, 1922-08-10

lent, reclined reading on n chaise
lengue. 1t occurred to Peter that their
ideas of passing a pleasant summer
afternoon We're identical. Daphne
rose and met him, offered her hand
with much cordiality, and babe him
sit down. She took a straight little
bent hickory chair near him.
I'm so glad you came" she said.
Il was just wishing somebody very,
very nice would come. Do YOU know
you haven't been to see me for the
longest timer"
Peter stammered something about
never making calls anyway.
But why should you?" said
Daphne. with three charming sis
tiers mt home you don't need to. I'm
afraid you're too content, Peter"
Daphne was a very pretty girl and
nobody who knew her took her
Establishments very seriously. Still
Peter was stirred with a feeling of
self-esteem. This very charming
young woman was apparently glad to
see him To be sure he hadn't called
on her much lately. When he did the
sisters always reproved. Sometimes
they said: Peter, Peter, l am afraid
that you are taking Daphne seriously.
II is n desperate little firt."
Peter didn't tell Daphne this.
They talked of n number of things
FOR ten minutes. Daphne had been
eyeing his bundle, resting on the floor
beside him.
Peter, I'm dying to know what's
in that package. You didn't bring me
some candy, did your"
Pm so sorry" stammered Peter.
well, l may as well tell you. That
package contains some socks that
need mending. l was trying to find
some seamstress or something that
would darn them for me. | thought
maybe you'd tell me of some one"
"You poor dear" said Daphne very
sweetly. You have three sisters
and no one to darn your socks. If I
had n brother-but then I'm not clever
like your sisters" Daphne paused,
and her lovely eyes dropped. Then
she looked up at Peter temptingly. 81
don't happen to know a seamstress-
but, really, I'd be so happy if you'd
let me darn them for you. VIII yous"
She hesitated, and as Peter did not
object she reached out for the pack
age and put it in the chair beside
him.
Daphne, you're too good" Peter
heard himself saying, looking intent
ly in her face. He was wondering
whether she was having immense
sport with him or whether really she
cared for him. Any man living would
give his right hand to possess the love
of Daphne Coolidge. He had never
taken her very seriously because 1t
never occurred to him that he had n
chance among all her admirers.
"Peter-Peter dear" Dahpne said.
"why are you looking at me like
that?"
II was just trying to see whether
you were making fun of me-"
Daphne's mouth dropped like that
of a disappointed child. Making fun
of your she said. Peter. Peter, how
can you ask? I have asked to darn
your socks. I'll darn these and as
many more as you want me to.
don't know any one else 1 would do
that for"
Daphne, do You mean that?'
Events in Peters life had been rush
ing forward at such n furious speed
within the last quarter of an hour
that he could hardly get his bearings.
Here was the most beautiful girl In
the world giving him an opportunity
to say things that he had never
dreamed he would have a chance TO
say. She was willing to darn his
socks always. Could anything be
more pointed?
Daphne, dearlne. Daphne Peter
said, SELLING her hand that offered no
resistance. Daphne, / love you to
distraction. I always have loved you.
Could o ever love me-
Ever love your said Daphne. and
her limp little shoulders shook with
sobs and her free hand dried tears
that welled in her eyes. Peter. I've
always loved you-you and no one
else. Peter, Peter, you have been so
blind"