Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1922-11-30
MAIDA's PROPOSAL
Dy Mcclure newspaper syndicate.
BY Il. LOUIS RAYBoLD.

&c by Mcclure Newspaper Syndicate.)
"Say you don't mind, Stan! Just
this once!" coaxed Stanley Davison's
charming fiancee. Its my last real
fling before I settle down forever"
The man gazed smilingly down into
the girls face Was it impossible that
she should settle down? She was ten
years younger than himself and he
loved her for her very youth and live.
illness and yearned for the time when
her gay spontaneity should be definite
ly in his keeping.
Lets see, Mazda, just what is this
last mad fling idea?' he asked ten
derby, slipping an arm about ner slim
waist and drawing her close. You
want to 20 on to the boys commence
ment without your ring, keeping it a
terribly dark secret that you belong
to me. Am I right?'
MAZDA nodded a fluffy bobbed head
Precisely, Stan. And, OF course, Ill
behave myself. Only, we'll, you can
imagine how much fun anybody's
fancee would have at the senior ball
and chapter dances without the man
she's engaged to. If only you could
come"
wish I could, dear, but it's out OF
the question" Stan spoke decisively.
"Now, how about those irresponsible
brothers of yours? Won't they let the
cat out of the bagY
"I'll manage them," promised MAZDA
easily. "And you're a dear, Stan.
shall be thinking of you every single
moment"
Stanley, if he rather doubted that
statement, did not say so.
There had been a little session with
Bob and William on the way up from
the station regarding Stanley, whose
stanch admirers they were.
"Now, Bill" pleaded Mazda, don't
mention ring. No ones to know I'm
engaged. and STAINS perfectly willing.
Jaw, 90 on, Mazda, that isn't fair,
protested Bob.
LET the kid alone" insisted William,
and the matter was temporarily
dropped.
Alumni day, Baccalaurate, Glass
day-the hours sped by on wings,
exciting, absorbing, colorful. MAZDA
danced from one frolic to another. A
dazzling galaxy Of youth had consti-
tuted themselves her escorts and she
radiated smiles and fox trots and tete-
a-tetes impartially.
OF them all, Mazda felt herself par
ticularly drawn to Bob's roommate,
Carter Henley.
"Carter's got one case on the kid, F."
Bob confided gloomily to his brother
as they struggled with collars and ties
and studs in the latter's room the
night Of the Senior ball.
mot the only one," grinned William
"Ill say sis is some little heart
breaker"
"Cold-blooded little creature, like
all girls" grumbled Bob. Listen to
me, Bill, and I'll tell you a mighty
good way to cure her. Carter would
be just the fellow to do it, too. Now,
! just suppose"
William listened to the proposed
scheme in silence. Then, "Cut it out, -
he said bluntly. Don't play with fire.
Besides"
But at that moment the wet, tousled
head of Carter himself was pOked in
at the, door. "'Hey, fellows, got a
towel?"
The Senior ball had gone it's gay
way for several hours when Carter
first found himself alone with Mazda
ON cool, dimly-lighted balcony.
II say, Miss Tremaine," twill you
marry me?"
Maida's heart really did lose beat.
Where were her thoughts Of her fiance
as she scanned Carriers handsome face
Then she drew a little half-sobbing
breath as one whom emotion Overpow-
ers.
"Why-why-Carter? This is sud-
den, but II guess SOL"
Maida's glance was cast modestly
downward or she might have been
startled to see an expression Of con-
sternation, almost horror, creep over
the face of the man who had just pro-
posed. He swallowed, bit his lip, then
rose unsteadily. "This isis too won
derful. I'm at a loss for words.
My-my good fortune"
At that moment two tall figures
blocked the balcony entrance. One was
Bob. "That you, MAZDA? Well, here's
a surprise"
MAZDA turned quickly. "Stan! You
darling! How did you MANAGE" She
drew him aside in seeming forgetful-
ness Of the others-even Of the man
she had just practically promised to
marry. And there we can safely leave