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 FLAMING

“T don’t,” said Mary Delia. market proposition.

YOUTH

25

“Let’s consider him as a

His age is against him.

forty, aren’t you, Bobs?

You're

. . . He doesn’t squirm, mother.

That’s a bad sign; shows he’s reached the age where he doesn’t care. Or is it a good sign, showing his self-control?” “Dee, I’d beat you if I married you.” Her eyes lightened. “Would you? I believe you’d try.” With a bound she was upon him. One arm crooked under his shoulder, the heel of the other fist was thrust under

his chin. “Improved jit,” she panted. work cut out.”

‘“You’d have your

There was a quick shift, a blending of the two figures,

and the slighter was bent backward almost to the floor. “Give up?” demanded Osterhout, his face close above the laughing lips. “Yes. Lord, you’re quick! Thought Thad you. Take your penalty and let me up.” Ignoring the invitation he set her in a chair and restored his deranged necktie. “Ill apologise for the forty,” ‘“You’re not so old and feeble!

To resume,

as we say when serious; you’re homely 39 ah ‘aeraaie “Thank you!” “but it’s a nice homely. You’ve got disposition. And money enough. Haven’t ‘Enough for me.” “How passionately he pleads his cause! nasty round of golf, too; I mustn’t forget no. I don’t think I would. Not even if you

said Dee.

as a scalded

a lamb of 9 you?” You play a that. But— asked me.”

“What’s the obstacle, Dee?”

“Well, for one thing, there’s Jimmy James.” “What !” “Quite so,” said the girl sedately.