Delayed Proposals

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It is sometimes decidedly difficult to get a little privacy on shipboard. Several times Jack Hardy almost reaches the proposal point with Marion Van Sickles, but each time the fates are against him. Marion and her mother are on their way home from a vacation in Europe and board the boat at Liverpool at the same time as Jack, who is very much struck by Marion's appearance. After a little flirtation on the boat, he believes that his feelings are returned and is about to propose. Just then mama comes along with Count Brainlesse, whom she wishes to marry Marion. The proposal is postponed. Again and again Jack tries to come to the point, being constantly interrupted by someone, either the count or mama, or the grouchy owner of the deck chair he has taken. First the grouch, then mama, and then the count, get sea-sick and at last Jack has Marion alone. Alas, the time has not yet come. Jack himself is suddenly seized with sickness and has to rush away just as the words tremble on his lips. The remainder of the voyage is spent by Jack in his bunk, from which he is too ill to rise. The steamer docks early in the morning before the steward has visited him and he does not wake himself until everyone is ready to leave the ship's side. He rushes to the deck, clad in nothing but his pajamas, Marion is with the count and her mother is nearby. It is obvious that the count is proposing marriage, but before he can place the ring on Marion's finger, Jack pushes in front of him, and falling on his knees, proposes to her in full view of everyone on deck. Marion joyfully goes to his arms and together they turn to pacify her scandalized mother and make the necessary explanations to the onlookers.