Life — October 20, 1910 — page 18: what you’re looking at

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

The Test T was with a light heart that young Bowlson bounded up’ the steps to the Peterby house. He was very much in love with Miss Mabel Peterby, and he had re, some of them quite substantial— to think that his adoration was returned He was ushered into the back parlor. In a moment he was joined by Miss Mabel “ Whar 1s the answer, dear?" he whis- pered, scarcely waiting for her to sit sons down beside him on the sofa. At this moment Mabel’s father entered the room with a formidable pair of pin- cers Excuse me, young people,” he “but this jet needs a slight re- through in a said politely adjustment. I. will be moment.”’ He tinkered with the jet, screwing it and unscrewing it, peering into it and blowing through it. At last the job was done and he departed. Bowlson, beside himself with impatience, turned once again, unheeding the sound of distant hammering. “Say that it is all right,’ he whis- pered, “I must have you for my little fe. In reply Mabel’s face grew sober. She turned and looked him fully in the face. *" Now, Jack,’’ she said, “we may as well understand each other. Of course, I like you, but there are other things more important. We shall, I hope—that is, in case all is well—be marned a long time.”” “ Forever! "" “And it is important that we get on well together—practically, There must be no friction. You see, I have received a modern education. I know already something about married life—cooking, sewing, hiring servants and nursing. Papa has insisted upon all that. He is very practical. It wouldn't do, therefore, to marry you unless we understand each other pertectly.”” Bowlson shrank back mentally. A sense of his inadequacy almost unmanned him. He had frequently observed on his numerous visits to the Peterby house Mr. Peterby’s knowledge of practical affairs Indeed, the sound of hammering and sawing was quite usual. He began to hedge. Isn't a fine disposition worth some- thing? *' he asked. “Yes, but it is only a part. be able to do things. Can you tinker?" “Tinker?’’ repeated Bowlson. “Oh, You must *LIFE* yes! I suppose so. I once put on an automobile tire,” he said brightly. “Ah, but are you what is termed a handy man around a house? “T should be willing to try,” said her lover timidly. “ Mabel, I will do any- thing for you. “That isn't the point. Of course you would. But you know a good-natured willingness, without the skill and experi- ence, would count for nothing. You must have a genius for it—you must just love it for its own sake. Hear Papa now. That is the way he works. We scarcely ever have to call any one in from the outside. Can you do all that? Do you love it for its own sake?" she whispered. “Yes, yes,” hoarsely whispered Bowl- son, desperate with love and anxiety. “I am sure I could. I know it,’’ he went on. Nothing I dote on more than going around with a set of tools. Plumbing! I can’t wait for it to get out of order. Faucets are my specialty. I love to take up floors and put them down again. Pic- lure hanging is a passion with me. Beat- ing carpets—"" She held up a warning finger. “Be careful,” she said. “ Don't, your enthusiasm, exaggerate, dear, be- cause you will have an opportunity to put your skill to the test. I wouldn't marry any man unless I had fully tried him ovt. Papa agrees with me in this.’” “What do you chattered Bowlson, turning pale “T mean this. Papa is going away on a trip to-morrow. Fishing. At first we couldn't persuade him to go, because he feared that something might happen to the house. But I suddenly thought of a brilliant idea. I suggested to him that you come here and take charge of things. mean?”’ Timid Bachelor: Mercy, 1 DO BE: And that would give me a chance to see what you can do. You see, we begin house-cleaning to-morrow, and Papa says there is so much to be done. If he didn’t like fishing so much and if he didn’t care so much for me, nothing could persuade him to go at this important time. But it’s all right. Everything has been ar- ranged.”” “You mean,” said Bowlson weakly, “that you want me to come and—" “Yes, yes. You'll have to get leave of absence for a few days and help us out, You see, dear, it’s a test. Of course,’ she added, “if you really love and want me you will come anyway, even if you don’t like the work, but—"’ She gazed at him with a sweet smile. “Now that you tell me that you do like it, you will have a splendid time. You can take your luncheon with us. We won't have much, of course. We never do at these upset times. But never mind. You will come, will you not?” Bowlson gathered himself together by a supreme effort. But he loved Mabel more than he said, and he was young and strong. “Yes, darling,” he ventured—the “darling” for the first time—"I will come.”* It was four o'clock the next afternoon. Mabel, quietly reading a best seller in a secluded part of the living room, sud- denly raised her head. The methodical sound of a rug being beaten in the back yard had stopped. There was an omi- The sound of feet drag- ging themselves through the house could be heard. Hastily throwing down the book and springing to a pair of half hemmed curtains, Mabel waited. A haggard form crossed the threshold. nous silence. EVE THERE'S A WOMAN UNDER THE RED! comicbooks.com