The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1941-11-22
CHAPTER SEVEN


1T WAS the night before her
twenty-flrst birthday that Eric pro-
posed to Halle. or. as she remind
ed him teasingly, during their FIRST
year together-when she proposed
to him. Neither had quite known
the evening was going to end in a
proposal 1t was an evening that
began gayly with the birthday din
ner, and 1t began early because DR..
Singleton was leaving for a medi-
cal conference In Boston the next
day.
At dinner there had been a
mound of gifts beside Hallie's
plate, and there were toasts and a
birthday cake. And with great
gravity, the doctor presented her
with the check for $4,000 which
was her inheritance from her
grandfather's estate. When Halle
had accepted 1t with an equally
grave little speech, her father
kissed her and said, What shall 1t
be, Halle? A new car or another
trip to Europe?"
Halle said breathlessly, Daddy
With this L could have a trip to
Europe and a car, and I could sven
squeeze out a new fur coat
and :" And then her eyes met
Eric's across the lighted candles
and Eric's eyes were miserable.
But I shall buy none of these
things" she finished. II shall put 1t
in the bank. What sort Of a girl am
I to squander such money? I don't
really want a new car or a new
fur coat, and there's nothing in Eu-
rope that is as nice as what's at
home. Now, let me propose a
toast" She made up q merry,
gay little toast, but 1t brought no
laughter to Eric. He fell into a
silence that lasted long after they
had left the table, and when her
mother and father sat down to
their evening game Of backgam-
mon, she tucked her arm In Eric's,
saying, Let's 60 out on the ter
race, Eric"
IF you like" he said morosely.
Il do like" she said, leading the
way, settling the skirts of her
party frock on the wide bench. II
remember when Daddy gave me
my FIRST party frock for birthday
present" She told him a rambling
anecdote about 1t, but he was not
to be pulled out of his silence, 30
she said, at last, why are you sud-
denly unhappy, Eric?"
He threw a pillow at her feet and
sat down upon 1t, sitting cross
legged, looking up at her.
I'm sorry you saw 1t, Halle. I'm
not even sure Of what II is. Maybe
its envy. Maybe it's sek-pity, nei-
Their Of which are very nice, but I'm
low. You see. I'm Just beginning to
realize all the things I want. Most
of all, I want $1,000"
Halle felt her heart contract.
IF had $1,000, you would not
be as far away as you are"
She breathed again
II haven't got bean. I haven't |
got a Job. and I haven't any PROM
Use Of one, but II you didn't have all |
this behind you"-a vague gesture
included the house and garden and
things therein-"and money of
your own, I'd ask you to marry me
when ! get a Job.
II don't know how TO put II,
Halle. I don't know how much I'm
In love with you. but Pve never
known a girl like you. I see you
here In your own home, and I
imagine q home Of mine with you
n IT,"
Softly she said, wouldn't you
'ay that was love, Eric?"
He took her hands in his. Il
.hink I would" he said slowly.
Would you take q chance on q guy
Ike me, II I had q job?" II
She nodded dumbly and said
hakily, III you're proposing to me,
rou're engaged. Eric" l.
He caught her to him suddenly