Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1921-08-10
Say 1t With
Flowers
By LOUIS RAYBoLD

(@. 1920. by Mcclure Newspaper syndicate.)
The sign suspended in florists
window projected its appeal to the
eyes of Henry Walters. riding by at
the moment in street car, pucker
of wrinkles between his highly arched
hrOws.
He had been thinking, wondering
how in thunder to say 1t, when, pres
to change, there was the sign, "Say
It With Flowers"
And what was it Henry Walters
wanted to say? jus this: "My dar-
ling Mirabel, for going 0 five years ]
have been calling on you Wednesdays
and Sundays, and, of late, on Fridays,
also love you passionately, devot-
eddy. VIII you be mine and share with
me whatever is left over of school
teachers salary after paying a SO
per cent increased rent, 1902 per cent
Increased grocery bill, and goodness
knows how much Increased amounts
for sundriesT'
Henry got off at the next block and
walked back. His problem now was
to select those blossoms which would
adequately describe the various shades
of his feeling toward Mirabel.
Five minutes later Henry glanced
at his watch. He could still reach Mir
abeHs at the usual time. Coincident
with the idea hove in sight a messen-
ger boy. Henry beckQned TO him and
handed him the box Of flowers.
Take this to 33 Wayland avenue"
he said, "and-got a message form
with your" The boy fished in his pock-
cts and produced one. Under the arc
light Henry wrote diligently, sealed
the result and handed it back. Then,
"By George!" he said to himself, II
may as we'll get rid of these books,
too, instead Of Juggling them up to
Mirabel's."
So presently the boy, with two bun
dies, two addresses and a fair-sized
tip, sauntered away.
Promptly at 1855 Henry, palpitant-
" expectant, entered SO Wayland ave-
nue..
It developed that Miss Thompson
was in and waiting for hima very
naughty figure, in spite Of a certain
teariness about the eyes and a trem-
bling Of her kissable mouth.
Here's your note-and sent your
horrid old packages right back. Good
by forever"
Henry pulled his hat down over his
eyes and started for home across
town.
An hour later he unlocked the door
of his room. AS he did so his land
lady puffed up the stairs with large
burden.
"A boy brought this just before sup
per time" she painted.
"All right, never mind" Henry said,
gently but YEARLY He saw 1t all now.
The boy had balled things up-had
brought the flowers here and taken
the books to Wayland avenue. Wait
what were the titles of those books?
Dimly he recalled the titles:
Economical Recipes" "How to
Make One Dollar Do the Work Of
Two" Home Dressmaking"
Henry mopped his brow. And there
vas yet another. What, oh, what was
It? "Every-every-'' Good Lord |
Every Wife Can Be a Wage Garner"
And he who believed that woman's
sphere was in the home! He groaned
ind buried his face in his hands. For
suddenly he remembered the note he
lad sent:
Dear Mirabel:
'aThese tell you better than I the
thoughts of you which are in my
leart. Let them speak for me the
yords darelnot utter. Hopefully,
'.HENRY."
Puff-puff-his landlady again. Tap
tap
Telephone, Mr.. Walters"
In three leaps he was downstairs
yes-a teary voice was at the other
nd of the wire. She had regretted
Ter MISUNDERSTANDING it was all a
anyway, her father said
UGH thrift was all too uncommon in
Dung men today-would he forgive
er and come back? 4
More passionately than the Rich
nond roses, he poured his heart into
he transmitter.
'sOh, Mirabel, darling, 1t was all
Mistake, but it isn't mistake to say
love you, / adore you, / worship
GU. And I am coming right up to ex-
lain."
On the way to Wayland avenue, /.
Ienry drew exquisite breaths Of antic-
patton. In his left hand he bore
arge cardboard receptacle whose con-
ents would corroborate his recent
Their purchase wasn't
otal loss. But why, oh, why, when he
ras racking his brain for method
f falling his love hadn't ha Thought |