Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1921-12-14
CHAPTER XXXI
An Unexpected PROPOSAL

An Unexpected Proposal
1t seemed long, interminable ride,
though | was quite warm and comfort
able, and the car was the last word in
luxury.
We had lunch ut one Of the big
towns--I forget which-and went on
again through the closing afternoon.
care you tired?" Mr.. Champion
asked once, and / shook my head.
mo, thank you: but / should think
you are, driving all the time"
81? Oh, l am used to it."
We seemed very formal, both of US,
and ] wondered what he had heard
about me and what he was thinking.
It seemed like tangible presence
between us, the consciousness Of my
broken engagement, till at last 1 could
stand It no longer, and said defantly /:
'Well, you can do what you like
with the old mortgage after all, you
see ~
The color dCcpencd in his face, and
for moment he did not answer.
did you hear?" I asked. I felt
ncrvy and on edge.
Il knew that you had broken your
engagement he answered.
"Then you knew wrong" I snapped.
I
I shan't tell anybody else that, but
I tell you so that you shan't blame me
for--for anything that happens"
He looked down at me.
what do you mean? Anything that
happens"
IF / marry any one else or any
thing ] explained flippantlv.
IF YOU marry me, for instance he
said.
] moved little farther from him.
II didn't mean that at ALL" l an
swcrcd. but, Of course, | had.
Il hope you will marry me- he said.
II hope very much that you will"
l laughed Historically.
What on earth would mother say
If she could hear you?" said.
lie made no answer, and l went on.
"I'm going to behave like my sisters
when l get home. I'm going 70 spend
hounds on clothes and have the time
Of my life, and get myself talked about.
and enjoy myself-and and have
my photogr lph in all the papers. and.
and set the Thames on fire generally" "
(Ie lO0kcl amused.
Il think you are quite capable Of
it," he said "But if, in the mean
while, ynu can find moment in which
to consider me as possible husband.
I shall be - well, to put it mildly,
extremely grateful to you"
looked at him curiously.
"Do men like you always propose
in this sort of way?" I asked, and
thought Of the way in which Mark
Anderson had taken me in his arms
and kissed me before q word had been
said.
I'm what sort of way?" Mr.. Cham.
pion asked.
"In this-well--this matter of fact
sort of way,'t explained.
~ imagined that you would not care
for ne to put my arm round you or
kiss you." he answered gravely. "But
if you would prefer It ."
cried out in alarm.
"Of course not I never meant that
Don't be so silly !"
He laughed again.
"I can make love quite passably, !
promise you," he said.
Il suppose you've had a lot of prac-
tice." I said cuttingly.
"a fair amount" he agreed
1T won't suit me ut all thcn," ]
said. II should like TO be Il mans
first and last love-
"Thc day of miracles has passed" :"
Mr.. Champion said dryly.
"Whut do you mCanF'
"Only that few men marry their first
love-fortunatcly.
Fortunately for-whlch of them?"
/ asked.
Both" said he.
There was a little silence.
I,NI olI vnu nnUhf n knpNV " I fold
him.
lie laughed again.
Some day you will agree with mo. :"
he said. "Hullo! Those are the lights
of London. We shall soon be homc
now. Are you cold?" for had given
little shiver.
"No--I'm not at all cold, thank
you," I said. turned and looked back
along the long, dark road by which We
had come.
Far. far away in the distance were
twinklng lights, and ] knew that miles.
many miles beyond them again, was
Langton and the Gable Farm, and
the man l loved.
Tears swan into my eyes and
blinked them away furously. This was
fine beginning to my firm resolution
to forget.
"Nhnt are you thinking about|'
Champion said.
Nothing" I said sharply. But !
was thinking of the look in Mark An
dcrsou's eyes that morning when for n
moment they met mine, and wonder
ing If | should ever see him again.
There was dinner party in prog
ress at mothers house when we ar
rived.
* dinner party" l said blankly
when the servant told us. "Why-they
knew / was coming, didn't they?"
''Yes, miss, ! think so, mlssI,at
least" The girl looked uncomfortable
miss" she added apologetically.
Mr.. Champion was frowning angrily,
and | laughed as our eyes met.
I'm still of no Importance, .eyl-
IDENTIFY" / said, trying to speak lightly
but there was a lump in my throat.
c,o,wINv--o ToMSEtRoW