The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1916-09-18
HER COURAGE
BY SUSAN &. cLAeETT.


Of the evening before.
1t had been a leap-year dance and |
Madeline Brook threw back her head
with a laugh as she said
III was success, even to the diff
cult point Of proposal. | heard one.
Who was the girl2 l did not recognize
the voice. But knew the mn.
laughed with him about 1t when
clnimed my dance later on"
The face Of the girl on the piazza
step famed red and there was a catch
In her voice as she answered:
why shouldn't woman ask that
question? Why should she always
wait for the question to be asked Of
her by someone she can never care
for? Why should she stand by and see
the love she longs for given, perhaps
to another woman, when q word might
turn the mans thoughts toward her
Suggestion plays a tremendous part In
life. The knowledge that woman
cares Keeps her more or less before
his mental vision. She is, in way
forced upon his notice. He may be
surprised that the initiative has heen
taken from him, but the girl will be
more, not less, In his thoughts, and
the chances are happiness will come to
them both"
Her friend looked at her In amaze
ment.
"Slnce when, my dear Eleanor, have
you been believer in the equal rights
ideaT
Il am no sulfragist Madeline, but |
cannot see why, If woman cares, SHE
must hide her feelings until it pleases
a man to give her the opportunity to I
express them. believe there would
be more happy marriages II woman
had the same right of selection that
custom gives a man."
"And would you--T
would you, whati" pleasant voice
inquired
The girl went white as her friend
arose and gave her hand to the man
who had come unseen across the grass
"Such an amusing thing" she laughed
''EleGnor is advocating equal rights"
"Why not? have always thought
women should have more latitude"
He turned toward the girl. Keep the
courage of your convictions, Miss
Eleanor. Don't let anyone laugh you
out Of them"
Il am inclined to think her cour-
age would desert her If she attempted
to put her convictions to the test"
Madeline remarked dryly. "Eleanor Is
old-fashioned. Up to now there has
never been anything strongminded
about her."
1.-THE trend Of thought today is
surely against old-fashioned ideas" the
man replied genially, "but neverthe-
less think Miss Tshafn possesses the
courage to go against convention II
\ she feels 1t right so to do. 1t requires
strength Of character to do the un'
usual"
High praise-but as you do not
know just what this is doubt IL you
would think with her"
LET me be the judge" Howard
Chandler replied pleasantly. Il am
not one to change my opinion without
due cause"
The girl on the steps had risen.
while she tells you ] will go on"
she said with a slight smile. Il am
already late for an appointment"
"Wait an instant. My curiosity must
be satisfied and then we will go. |
promised to find you" he explained,
answering her questioning look. "Your
geranda is filed with out-of-town
guests. saw you come in here All.
offered to bring you home. Now, Miss
Madeline what Is the terrible thing
you are holding backT
Merely the asking Of a question
now considered mans sole preroga-
tive There was world Of meaning
In the glance she gave him. Il do not
agree with her. DO your"
His cool gray eyes heid a hint Of
hardness as he looked at her. but his
voice was pleasant. II only know
that would feel honored If woman
should see something In me that would
make for her happiness and was Will
ing to tell me So"
His eyes contracted as he caught the
maliciousness in the laugh that fol-
lowed them across the yard.
There was no talk between the two
'or some minutes. Eleanor broke the
silence as they came within sight OF
her home.
1T was good Of you to try and spare
ne. Madeline overheard our talk last
evening. She suspected me, ] think,
but was not sure"
u guessed as much. No. Don't go
n Just yet. must confess to tar
radiddle. II was the only way. There
are no visitors, but wanted a Talk
With you as leave on the 9:30 for
Chicago" He hesitated an instant,
ihen went on:
"That was brave thing you did
asst night. Braver than most. II made
me think, and it brought home to me
the sweetness OF you; made me Won
der what there is in me that could
make girl like you care, am glad,
glad it is so and when | return from
this trip will you let me come to you'
show YOU tell you how much II means
to met"
The girl had been standing with her