Evening star., 1928-04-03
THE EVENING STORY

the car, had he not detained her with
a strong yet tender hand.
Forgive me-" he said. still laughing.
but who told you such story? II
really is awfully funny because wasn't
at the Dalton masquerade"
What: exclaimed Joan, forgetting
her resentment In surprise. YOU told
me yourself that YOU we're going as the
Earl Of Leicester. and a man your size.
dressed in that costume. was there,
and-proposed to Elsie Green. sax
and heard him myself" she added ex-
citedly. II was in that little curtained
alcove lust on the conservatory. I know
you were missing at supper. when Ee
all unmaSked. but I supposed you were
so fused by her refusal that you left
az once"
Again George laughed gayiy. saying.
Fortunately. can prove an alibi. I
expect two kilograms At Spokane. one
from my father. and another from
Dalton. wired them both at Helena.
after / saw Ida. and learned what YOU
thought about me" He paused. and
the merriment died out Of his face as
he continued. II was dressing for the
masquerade that evening. hoping for
an opportunity there 70 ask YOU to be
my wife. when father phoned that nv
mother had been taken III suddenly.
and 10 come at once. was hurriediy
getting into my street clothes and pack
ing grip when Coleman came In. Ee
had Just returned from q fishing TIN,
and I suggested that as he vas about
my sire. he had better take my suit and
so 10 the dance in my place. as il
might put Mrs. Dalton out 70 run shy
OF man at the last minute. BE didn't
need second invitation after learning
Elsie would be there. They grew uo
together and I believe he proposes 70
her regularly. about twice q wear. Her
money isn't the attraction. either, as
she is poor compared with him. am
glad We have had the chance for this
mutual explanation" he added. formal
" as: otherwise. I should have rome
away thinking you . heartleSs cocuette.
Tnen. too. he added. hard note Ia his
voice. l WOULD not Ike to be considered
Iortone-nunter. as am not guilty"
with exaggerated politeness, Il hore
haven't kept you out here too lone. !
hope you are not cold"
He stood before her. evidently consid-
ering their interview at an end. bur She
remained seated. Her lips moved but
no sound came from them. A dumb
oeVh seemed 20 possess her. as she
looked up At him. entreatineiy. pslinS
and nushing alternately.
Sit down. George" she n,araEed 20
articulate at last. VIII you ever fer
give my mean suSpicionss"
He smiled rather bitterly as he re-
Sumed his seat and answered. Per
hapS-when you have read those tels-
grams, and I-haye made my fortune
In The Orient"
Il don't want TO read the kilograms
she protested "And-and sometimes
1t takes long while 70 make q fortune.
Have YOU quite forgotten last Summer.
George" she pleaded. putting out her
hand until 1t rested on. but not In, his
Don't YOU still care FOR nv q hstles"
Care for yoQ--A little" he repeated
his large hand opening suddenly ana
engulfng her small one. MY Gc2!" Re
groaned. II wish is were-a little"
Then why leave me. wher--I war;
you 70 stay2S
Because I have = little pride ana
self-reSpect left"
Have ycas" asked joan. while her
euivering lips twisted into Q crooked
little smile. y don't believe 7 have.
because Am soing 10 ask YOU 20 please
marry me In Seattle. and take me 90
China with YOU aS-~as--Ida expected"
For minute he lcoked uncertainty
into her sweet, earnest face. flushed
with the shame Of her unmaidenly re-
quest, Then a merry smile chased al
answered tenderly. 1T would ce a pitx
To dtSappcint Ida, wouldn't ite"
FORTUNATELY, at that moment. an cp-
perfume tunnel envelcped them In
tCOnvvlSAs. i9sSN