The Coolidge examiner., 1933-09-29

fer, golf or tennis? Did he like to
swim? Could he consider marrying
a girl much beneath him socially ?
Would he marry for money? Which
would he rather have-a big for
tune, If it meant all work and no
play, or just enough to live easily
on and more leisure? Had he am
billions for great success? Did he
believe in divorce? And what about
children? And this new idea of COM
paniOnate marriage?
Before the two weeks were over
Tommy was as worried as Vivian.
He's cuckoo, all right" he said
to Vivian on his last morning. HE
asks questions and laughs at my an
swers, or looks as solemn as an
owl, then scribbles in that little
notebook he always carries around
and then asks more questions.
He asked me this morning be-
fore breakfast how l thought club
life compared with home life,
whether sentiment interfered with
my appetite, whether l thought
girls liked flowers better than candy
for a gift, and whether l had my
laundry done by the Chinese or the
steam process"
Its hard for you, Tommy" said
Vivian. But 1t is certainly good
to have you here to share the re-
sponsibility."
Again Tommy had the sensation
that he was being taken seriously.
but again Vivian gave his conceit a
jolt.
why, | think" she went on, I've
gained q couple of pounds since
you came. l got rested up the week
end and Ned Grafton was here, too,
and"
Mice egg, Ned Grafton" said
Tommy, trying not to feel a little
jealous.
well, he helped me a lot
though / didn't tell any Of the 9th
ers what's worrying me, excepting
you"
"You certainly haven't been let
ting yourself get lonesome, Vivian"
That's part OF Uncle's trouble.
You see, he says he's awfully fond
Of young people, and he asked me
to have some OF the boys up every
weekend. That's his idea, not
mine"
Il suppose" said Tommy sudden
ly wildly Jealous, I'm part of his
idea"
Il wanted you, too, Tommy. Not
so much when you came-but-oh,
Tommy. don't leave me-"
Suddenly tears, frank and child
like, filed her eyes. Il can't bear
to think what It'll be like when
you're gone and I'm alone again."
Tommy saw Vivian In a new light
not the girl he'd always found
Su1h a SbOu lliShut buN bit 6hl uc
wanted, the one girl he wanted for
his wife.
VIVIAN" he said, almost falter-
ingly. 1t was such a new idea to
him-"Vivian, let's go away togeth-
er-you come with me today and
wen be married. Vivian, | adore
you. Please say you like me a lit
tie and will marry me!"
Vivian looked up shyly. well,
Tommy" she said, Il suppose that's
why | don't want you to go. sup
pose love you, Tommy"
Up the path down which they
had wandered came the slowly ad-
vancing figure of Uncle Billy.
Tommy" said Vivian. Il know
what he's doing. He told me a
couple of days ago, but l was afraid.
If you knew, you'd think it was so
silly you'd go home-before-"
Tommy chuckled softly.
"All right, Wv. Anything's all
right now. I'd just as soon spend
my life answering fool questions
about whether l like my roast beef
rare or brown. if I've got you.
What's the matter with uncle?"
He's been doing this to find out
what young people think about. He's
writing a book. Don't laugh, Tommy.
It's about modern youth. And you
see-pOor Uncle Billy never was
married; just lived with his sister
all his life. He's a darling, really.
And we're not sorry for this two
weeks, are weY'
Tommy answered that question.
Then he took Vivian by the hand
and they ran forward to meet the
approaching figure. Uncle Billy"
called Tommy. TASK me what kind
of a girl like best for a wife"