Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-04-13

The Daily Story
Suzette's Solution

| the house. forced her reluctant conscious
ness to the realization OF the fact tha
| soon-very soon-Suzette would be here
Suzette, after her four years at an East.
ern college, was coming home. And what
was she, Helena Crosby, going to say te
the girl? 1t was in answer to Helena't
own urgent appeal that the girl was com
ing; that and sanfords letter. Despite
the warmth Of the sweet June day. Helena
shivered What was she to say7
Sanford's letter spoke for itself In
clear, unmlstakable terms It begged Su-
zette to give up that long-dreamedof
year in Europe, and come back and
marry him. His anxlousy awaited pro-
motion had arrived; he was at last in a
position to ask the fulhllment of their
boy and girl pledge Helena knew well
enough what the letter contained. Had
she not practically dictated the substance
OF IT?
And Suzette's only answer had been a
noncommittal telegram, starting for
home today"
Did she mean to marry Robert or did
she not? That was the question which
over and over again rose feverishly 10
Allt HlSNtl . lillllNs cllIt DuAtlNt was ~
and Robert %, the two had been engaged
or, rather, there had been an under
standing between them. Then Suzette
had gone to college and Robert had fol-
lowed his regiment to the Philippines.
Had the trouble begun, then, wondered
Helena duly, when a triangular chain of
correspondence linked the three? Or was
II not until Sanford had come to Helena
first to talk about the absent Suzette
hnn ,In Har
concerns, and lastly to discuss that
never-tiring topic tor conversation to n
man-himself? Helena could not tell. But
lightly, unthinkingly, they had drifted
along until all unwittingly a sudden
shock laid bare the truth to lover and sis
ter that new feeling, stronger, deeper,
had taken the place OF that childish af-
fection
Sanford, manlke, had wanted to admit
the truth and face the consequences.
But Helena her heart a fiery turmoil of
conflicting emotion, would not listen. She
who, although only a yeaS and a half
the older, had been always mother nurse,
everything to the cherished little sister
she TO be the one to destroy that sisters
happiness, break forever her faith in
Humankind"
"Impossible" cried Helena, her gray
eyes dark with anguish. And from that
determination she could not be shaken,
despite Roberts most impassioned plead
ings.
II cannot hurt Suzette," was her un-
swerving answer. And at last Robert,
desperate, had written Suzette. Since the
thing must be met, let II be met at once.
Let them be married at once and return
to the Philippines. 1t was the only
remedy either could see.
And so it was that Helena Crosby
could see nothing fair nor lovely in the
clear, warm sunshine. the rustling bird
filled trees When would Suzette come?
And what would be the end? This was
all her tired brain could carry.
There was crisp football in the street.
a sharp tinkle of the bell. Then the
sound of Suzette's voice In low inter
change of words; retreatlng, heavier
footstep. The next moment the girl had
sprung into the room. Her arms closed
about Helena.
why, YOU darllng!' she cried why
Helena. dear" as her quick eye noted
the signs OF suffering in the elders
face. Helena tried to smile.
1T is nothing, sweetheart" she an
swered. only a touch of headache"
falling back on womans never-fallng
excuse. oh su2ette; how glad 1 am
to see you"
Tell me what it all means?" she de-
manded practically. why Is Robert in
such hurry all at once? He seems to
have existed without me hitherto fairly
Well with an amused little laugh. why.
then, this sudden eagerness?"
His promotion-his return to the
Philippines" stammered Helene. It was
going to be even harder than she had
fancied. II to give up Robert to an IN
visible, intangible little sister had been
difficult enough, the renouncing of him to
this radiant splendid young creature
He"
He thinks best" she faltered. He
thinks ] will go with him to the Philip
pines" put in Suzette, keenly. "Ir'
There was incredulous protest in every
line of the pretty face. Helena flushed.
"Why, surely, dear, as his wife"
she began. But Suzette Interrupted.
Not IT, she declared decisively, mo
heather lands for me! It's absurd!'
Absurd" echoed Helena. But Su-
zette, dear-if you love him. Surely you
love him." she insisted strenuously. Su-
zette's chin tilted resentfully.
do II" she said mot enough for
that, anyway After all. haven't seen
Robert In ages and we were only babies
when-when we were so foolish" her own
wild-rose tint deepening. He is un-
reasonable. How do know whether I
love him."
But you do" broke in Helena. pas
"Of course you do: you al
ways have dearest. And he loves you."
brayely.
"Um-does he?" was the dubious re-
sponse. "Well-perhaps. But I-llsten.
Helena" her voice sharpening suddenly;
you-you remember Mr.. Williams? i've
written about him"
Yes" answered Helena. surprised The
little face was hidden now on her
shoulder,
"Well-well--" came a muffled sound
'he has always known Of my engagement
TO RObert-so, when l told him that / was
coming home he-he wouldn't let me come
alone. He is older than |, a good deal"
went on the voice; "he-he cares for rue
very dearly, though He wants 10 take
me abroad, to let me study"
sudden blind resentment surEed
through Helena,
'But-but Robert" she urged vehe-
mently He cares for you, too; you
know he does He has not so much TO
offer" an unreasoning loyalty to the
absent soldier sweeping her along, "he-
he" stammering as she remembered
A warm little arm crept about her neck
But you will help me-" begged the
voice, ''you-you will tell him"
Tell him what" uttered Helena,
sharply There was fear. almost terror
In the cry.
Suzette sat upright.
'fhat-that l am married" said su-
zette distinctly. .'Frederiek would not
take the risk OF losing me- And-and so
We were married in Denver. He brought
h.r l. I,, - l. Il.