Life — November 7, 1907 — page 25: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

“Er E your sister, then move your boat nearer, but quietly—very quietly.” Claude dragged his apparatus over toward the sofa. “Excuse me,” he said, politely, with a note of real contri- tion—for Claude was at heart a gentleman. “Certainly,” replied Pendleton, feeling in some vague man- ner that he must not be outdone in courtesy. “You were saying something,” said Maude, in a tone of re- sumption. "Yes —— Pendleton paused, and pulled out his handkerchief and wiped his brow with it. “I—Isaid,” he went on,‘ ‘that I—1 “If loved you ?” “Yes.” Claude leaned forward, dropping the main boom and all the halyards in his eagerness. Maude’s mother lifted her finger at him warningly. “Just a little,” Maude replied, with a sweet smile. Claude relaxed. Pendleton got up. The strain had told upon him heavily. “Thank you,” he said, hoarsely. “I think now I must be going.” “So soon?” “Well—yes. 1” — “He's tired,” said the Major, rising. ‘Why shouldn’t he be? Don’t try to do too much at one time,” he said, witha smile of ripe sympathy. “We understand. It’s all right Come to-morrow. You'll be fresher then, and gradually you will get used to our ways.” And so, pressing Maude’s hand firmly—for it would have been useless for her to follow him into the hall, this being against the rules—Pendleton departed As he did so, however, he felt a little bunch of paper that she pressed into his palm He took it silently away with him. got home that night he read it over and over with Pendleton was himself again. The next evening, at the usual hour, he presented himself at the house of his beloved. But there was about him such an air of confidence that even the Major noticed it “You feel better,” he said. “Much better, thank you, sir,” said Pendleton. “The fact is,” he went on, “that last evening I was so totally unprepared for your methods that I hadn’t time to collect myself. But now that I’ve thought it over, I can see that you are quite right and that I was the one that was foolish. Maude, dar- ling, come over here on the sofa.” Maude obeyed. Maude’s mother sat in her favorite chair with her book. ‘The Major began on his paper. Claude, who had rigged his boat, was now beginning to unrig it. Pendleton grasped Maude's hand firmly and surely. ‘Then his other arm stole confidently around her waist. He drew her head down on his shoulder. “You told me last night,” he said, “that you loved me a little. Is that right?” “Yes,” replied Maude, softly. Claude paused.with the bowsprit in midair. “From the very instant I saw you first,” went on Pendleton, his voice gathering courage as he proceeded, “‘I loved you pas- wanted to know if’ — BARRED OUT! sionately. Are you my sweetheart?” he asked, anxiously, hug ging her closer “Yes, dear.” ‘The Major looked up approvingly. “Good work,” he said. “That's the w Pendleton, getting a firmer hold, cont “My precious, darling pet!” “Yes, love!” “Are you my dear, delicious little tootsey woosey ?”” “Yes, ducky.” “Oh, it’s just sweet of you to say that.” Pendleton kissed her upturned face. “My lovely dovey! Claude picked up the hull and top hamper of his boat and began a swift retreat “ Kiss me again, sweetness” ‘0! Oo kiss me.” “No! Oo kiss me.” “Sare, now Oo.”” “Darling, precious sing!” “Petsy wetsy!”” The Major, unable to contain himself any longer, sprang up, throwing his paper on the table. ook here, young man,” he said fiercely, “how long are you going to keep this up?” “Don’t mind us, sir,” said Pendleton “Ducky!” And then, as the door slammed and they were alone, he said: “Maude, dear, that letter of instructions you gave me was an inspiration.” While outside the door the Major cried fiercely to Maude’s mother: “My dear, for heaven’s sake, let’s get them married as soon as possible, or we'll all be in a sanitarium!” “Darling!” TOL M comicbooks.com