The daily Alaskan., 1914-02-05
By SAMUEL E. BRANT

on his engagement with a girl l de tested.
 was not so infatuated with Ellen but that would be glad to hear the truth about her. whatever that truth might be; but, realizing that no one would tell me the truth, l was quite willing tO keep my eyes open that l might learn 1t by observation. The moment l met Miss Blake I saw by her manner that the approval hoped for by my brtrothed was wanting. As love is a spark easily enkindled, so is antagonism though in this case the ontagoniSm came from Miss Blake to me. was indifferent to her.
 How do you like her?" asked Ellen of unc when we were again alone to- gcther
 "ycry much" replied with the usual uuuuthfulnCss in such cases. How does she like meE
 "Shc thinks you are splendid"
 "You don't mean it.'
 Yes. and she predicts that we will be very happy together"
 "Iudeedr'
 "Ouly possibly for one thing"
 "What'S that:"
 Well. she says you have a very firm look about you. and she predicts that you'll lead"
 This WAS the tiny hole in the apple through which the worm had crawled. made nc reply. Indeed, no reply was needed. Miss Blake had thrown up her first line of defenses. She had prepared Ellen against transferring the influence eXerted by her bosom friend to her lover. l resolved to lock horns with my enemy, but in such way that Ellen would not realize that I was doing SO But I proposed to put Ellen in sucE a position tbat she must decide between me and her bos- om friend.
 I found an opportunity at the whist table. If one desires to pick quarrel with a woman an excellent way is 10 secure her for partner. then point out her misplayS. One evening when Ellen. her bosom friend, my chum, Jim Baxter. and l were together l prOpOS- ed whist and insisted on having Miss ! Blake for my partner By simply point ing out to her in the most delicate manner possible her bad plays final ly sent her out of the room in huff.
 "What have you dOne| exclaimed Ellen, aghaSt.
 Nothing of importance. She should be very much obliged to me for teach. ing her the game" You must undo what you have done at once"
 There is nothing to undo. She will soon get over her tiff. l shall pay no attention to it. treating her just the same as ever hereafter" Ellen was much troubled. A few nights after this a dozen of us young persons were to have little dance at Mary Blake's home. Before going there Ellen informed me that it would be better if | did not invite Mary to 1 dance, since she had said that if l did she would refuse.
 indeed" was my reply. Pm very sorry to hear that"
 On the evening in question when the piano began to discourse music for the twostep l stepped up to Mary Blake and asked her to dance. She bowed. said nothing and turned away. This was the end of my part of the little comedy. knew that her refusal to dance with one who had invited her in her own home was an unpardonable breach of good manners. However, remained for the evening, dancing with all the other girls in turn.
 What have you dOneE" exclaimed ! Ellen as we walked home together. Didn't l warn you not to ask Mary to dancer"
 You wouldn't surely have had me leave her out, inviting the others, and that, too, in her own hOme.'
 She was perfectly right to refuse your invitation till you had apOlogized for your rude treatment of her at the card table"
 Refer thut point to some elderly per son with fair knowledge of good manners. If the decision is in your fa- vor I will at once apologize to your friend, though I admit l don't know what for"
 "To whom shall I refer it?" ,,YOur mOthnr and if she decides in my favor you are to ask Mary to do anything your mother may suggest. If she declines you are to decide between your friend and me" The decision of the referee was that Mary Blake should apologize to me for refusing to dance with me in her own house. Mary declined to do any such thing, and. though it cost Ellen a strug- gle. she broke with her bosom friend. Since our marriage l have succeeded in rOnyiDciDo my wifn Of thR dancer