The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1902-03-28
THE OTHER MAN.
by FREDERICK NJ. SMITH.

Most women need it, | answered, but
| they don't take it,
Don't be impertinent,' said she, this
is special
AS you know, l am studying law
1T is not said Betty, critically, biting
the end of a pencil, 1T is not a case for a
| lawyer"
':1've never taken ORDERS" said l, but l
used to pass the plate at the chapel
Nor for a minister" said Betty, yet"
Perhaps shortly?" l suggested leaning
forward.
Betty shrugged her shoulders "A man., y
she announced, slowly, "has asked me to
| marry him-a nice man."
MANY old ladies will be glad to advise
you said l.
"Your advice would be interesting
Il WONDER | said, looking straight at
, her, 81 wonder who the man can be?''
IL wonder" said Betty.
ut might be one of a Dozen" said /.
ut might" said Betty.
eff had asked you to marry me should
not be pleased that you advised with an
other man."
1T would certainly be in questionable
taste"
Your taste is impeccable," said l.
"The first thing to find out, said judi
cially, sis whether he can keep you in hats"
Il had thought"
WHAT"
THAT the first thing was whether he
| loved me-"
You have been reading books said l.
| Books will tell You that. But the wise
woman knows that the really important
| thing is the hats"
well, suppose he could?" said Betty.
Would he cauckle when You asked him to
enjoy Mr.. Howell's phrase about the inno-
Gently adventuring, unconsciously pericu-
liant American Maiden or would he look
| dazed?"
| Betty bubbled "Mr. Howells is DEAR"
she said; 'but does ones husband have to
| like him? | had thought"
| "What?"
That if loved the man married.
Books again" said L.
Stevenson says put in Betty, that if
your wife likes Upper it is no matter"
He said nothing about the husband
which proves that he knew it would mat
| ter
We'll, it looks-that is, l think we should
agree on Howells,' laughed Betty.
stroked my chin. Il trust said l,
''that he is careful about his boots?'
Betty looked at mine. 81 have noticed
that yours are always polished" she said
I'm the essentials he seems quite AN eli
gible person. | concluded
1ou are not interested in his looks?'
"A minor NATTER said |, waving my
hand
Or his manners?"
They can't be altogether bad if you tol.
| crate him.
His moras?"
In this, said |, marriage is a guess
| One shuts ones eyes and trusts in Provi
dence''
You're einic,' said Betty. Hes nice"
Then marry him.
You've never asked if he loves me. You
think that doesn't matter:"
leaned my head on my hand. Perhaps,
after all, it does matter; perhaps it matters
more thar anything else. If only knew the
| man
II have known him long time said
Betty.
Then you are the best witness Do you
think he loves your
Il have heard him say So
do you think sou said |, severely
st would be unknd not to believe him."
Let us assume that he does, said /, with
decision.
But it doesn't matter whether | love
him."
Perhaps, after all, it does matter" said
/; perhaps he cares IA lot, and wants you
to care; perhaps he would think he had
failed in everything if he couldn't make you
care: perhaps
Dear me- said Betty, ''it's four clock.
, Won't you get me the aball--I know you
want tea
got the little silver ball and handed it to
her.
Il was just going to say said Betty,
that perhaps he wouldn't mind if | didn't
answer him at once
1T is for you to decide"
IF we are old friends very old friends.
and if | should be sorry to lose him, and ii
like him as we'll as anybody else, don't YOU
think he might be satisfied to come on lust
as he has been coming:''
That is IA matter for him. said l.
But what do you Think
"Of course said |, ''if he cannot sit in
the garden he must be satisfied to look at
the flowers over the WALL, and with the
words picked up my hat.
y oure not going!' said Betty.
1T is time said |.
Il think I'll take your advice about this
the other man."
My advice!'
We'll, | mean I'm glad you agree with
me"
All"
II think shall be very nice to him."
YES"
yes, and let him take me to dances
Often
Yes"
And to the Jumping-otf place to see sun
SETS
YES
And shall make tea for him
/ smiled.
II hope he'll not be bad -humored over it.
Doubtless" said |, ''he will put the best
face on the matter possible. Good by"
"Good-by. You're coming to tea to-mor-
row.
..Sba)l J1''