Marion Marlowe in Omaha, or, Held up by Accident — page 19: what you’re looking at

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

-, 16 “Well, I wish you luck, I am sure,” spoke up Miss Ellis, gayly. “I should want dogs and horses and a lot of things, Marion, to recompense me for the society of that roar- ing lion! But I have always said you would fall in love very suddenl¥, and, you know, it is only the unexpected that happens.” “Come on! The commodore is waiting!” called out Bert, at the doorway. Marion took a sly glance at the doctor, only to find his eyes fixed wpon her face. A smile curved her sweet lips that sent a thrill! of joy to his heart. After that he was not in the least afraid of her lovimg the ranchman. CHAPTER VIII. SOMETHING SUSPICIOUS. It was a glorious start. The ring of - sleighbells was in the air, and every one en- joyed it hugely. é Each member of the company was able to go, and they were all seated in sleighs” except Marion and the commodore, who oc- cupied a light cutter, behind the spirited mus- tangs. There were plenty of robes, and all were bundled up warmly. They soon passed the others, and then dashed out into the sub- faded into urbs, where the streets finally country roads. Bert said, “T’d give a dollar “Qf course he'll propose to her,” as he lost sight of them. | to know what the old fellow will say to her!” “Why, Bert,” heart, they all say, only, perhaps, he will say it a | can tell you, said his sweet- who was. beside him. “He'll say what little blunter. It’s the same old chestnut, you know, only if has variations !” “Well, I'll be blowed! You talk as though “you'd been prepgsed fo every ten minutes ‘retorted Bert, as he looked “Now, did T sav when I proposed, Miss Experience ? the day for years, down at her with great dignity. what Did IT vive you a chestnut with variations ¢ MY QUEEN. ’ —-, * - a a ; oe Miss Ellis shook her head. ] “I can’t remember what you said, Bert,” she whispered, very softly; “I guess I was too surprised, or too something or other; but I_ know one thing you did not say, and I [ did not like it a bit, either!” In an instant the commodore was entirely forgotten, and Bert’s arm was around his sweetheart. = “What was it} darling? I'll say it now,” he said, softly. “Ill say anything, do any- _ thing, to prove, that I love you!” | “Oh, you do, do you ?” cried the girl, hap- pily. “Well, that is what I wanted to know! You said everything else except, ‘I love you. _ A kiss followed the words, and then Bert spoke more softly than ever. “But you knew I loved you, girlie, so what was the difference?” & ~ Miss Ellis pouted out her lips so far that Bert took another kiss. : ‘A girl always wants to hear that she is loved,” she said, sweetly. “Now, how would you have felt, Bert, if I hadn't said it?” Bert straightened up and a mischievous Jook crept into his eyes. “Tt wouldn’t have mattered whether you said it or not,” he said, airily ; “T knew you loved me, and that was enough. It wasn't at all necessary to ask any questions!” “Oh, Bert! You mean thing! * cried the girl. lll never forgive you! “You are alto- eether too conceited for me to ever marry you!” “Well, my failing before that happy event, me Bert. “Why, just think! it will be three vears before we can dream of marriage! That's one reason why I was so long in pro- I'll have lots of time to get over sighed posing, darling.” ‘A sigh followed the words, and Miss Ellis — She knew exactly why Bert had — * as Marion called it. echoed it. been so “tardy, Eomichooks