The Monmouth inquirer., 1925-11-12

MariOry's Bet


emit from other girls? Are, they SO
pretty, so attractive, that you predict
$50 surely that shall fall in love with
one2"
Marjory Sperry awoke with a start.
She had fallen asleep behind the big
boulder in the shade. Lulled by the
music of the waves splashing on the
warm sand, she had allowed her book
to slip from her grasp, while. con-
seriousness slipped from her ken, until
she was reused by the mention Of
her name in frank, manly voice.
Marjory waited eagerly for the re-
joinder
"You may scoff, Hanson, but every
one falls in love with them. dare
bet you will add to the number with
in month"
Z "Dan Kent" Marjory breathed;
then debated as to whether she should
reveal herself to the two who: had
halted beside the boulder.
aIf had any interest In it would
take your bet on" Phil Hanson said
lazily; abut / have not. Must you
go back, old chap will stay here
{ and read; it is nice cool spot "
I Marjory heard Dan whistle to his
dog, and saunter away, heard the
stranger make himself comfortable
against the boulder, and laughed soft
" to herself in anticipation of his
dismay should he discover her pre-
sence. Not so softly, but Phil heard
her and sprang to his feet.
II beg your pardon" he said uncer.
tainIy, looking at the fair, dainty girl
with admiriAg eyes.
~My name is Marjory Sperry,' she
said, enjoying the CONSERVATION. In
his face. al am sorry to have disturb
ed you, but was asleep behind that
boulder until awakened by your voices
speaking my name.
Phil Hanson stiffened imperceptt-
bly,, ais though to guard himself from
the charm Of one of this trio, who at
tracted everyone. He would not fall
q victim to her wiles, he decided, and
Mar1ofy laughed again.
~Excuse me; you must be Dan
Kents friend, Mr.. Hanson, are you
not?" she went on.
@Yes. my name is Hanson-Phil
Hanson. Then you must have over
heard my words concerning you,
hope YOU will not think me boorish.
You had not heard the previous con-
versation, and, besides-with mock
courtesy had not seen you then"
aYou need not trouble" Marjory
said calmly; II can see you do not
intend to change your mind, But you
did not take Dams bet Ilwould Ike
to challenge you"
aYou mean"
II bet you pair Of gloves to box
Of cigars that you fall in love with
one of us three before the month Is
out"
4Done," Phil laughed with her.
~You are risking your cigars. have
travelled many lands, and have yet
to meet my ideal. I am afraid / am
tough and time-hardened; but you
shall try, Miss sperry."
II shall not try Marjory annouric-
ed. PERSONALLY, ] am not interested
In the affair. | act on behalf Of my
sisters-ahem! We will meet here-a
month to-day to the very hour, and
YOU shall pay up. might tell you
my size in gloves Is six and quar-
ter. and will perfer long, white kid,
please. They will do for the wedding.
4Wedding? Anyone / am likely to
know Phil asked, with interest.
any sister Betty's wedding. On,
did / not tell you we are all engaged"
Marjory glanced up at him with
charming, child-ike frankness. "Bet-
ty is to be married shortly to John
Sorrell. Connie is engaged to ever
such. nice boy, whom dad does not
approve of. He is making his pile In
Australia; then he will come back
and dad win let Connie marry him,
and they will be-oh, SO happyI MY
own engagement is not yet announced
You must not say anything about 1t,
will your So, you see, our bet deals
simply with falling in love, without
any danger OF reciprocity or subse-
Quent arrangement
@And to whom are you engagedG"
he demanded. Marjory shook her
head. II must not tell you yet" she
said. at would not be right, when
/ promised but you will see soon. "
This was comforting, and Phil ground
his teeth
"WilI you come up to see dadY"
Marjory asked, when they came to the
steep hill path which led to her home
sHe gave Dan warm invitation for
you; do come"
During the next few days Phil be-
came a frequent visitor at the house
on the cliff. The Sperrys were a
hospitable family, and Phil was soon
at home in their circle Each was
interesting in different way, and
Phil realized the force Of Dams predic-
ton.
Betty was evidently wrapped up In
the young man who monopolized her.
but Constance proved charming
q. 4r3v ha