Little Falls herald. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1889-1950, 1918-08-16
Suiit,.of
Clothes
(ce1y1Isht, 1915, Weoteeo NswsDo1ae Ua3oa.
By VICTOR REpdFFE

AAdIA Ac1teT 1OSSU anu eVSU AV OAA0s
not even the object of his affections.
He was Of a timid, retiring DISPOSE
ton that made him self-deprecatory
and self-conscious. He made confidant
Of no one, not even Of Ralph Estes,
whom he considered, the best Of man
kind and a true, helpful friend. They
did not see much of one another and
Mark was careful not to intrude upon
others. All the same he harbOred a
sentiment towards Ralph almost BROTH
erly. 49,. F.. ....:...... 49,.
The latter at the risk of his life had
rescued the crippled sister of Mark
from being overtaken and crushed by
an automobile. He made little of his
heroism when Mark came to him with
tears in his eyes, overlooking with
gratitude. About once a week after
that Mark would put himself casually
In the way of Ralph, just to bask in
the sunshine of his smile and open
heartedness. Sometimes nights he
would stroll by the place where Ralph
boarded, and glance up at the light in
his window and 60 home, like some
devotee who had visited a cherished
shrine. ..,-. ....-... -;
Ralph had a poorly paid position.
Mark learned this, and also noted that
Ralph, even Sundays, wore q eweh-
mended suit of clothes. -.- ,....
One evening they met on the street,
q dash Of rain came up and Mark In
vited Ralph to seek shelter till the
shower was over in a neighborhOod
clubrOom.
"Im a member" he advised Ralph.
"You see, we're just few people liv-
ing in narrow district and meet once
a week for readings and lectures.
Miss Deane," he bowed as young
lady neared them, and Ralph found
himself introduced to most charming
girl. Then Mark, who was sort OF
master of ceremonies for the evening,
left the two together and Ralph spent
a pleasant hour.
1t was a week later when Mark
neared the home Of Miss Deane.
CHANGING from the street he saw in
the little parlor the girl he had learned
to love and Ralph Estes. He turned
from the spot with sudden pang at
heart.
"It's plain," he commented, his eyes
betokening intense secret pain. Il
don't wonder that Estes has been at
tracted by Eta. 1t means good-by to
some happy hopes I have had, but he
is worthy of any woman's love and I
II will forget"
Mark did not forget, but he no long
er placed himself in the way of either
Ralph or Eta. He had been working
as bookkeeper for large tailoring es-
Establishment, that business failed and
Mark was occupied for week in Sc
curing a new position. The tailoring
establishment owed him a months
wages and offered to settle the score
if Mark would take it out in goods.
Then a bright idea came into his
mind. He had seen Ralph at dis
lance and had noticed that he still
wore the same shabby suit of clothes.
Mark knew enough of the practical
end of taildGng to take accurate eye
measurement. Then he ordered suit
that would be sure to fit his cherished
friend.
"rve come to ask a favor Of you, -
he told his friend, invading his room
one evening.
ITO forgive you for neglecting me
so outrageously!" rallied Ralph good
naturally. "What's the reasonT"
swell, you see, lost my old posi-
ton and the new one keeps me pretty
busy< See here; they owed me some
salary when Cotter & Co. failed, and
l had to take it out in trade: This
box contains suit they gave me, and
I am pretty certain it will just fit YOU.
1t won't me. I want you to wear it,
if you can"
ooh, now, Mark"
"Or I shall have to give it away to
somebody else."
"You're about the best fellow in the
world!" declared Ralph, when he had
been finally prevailed upon to accept
the gift rendered.
ny lHC VuJs A1CI NAAoo )Se'A0 IAAo
other day, and she was wondering
what had become Of you"
"Busy, you see," mumbled Mark.
Get home late-tired out. Now" he
burst forth, reaching the street, ESTES
can be presentable when he goes to
see''-with a sorrowful gulp-"Etta ~
He passed the Deane house one eve
ming a week later. Through the win
dow he again noted Ralph and sew.
eral others in it's front room. otis all
settled. Well, good luck to both of
them!" uttered Mark bravely.
Ralph caught up with him on the
street next day. II say, Mark" he
observed, "1'm settled now-up at the
home Of Miss Deane-and I want you
to come and see me. And she told mo
she missed you greatly. I've rented
their upper rooms and at last have my
wife and the two little ones with me
again."
"Wife little ones!" gasped Mark
bewilderedly.