The Press., 1920-05-27
Ing so. There was absolutely nc word

Ing so. There was absolutely nc word from her.
 Sam dragged himself to his boarding house after the days work with weary steps. He was worn out, his nerves were frazzled, he was greatly discour- aged. He couldn't help feeling that Mary was simply letting him down easily, that her mind was made up to refuse him. and that she was trying to let him know that this was the case before she should meet him and mere ly nod at him, instead of smiling at him.
 The next day, the second after his mailing of the final ad, Sam felt as though the world had gone to pieces about his shoulders as he slowly walked to the office. It was all over. His dream had evaporated into thin air. There was little, very little, left in life for him to live for.
 It was only desultory attempts at working that Sam made during the morning. He was too blue to do any good work, anyhow, so shortly before the noon hour he left his office to make a trip through the various de- partments. He felt as though 1t would take his mind off his trouble to talk with other people.
 Through the bargain basement and silks and gloves on the first floor to mems furnishings and cloaks and suits on the second floor Sam made his O1n nd In n1n Ic suits, he stopped suddenly. From the other side of a rack of cloaks and suits beside which he was standing came the sound of voices. One of the voices was that of the manager of the depart ment, while the other voice was Mary's.
 Sam, after a moment of hesitation, strengthened his shoulders. He might as we'll get the cold nod from Mary and get 1t over with now as later. It had to be done some time-now was as good as any. So Sam, looking very dignified, but awkward, writhing with despair, walked around the rack and came face to face with Mary.
 Mary didn't see him at first.
 Good morning, Mary" he said, po- litely, standing rigidly like 8 soldier at salute.
 Mary looked up surprised. Her big blue eyes met his. And then-then Sam's heart leaped. His pulses tingled, his brain whirled, Mary was actually smiling at nina lovely, unmistakable smile.
 How are you, Sam7" she asked, and smiled again.
 "S-s-say. Mary" stammered Sam, as soon as he was able to regain control of himself. "step into my office min ute, will you? It's right on this floor, just little way from here. I've got something I want to show you"
 "Why, yes," smiled Mary, I've often thought I'd like to look at your office ito see just what sort of place 1t is you work in."
 Sam, hardly able to contain him. self, piloted her through the door, past his secretary and into his private of flee. Then, after closing the door to his secretary's room, he drew the en- gagement ring from his pocket and without a word placed it on Mary's finger. Finally he caught Mary into his arms and kissed her again and again.
 "Why, why," cried Mary at last, 'I ought to be provoked and angry and all that-but I'm not! Pm glad, glad! I've cared for you so long, Sam, and I thought you'd never, never tell me that you cared, too. I knew you cared, but thought you'd never tell me that you didw
 "Oh. sweetheart" cried Sam, "I'm so glad you smiled at me this morn ing"
 He caught her in his arms again. and as he did so he glanced at the outgoing mail tray on his desk. The tray was full. Sam, gently releasing Mary, hurriedly paved through the letters. All three of his ads to Mary were still there. The new mail boy had neglected to take up the mail from Sam's office for nearly week. Sam gasped, then chuckled as he took Mary into his arms again. After all, if it hadn't been for his ads he'd never have had the courage to put the ring on her finger. After all, he was sat isfied-wholly satisfied.