The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-10-26
Chapter 10
A Girl Proposes

~ for two reasons: Buff and Tim
were faint with hunger, and
George WeekeS had to return tc
Boulder before nightfall.
"And even though the late Ia
mented Atkins improved your road
somewhat, I'd like little light on
my flying trapeze act" he told
Buff.
He happened to be in the hall
when the girl came downstairs,
and he gave low whistle when he
saw her. For reasons best known
20 herself, she had changed into the
one dressy frock she had at the
ranch. It's material was chiffon, its
color pale green, and its floating
hem almost touched the floor.
Buff was transformed, Weekes
told himself. He had seen her hitn-
erto only in her favorite knitted
suits, more often than not almost
obliterated by one of Mrs. Webb's
voluminouS kitchen aprons. Also
she had changed the style of her
hairdress tonight. The severely
plain knot was loosened a trif1e,
allowing silky little waves and ten
drills TO escape; and to top it all,
she had used a knowing bit of
lipstick, and clasped a sparkling
bracelet about slender wrist.
"HelpI" exclaimed the visitor.
Buff extended a satin sandal to-
ward the fire.
Like the getup? It's to cele-
brate."
~Celebrate?" Tim put the ques-
ton from the doorway where he
had halted at the sight of her.
Celebrate. First the rout-
horse, foot and dragons - of the
Hunts appropriate figure of
speech, don't you think?-second,
a good meal which, oh, rapture!
didn't cook myself Though per-
haps in the interests of accuracy,
/ should say / didn't try to cook.
All in all, I thought the occasion
warranted a bit of dressing up"
She smoothed the folds of chiffon
complacently.
Gosh, I'd hate to see you when
you really celebrated" George
told her. "As it is, it's only the
knowledge of my pennileSs condi-
ton that" He halted abrupt
ly, aware of the tightening of
Tins jaw.
It was a gala meal. Mrs. Webb
apparently labored under the de-
fusion that the three would have
no opportunity to eat again for
days, and supplied them with food
accordingly. Buff was equally re-
lieved by the departure of the
Hunts and the restoration of the
housekeeper to her proper duties.
George gayly seconded her efforts
al light-hearted badinage. Tim did
his best to share their festive
mood but Bluffs eyes rested on him
thoughtfully. Just so did her father
look when life occasionally seemed
too difficult for him.
George took his departure with
ELUSIVE thanks and admonitions
70 his partner to "stay on as long
as Buff can put up with you"
Which will be no longer than
tomorrow" Tim said. They had re-
turned TO the fire, Buff curled upon
a fat pillow on the floor. Tim oc-
cupying the hardest and straight
est chair the room afforded. mo
use telling George so. All he'd do
would be to argue-to quote the
doctors, and so on"
well, but - but you aren't
really well, Tint And if you go be-
fore / find another foreman, that
will leave Mrs. Webb and me
alone here!"
He smiled. May l point out (a)
that you are Singularly fearless
young person? And that (b) I'm
not much of protector to anyone
in my present State?"
"Ahal" she said triumphantly.
you admit then that your present
state isn't normal?"
Il admit nothing. ! merely an
nounce that the sooner l get back
10 work the better for everybody,
myself included. You've been
heavenly good to me-" he con-
tinued, land with no reason on
earth except that it appears to
come natural to you to help lame
dogs over stiles. Will you accept
my most earnest thanks and-and
goodbye"
Tell Me About It
"NOODBY-tonight?"S She rose
" TO kneeling position on her
pillow and looked at him with
startled eyes. why tonight"
Il thought it would be easier all
round if I left before you were up
tomorrow" he explained "Mrs.
Webb will give me an early break
fast. George" he went on,
Thought he was being mighty
careful and discreet, but it hap
pens that I know what took him
back in such hurry tonight. The
poor guys been doing two mems
work while ! loafed and mcaned
around here"
Buff claSped her small tanned
hands about one knee.
Tim. you told me that what
Maudie May said was true. George
ampllfied the outline somewhat.
But there's a lot yet. that hasn't
been said on the subject. Don't
you think it would do you good
70 tell me about it? Every single
thing. mean?"
What is there to tell?" he asked
drearily. q was fool, and all of
Boulder-perhapS most of Denver
knows It. George was the worst
sufferer, but / hope to make it up
WEERENH SpErTATc AT