. Perkins," he an
nouneed, himself scarcely believing
the scales. 'How are you doing it?"
Mr.. Perkins chest heaved heavily.
"Ive lost my appetite"
"Well," answered Doctor Foster,
Miss Thorne seems to have found it,
for she's actually getting stouter."
That night Mr.. Perkins Respondent
ly seated himself at the table and
gazed disconsolately across the table.
"Mr. Perkins" commenced Miss
Thorne.
"Oh, call me Jupiter" calculated
Mr.. Perkins.
"Why?" asked Miss Thorne in an
excellent tone of surprise, helping her
self to another slice of bread.
Because 1 want to call you Ber-
tha."
WiAst the SUCCEED 49, oksAIupiter.
Perkins continued to lose his rolls of
fat alarmingly. while Bertha Thofne's
narrowness rounded out correspond
ingly. The scanty hair grew thicker
and was dressed in soft rolls. The
narrow eyes widened and straight
ened and it would not be surprising
if means were used to darken eye
brows, as supporters were employed
to aid the fallen arches. Mr.. Perkins
had dwindled away to a paltry 200
pounds.
He looked at the food before him
and at the engaging Miss Thorne OPP
pojte.
Eat! Eat!' she urged. you
haven't touched a thing"
Eat" repeated Mr.. Perkins, as if
he had never heard the word before.
II shall never eat again."
"Never eat again? Why"
Because l am sick"
"Sck? With what?"
"With love of you. Bertha, will
you marry me? l know that is a
weighty question for you to consid-
err"
mo" laughed Miss Thorne: at is a
question of weight"
And she kissed his fat forehead.