Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-01-21
THE DAILY NOVELETTE,
HER CHOICE
BY ETA Symmes

hUDRIE paused as she slipped pin
"A into her thick, fluffy hair. Her eyes
fell upon two pictures on the dressing
table before her.
One was a smiling, brown-eyed lad
in military attire. For an instant Audrie
looked full into the clean, boyish face
She had known him for years. Now
he was in the army; had won commits
sion from the ranks.
yes Jimmie" she told him, you're
a good pal always have been and I am
proud of you"
Then she turned to the other the face
cf a student dark, serious and distin-
guished. A whimsical smile passed over
her face Ever since she as a retiring.
little freshman had met Harold, he had
been madly in love with her. AS all
girls do. Audre glored in the security
of the rich young mans affection, yet
dallied with a decision Sometimes she
wondered why he remained at home
when so many boys We're in the service.
The ringing Of the front door bell In
terrupted her reverie. With a guilty start
Audrie sprang up.
There's Harold now, I'll skip down
and let him in" one last reassuring
glance in the mirror, and in the fraction
Of minute she was greeting the youth
right cheerly.
Good evening, Mr. Harold" with
playful curtSey. I'm almost ready. hon
estly. Just a second till ! get my
wraps"
Good for you. Audrie." laughed Har-
old Then appreCiatively:
MY. but YOU look bcwitching tonight
10 yon think it safe to take you TO a
"Oh. silly" scolded Audrie. "Of
course it is Let's hurry. I'm just dying
foi waltz"
perfect. and Audrie sparkled with eX-
hilaration and pure JOY of the dance.
Soft lights added TO the enchantment.
Audrie glided gracefully in. Harold's
arms. The sweet ncarness of the girl,
The weird strains of the waltz entan-
gled Harold's senses in a new whirlwind
of love.
"Audrie, dear" he whispered. come
out on the veranda and rest bit"
She nodded assent half reluctantly.
HarOld's ardor.
"Audrie. have waited n long time"
he said. suddenly, taking one of her
hands, TO talk to you as you know l
He hesitated Audries cheeks burned
with the knowledge of the coming dec
laratiOn.
You know how much | care for you.
dear; you know. too. that | have cared
for you ever since | first met you. and
that ! stayed at school only to be near
you. Can you love me just little in
return
He was pleading now with all the
eloquence Of his manly voice end dark
eyes He came closer. took both her
hands For an instant she almost
yielded. The thought Of prestige OF
riches, of Harold's true regard for her,
moved her powerfully. 1t was so easy.
Then. like shade from another world.
before her. In fash Audrie saw him
fighting like many more American boys.
still smiling, young, Yet brave and un-
afraid,
The magic of Harold's love was gone.
With shudder she drew away from
40, Harold" she said, softly. but
hrmly, Il am sorry. very sorry, but |
do not love you"
The ride home was in sad contrast to
the previous journey. Not a word was
spoken; just parting handclasp ended
il all.
\ weary, little girl crept up the stairs
to her room slowly she seated herself
again before the dressing table. Quietly
she turned one picture face downward ::
then, as hot tears chased down her face.
she seized the other picture and pressed
IL TO her lips
"Thank Cod" she murmured rever-
emily, Il choose man
Next complete noveIette-My smiling
Lady.