And I did . I did n't gloss over anything , but just confessed the whole truth . Jack heard me through in silence , and then he kissed me . `` Can you forgive me , Jack , and take me back ? '' I whispered , cuddling up to him . And he said -- but , on second thought , I will not write down what he said . We are to be married in June . A Substitute Journalist Clifford Baxter came into the sitting-room where Patty was darning stockings and reading a book at the same time . Patty could do things like that . The stockings were well darned too , and Patty understood and remembered what she read . Clifford flung himself into a chair with a sigh of weariness . `` Tired ? '' queried Patty sympathetically . `` Yes , rather . I 've been tramping about the wharves all day gathering longshore items . But , Patty , I 've got a chance at last . Tonight as I was leaving the office Mr. Harmer gave me a real assignment for tomorrow -- two of them in fact , but only one of importance . I 'm to go and interview Mr. Keefe on this new railroad bill that 's up before the legislature . He 's in town , visiting his old college friend , Mr. Reid , and he 's quite big game . I would n't have had the assignment , of course , if there 'd been anyone else to send , but most of the staff will be away all day tomorrow to see about that mine explosion at Midbury or the teamsters ' strike at Bainsville , and I 'm the only one available .
XXXXX gave me a pretty broad hint that it was my chance to win my spurs , and that if I worked up a good article out of it I 'd stand a fair show of being taken on permanently next month when Alsop leaves .
Baxter Clifford Harmer Jack Keefe Midbury Patty Reid longshore second