American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1919-05-23
HIS RIVAL
BY N G. BRoeAN

dAAhhAt AhSiW WhtNiNN many ENC~
nings, with a scowl of di~spleasnre. M
his sweetheart bent over her knitting.
This devotion to gray yarn. In his pres
ence. had become tiresome. Antici-
pated happy hours Were spoiled by
Gracle's nhsent-minded responses to
HIS personal conversatlon-for Jimmie
was discussing the possibilities of
their new home.
He had counted upon his fiancee's
enthusiasm and help, as they would
plan together the furnishings OF that
home which was a long-dreamed-of
goal. But during the stress of war
time Oracle had been dlstrait. lndiffer-
lent, What could have caused the
change? Surely, oh, surely, and Jim
mic had caught his breath at the
thought, she could not have ceased to
care; neither could anyone else have
come between them.
Night after night, and dry after
day she hid sat ut his side here In her
mothers comfortable living room, with
no intruder TO cause him apprehen-
sion.
"Shall we have the dining room in
delft blue, dear?" he had asked one
evening.
"M-mrm.n," murmured, the girl unin-
telllgibly, as she was counting stitches.
"Or old rose2' queried Jim.
Gracle's eyes had rested for n mo-
ment upon him blankly. They were
very beautiful eyes,, and the lover pa
tlently waited.
Presently Oracle rolled up the knit
ting and slipped 1t into her gay-colorcd
bag, coming close to rest her hand on
his shoulder. "Jlmmle," she had
begged, don't YOU think, AT this trout
hled time, that we ought to put all
thoughts OF personal comfort, under
triumph, from us In one devoted eff
fort TO help the brave men who are
giving their very lives for our coun-
try? Just because you are II little be-
yond the age limit Is no reason why
you should MOI sacrifice, too, In your
way. Marriage means added expense.
Jimmie. Yourself only to provide for,
you could give most generously to the
causes, and | am we'll cared for ut
home. Later. In n peaceful time. we
might more consclentiCvsly realize our
future Joy, but now"
Oracle had paused then, quite out
of breath. She was wondering whit
else II WINS TINT Myra Bnily told her.
Myrn, n great Red Cross enthusiast,
had advised freely among her young
friends.
Jimmie, staring at his formerly sub
missiye sweetheart ms though she had
struck him, told her 'that she could
not realize what she was saying and
Oracle, calmly opening the bug to re-
gain her Knitting, had dropped from
It's depths II |crumpled note,
Flushing almost gulltIly, the girl
renched for the note. but Jlmlme fore
stalled her, and n Jealous flash shone
In his fine eyes.
PWho Is It from3" he lercely asked
her,
Raising her chin defnntly, Oracle
had admitted that the note WINS from
n soldier-the man for whom she Ind
been knitting,
"Whnt right" demanded the angry
lover, "hns n strange mnn TO CORE
spond with your"
"The right of courtesy" she hat
crlsply answered ITS n letter o
thanks for the swenter and helmet ant
gloves, and"
"IJenvcn knows, you must have NJ
ted him u completely" Jlmime nc
knowledged. "Wlll you let me SCI
TINT letter."
Grudgingly, the girl obeyed.
II had been his turn 10 flush then
and the angry red creeping up 10 hi
heavy, dark hair, leftsJim In an uner
ylnble mood.
Sentimental stuffp' he muttere,
dIsgustedly. "Drenmed gratefully O
his benefnctress. while the war;
sweater sheltered him from III
, breeze" "Calls you his angel lady
"You nrc silly. Jimmie Taylor" sh
snld ut lust. you'd better go home.
Md abruptly her lover hiEl gon'
After his departure Oracle smoothe
carefully the cxtrayaRnntly graiefu
note. while "A smile played about he
/ lips,
or course, she cOrld not be actual
In love with the clever writer Of thos
beautifully penned cpIstles. but re
: nance held her in lis grasp-romnne
and ldcalism. And he, Jim, must stan
; aside until the fancy had pnsse'
! Would II pnEsl Returning soon nov
perhaps. would this absent soldier see
Z her out. and finding her more Lowell
= than even he could have dreamed
$ would he mike her "Idenl" a realizi
tionf
: Hesolutely Jimmie kept away froi
y his beloved. Hers ind been the fnul
/ he told hlmself-hers. II she wishe
{ II. must be the unhOing.
G Aud evidently Oracle wished Il.
@ "If you viii come tonight" cnlie
Z her sweet voice oye the phone, ~ wi
I show you my last letteT-from III
soldier"
a lnugldng NOTE IN the request force
;, Jim TO ignore It's mOckery. Still fo
bidding was his attitude ms ne avail
Z. ed his sweetheart In the lamplight.
> Smiling. Oracle slipped her or
i. tbrntyb nfQ a uha fhprtet tho nnta IA