The Prescott daily news., 1920-05-18
REBECCA PROPOSES By GRACE o. wEATHERBY.
t@ lsso. by Mcclure Newspaper Syndicate


 The late afternoon sun streamed into the spotless little kitchen of Rebecca Hollis. a spinster. bathing the figure in the rocking chair in a warm light. Becky, as she was more often called, rocked vigorously back and forth, the ancient chair sending out its protest in nerve racking squeaks. But Becky's thoughts were far away. She was try ing to decide just what action to take with Ben Abbott. Ben was the viii lage postmaster. and as nice man as any woman could wish for. Becky knew he thought a great deal of her, as he was frequent visitor, and al- ways brought gift of some kind with him-but Ben was bashful. Night after night he would sit there, silent, nerv- ously twisting his fingers. trying to find something to say. Beckys pa tience was sorely tried.
 T declare, Ben makes me tired; he hasn't enough gumption to kill flea, let alone make love to a woman. How ever can I make him speak?"
 Suddenly the ancient chair came to an abrupt standstill, and it's occupants back straightened
 'The very thingi" she calculated. Tt never dawned on me that this was leap yearl I'll ask him myself!"
 She went to the telephone and called Ben. Come over to supper tonight, Ben. want to ask you about some thing. Yes, at seven will do. :. All right. by"
 With a beating heart she planned dainty supper. remembering the old saying that the quickest way to a mans heart was through his stomach.
 Promptly at seven Ben knocked at the door, and his gray eyes gleamed at the sight of Becky in her fresh blue dress. her cheeks flushed like a girls. Mutely he offered his roses, white ones, perfect in their pale beauty. With a little cry of gladness Becky buried her face in the fragrant mass, and her eyes filled with quick tears, for didn't white roses mean pure love?
 Come on to supper, Ben." she said. briskly. enough.
 During the chicken salad and hot biscuits Ben was very quiet, answer ing her only in monosyllables, but his gray eyes spoke volumes. The air seemed full of suppressed excitement. After supper Ben wiped the dishes, with slow deliberation which was so unlike Becky's quick movements Scarcely word was spoken. Then with her heart beating fast, Becky led the way to the fireplace in the cozy sit ting room. After a moments silence, Ben said: Becky, you had something special to say to me tonight, didn't you?"
 The rich color flooded Becky's cheeks, but Ben did not notice it. "Why. yes, Ben, I did. I wanted to ask you if you :" she coughed and fell silent The leap year pro- posal wasn't easy. Ben rose and took a chair nearer.
 T suppose it is downright impor- tant, or you wouldn't have asked me up here tonight, but I was coming, any, how, for I've something I wanted to speak to you about myself"
 Now, this was very unlike Ben, and Becky fairly held her breath.
 Perhaps I'd better have my say first," Ben went on manlike, land then you can tell we what's troubling you" Becky nodded. You know, Becky, my term as postmaster runs out next month, and I'm going to quit the job. I've bought a farm out on the Weston road, nice little place It is, too, and Pm going to tear down the shack that's on the place -nnw and build .o-
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