The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-08-16
PROPOSAL N~xArrwwTs ~wr~

@@-e@@ = ~NNO N~--N SITE wasn't--charity," Emily ex- 4 plained patiently, "And 1t had nothing to do with my organiza- tion. It was perhaps tribute to a very brave little girl.'' She was talking, literally, over Mary's head. Your wife must be built ups she must have nourishing food. If you are going to let your pride stand in the way--?"
 He said heavily:
 '.I'm sorry. I forgot I couldn't afford pride any more."
 He squared his shoulders and looked at her. If get the job,' he said, "I1l repay you, every cent"
 "Of course" she said.
 Emily picked up her bag and went to the door, with her arm around Mary's thin shoulders. "11l be back tomorrow and I hope that you'n have good news for me- she said.
 ERANK bounced up the steps Of the Hall house that evening with unflaggfng energy. Nancy was in the long porch swing and Topped a lazy hand at him. T don't fiatter myself you've come to see me-" she said.
 He pinched her ear and said cheerfully. 'No, Infant. Where's big sister?"
 T. haven't the remotest idea. Sit down. Don't you feel the heat at all?"
 Nope. I've had a set of tennis. swim and a hearty dinner" he said promptly. Looked for you at,the beach"
 "Bores me-" said Nancy, "too much sand and water. Here comes Emily want me to depart?"
 "No." said Emily and "yes" said Frank. They laughed and Nancy got to sitting posture and eyed them with concern.
 "Get together" she advised, anyway I was just waiting for Q street car.'
 She went into the house and Frank sat down in the swing and patted the place beside him.
 Come here, woman. I have news
 Emily went over obediently. He said, T expect praise. I wrangled a job for Elster, checking stock. It isn't much. won't pay him for tune, but it will serve till we can find something better. How's that?"
 "It's wonderful" she said sim cerely, "and I'm grateful"
 How grateful?" He slid his arm around her, pulled her close. "Uncles bearing gifts usually get kissed"
 But she turned her face away so that his mouth touched her cool cheek
 "Come, come" he protested, '1s that nice, is that hospitable?"
 She said, moving away:
 I've outgrown the porch swing days, Frank
 rGood old days He sighed. Not that I recall ever"
 He pulled her toward him again.
 'No," she said, definitely, please"
 1'1 can wait," he said. He leaned back and produced his cigaret case. Smoker"
 "No, thanks"
 fMind if I do-?"
 "Of course not"
 He said, lighting his cigaret:
 How am I to convince you that this isn't just one of those things If I asked you to marry me, would that-?"
 She said gently. Prank, you dort mean 1t, not really"
 T do, l am asking you. Go ahead and turn me down. I'll ask again presently
 NANCY. standing at the drawing " room window, hidden by the draperies, turned away and went upstairs. She found her mother lying on chaise lounge reading. Where's Dad?'
 "Ofice."
 "Jim?"
 "ofhce. too" Millicent laid her book aside. She said. "Sit down a minute. want to talk to you"
 Nancy sat down. She thrust her long fingers through her mop of silk hair, yawned, was silent.
 Her mother said:
 You aren't being very fair to Jim Thompson.
 "Why?"
 Don't hedge. You know why. Or are you in love with him?"