The Washington times., 1930-12-06
TODAY'S SHORT STORY

11dI1O Saying 11kS 9C4CBs
don't know. It. might as well
be Teddy as anyone else. Maybe
it isn't love. It's my practical
nature. His daddy owns the
bank. You know what that's
going to mean some day. Only
son and all that. He's calloW
and young, but I'm going to
give him a little polish"
Marcia started g1iltily toward
the door to stop her sister, but
Teddy held her arm, motioned
her to silence. The thin arro-
CANT voice continued.
You know, darling, I'm past
as. I've got to step lively.
Why, Teddy's even begun to
notice little Marcia. Isn't that
a laugh? It's time I hooked
him for good. I'll bet you $40
Helen, that I can make him
propose this afternoon. He's
on the verge Of it for weeks.
II so, Wen be married within
two months"
Teddy's face was burning. He
clenched his fists. Marcia, look
ing as unhappy as though she
had said the unkind words her.
self, put an arm across his
shoulder, comfortnigly.
She didn't mean it. Net the
way 1t sounded. Oh, don't feel
so badly, Teddy" Tears gliS-
tened In her eyes. "Shes-just
tf1oughtleSS."
Teddy held her hand tight
in his and then, to Mafcia'S
amazement, he bent down sud-
denly and kissed 1t. "Call your
sister," he said. Don't tell her
I heard. And please come back
with her. Be sure to come
back"
Edith kept Teddy waiting 20
minutes for good measure. Then
she swept down in her most
fascinating afternoon gown OF
dep red velvet,
Not Needed
"Well-go on back upstairs.
Marcia. I don't need you any
more"
"I've asked her to stay"
Teddy said. II want her aS q
referee in a little matter, really
to your advantage, It's going to
be worth $40 to you." He
laughed unpleasantly.
Edith blushed. Then all the
color left her ivory cheeks.
What do you mean $1OP
"I mean, I'm going to pro-
pose, so you can win that ten
dollar bet with Helen. Didn't
you bet her ! would propose
this afternoon. I'm going to-"
Teddy went on. "1'm going
to propose to the loyeliest girl
in the world, the most beautt-
full, the sweetest, the most I'M
selfish. She may not have me.
She may say we haven't known
each other long enough, but I
don't care. I'll wait forever
for her answer, providing that
eventually it will be-yes."
SILLY Teddy" said Edith.
''I'm going to beg her to
marry me, in spite Of any scru.
Piles she may have against It,"
Suddenly he turned to Marcia.
The PROPOSAL
Marcia, will you be my wtteP
I know. It's sudden, and you
may think it's not from the
heart, but rye had you on my
mind ever since I first saw you
open the door.
my blood has boiled at
Edith's treatment Of you. Her
beauty has become unimportant
besides your real beauty, and
today-well, all Of a sudden as
I heard her boaSting in the
upper hall and felt your real
sympathy knew that ] loved
you. Don't answer me today.
il you feel like saying no.,
Marcia. Wait till you know me-
better. And, by the way, Edith,
YOU win the ten dollars from
Helen. You forced me to pro-
pose today. don't believe you
mentioned to whom I was to
propose"
Edith climbed the stairs.
laughing coldly. TITS 9 new
techniquc, Marcia, but most
effective. Lots Of luck. dear.
You ought to go q long way.
oh, Helen-What's Peter Fish
er's telephone number-do you
remember 3t?"