THE PROOF. "Yes, darling," he said in tones of deep tenderness, "I would do anything to show my love for you." "As", sighed the gentle maiden, "that's what all men say when they are striving to win a woman's heart." "Put me to the proof !" he exclaimed in wild, passionate tones, "put me to the proof ! Test me and see if I fail ! Set me any task within the bounds of possibility and it shall be performed !" "Ah", she murmured, "if I could only believe you!" "Put me to the test. Say to me, ' Do this or that ', and it shall be done." "Then I will put you to the test." "Ah", he exclaimed exultantly, ' you shall behold the height, the depth, the length, the broadth, the circumferance of my love ! What is the test ?" The maiden dropped her eyes, a smile dimpled the corners of her mouth, and, bending over the youth at her feet, she whispered: "Marry some other girl." ___________________________________________________________________________