Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1928-08-17

1t really Is awfully funny because |

1t really Is awfully funny because I
wasnt n the Dalton masquerade"
"Whai exclaimed Joan, forgetting
her resentment in surprise, "you told
me, yourself, that you were going as
the earl of Leicester, and man, your
size, dressed In that costume was
there and-prOpOsed to Elsie Green.
| saw and heard him myself" she
added excitedly, ~ was In that little
curtained alcove, just off the conser-
vutory | know you were missing at
supper, when we all unmasked, but /
supposed you were so fused by her
refusal that you left at once"
Again George laughed gaily, saying,
Fortunately, can prove an alibi.
expect TWO kilograms at Spokane, one
from my father, and another from Dial.
ton | 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, 81 was dressing for
the masquerade that evening, hoping
for an opportunity there to ask you to
he my wife, when father phoned that
my mother had been taken Ill, sudden
ly, and to come at once, | was hur-
redly getting into my street clothes
and packing a grip, when Coleman
came in. He had just returned from
fishing trip, and | suggested that as he
was about my size, he had better take
my suit and go to the dance in my
place, as 1t might put Mrs. Dalton out
to run shy man, at the last min
ute He didn't need a second invita-
ton offer learning Elsie would be
there They grew up together and
believe he proposes to her, regularly
about twice year. Her money isn't
the attraction, either, as she Is poor,
compared with him. l am glad we
have had the chance for this mutual
explanation" he added, formally, las,
otherwise, should have gone away
thinking you a heartless coquette.
Then, too" he added, hard note in
his voice. 81 would not like to be con
sldered fortune-hunter. as am not
guilty"
lie rose to his feet abruptly, saying
with exaggerated pollteness, II hope
haven't kept you out here too long.
hope you are not cold"
He stood before her, evidently con-
sidering their interview at an end,
but she remained seated. Her lips
moved, but no sound came from
them. A dumb devil seemed to pos
sess her. as she looked up at him, en-
treatlngIy. paling and flushing alter
nHtely.
"SIt down, George" she managed
to artieulate at last "Wlll you ever
forgive my mean susplclons?"
He smiled rather bitterly as he re-
sumed his seat and answered, "Per.
haps-when you have read those tele-
grams. and I-have made my fortune
In the Orient"
81 don't want to read the tele-
grams" she protested. "And-and
sometimes 1t takes long while t.
make fortune. Have you quite for
gotten last summer, George?" she
pleaded putting out her hand until II
rested on, but not 10, his. Don't you
care for me little still?"
Care for yOu--a little" he repeated
his large hand opening suddenly and
engulfng her small one, my Godp he
groaned, 81 wish 1t were-a little"
"Then why leave me, when-I want
you to stay"
Because | have q little pride and
self-respect left"
Have your" asked Joan, while her
qulyerlng lips twisted into a crooked
little smile. 81 don't believe | have,
because am going to ask you to
please marry me In Seattle, and take
me to China with you, as-as-Ida
expected"
For minute he looked uncertainty
into her sweet, earnest face, flushed
with the shame of her unmaidenly
request. Then q merry smile chased
all the shadows out of his eyes as
he answered tenderly, at would be q
pity to dlsappolnt Ida, wouldn't 1T"
Fortunately, at that moment, an
opportune tunnel envelopsd them In
darkness