Evening star., 1938-01-06

from noticing the carved initials on
the opposite rail which Dana had cut
in childishly large letters just the
winter before. OF course, Roger might
not even see them. but Dana had
carved an especially large heart to
surround the l. B. and D. c.. and it
was not as weatherbeaten as the older
ones appearing there.
Iris and Roger were both bare
| headed. and the SUN shone warmly
down upon them.
"Oh, forgot to get the rifle" said
Iris suddenly.
grand day. We can just walk along
and not have to watch for squirrels. ;"
They skipped rocks over the surface
OF the river and finally sat down to
rest on fallen log.
This is perfect" said Roger,
stretching out his long legs. His brown
whipcord riding breeches and tan
woolen sweater accentuated his slen-
der, Weli-built body.
Iris could see Dana lounging there
on the very same log. How many
times they had sat there and in the
grapevine swing for which he had i'm
provised a seat.
Almost as if he had read her
thoughts, he said suddenly: II see this
is favorite tryst-look, some ones
made swing"
Yes, some one made a swing" Iris
repeated mechanically. She was very
pale. I'VE have cottage on around
the bend. I have the key and Well
make some coffee for our sand
Wiches."
Roger picked up the packet of sand
wiches and they walked on down the
leaf-strewn path, Iris with face averted
and Roger with puzzled line be-
tween his brows.
In a grassy clearing around the
curve they came upon log house A
chipmunk darted across the porch
and a covey of quail started up at
their approach.
Iris handed Roger the key and gave
an exclamation of delight when he
pushed open the door.
Look! Aunt Prue's had her club
out here. Isn't everything cozy? Id
forgot that she wrote. I know We'll
find something to eat"
They laughed together at his clum-
siness in building fire. but Roger
finally pointed proudly at a roaring
blaze.
Iris rummaged in the cabinets and
took out tin of coffee and one of
cream. They sat on the divan and
listened to the battered phonograph
she uncovered in the corner of the
room.
Dad and mother used to bring the
gang out to dance on Saturday
nights" Iris said. Il wish you might
have known them, Roger. They were
real parents"
Il know. Patti has told me all
about them" What tragedy it must
have been for Iris and Hank to lose
them both at once. Your Aunt Prue
is a real mother to you. Iris
Aunt Prue's an angel from heaven"
Iris, may I tell you? It isn't too
soon to say it" He took up one
of her hands. II love you. You must
know that I do
Her startled eyes fell to her hand.
"Oh, why, Roger" she stammered.
Il thought you liked me-but-"
She had been so submerged in her
own affairs.
Roger drew her into his arms. "Of
course love you, Iris. I have from
the very start" His lips were pressed
close to her ear, brushing the dark
curls. Il want you to be my wife" he
said
She was silent and unresponsive.
How terrible it has been of me, she
thought. He is so good and deserv-
ing.
Iris, look at me" She reluctantly
raised her eyes to meet his questioning
ones.
"Oh, Roger" she cried, you are so
dear-so-so. oh, so comforting!" She
put her head on his shoulder ana
cried convulsively
Roger patted her shoulder helplessly.
Iris. you love some one else, don't
you?"
Her "yes" was almost undiscern-
ible
He held her until she had straight