The Tomahawk., 1919-12-18

this before, she listened with an at
tention that was unusual. Likewise it
was flattering to Ferdinand. He felt
that he was interesting her, as he had
apparently failed to do Of late. But
as he continued his laudation of the
striker Betty's attention seemed to
wander. She was apparently intent on
something far off, She was no longer
needing him. That night when Betty
left 'Ferdinand's Office in the uniyer-
sity building devoted to economics she
carried with her small volume from
his shelves on methods in Striking"
The next day Betty arrived as usual
ct slightly before nine O'Clock. She
went through the routine of the morn
ing until Ferdinand departed for MS
ten O'Clock lecture. Then she was busliy
writing on her typewriter. She made
frequent corrections and then made
fair copy of what she had written.
This she placed on Ferdinand's desk
and departed for lunch at twelve. lie
would be back from his second morn
ing lecture shortly after that time.
When Ferdinand returned from MS
morning class he found a-neatly type
written note from Betty. 1t was en-
tirely amicable. But after he had read
it Ferdinand realized that Betty had
told him that She would terminate her
engagement with him at once unless
he would give her assurance that sne
would be married within. reasonable
| lo,, ,or+I, 80
riage for women, and she did not ap-
prove of long engagements. A long
delay would ruin their chances OF ever
finding happiness together later.
OF course, it was perfectly unrea-
sonable. In the first place, that was
not tie right way to 60 about it. Fer
dinand was out of all patience with
Betty. If she wanted to be married
before he finished the book she should
have approached the matter in more
feminine manner. Ferdinand himself
was eager enough-Betty ought to
have known that. He had Intended TO
surprise her and finish the book next
month and then ask her to marry MIN
at Eastertime. But this idea Of coerc-
ing him was all wrong. He would
simply discipline her. If you do not
give me some definite answer by hve
o'clock" Betty had said in the note,
"you may consider the engagement at
an end" One thing was certain IN
Ferdinand's mind. He would certain
ly not give her. an answer to the note
by five. He might shortly after. but
he refused to be coerced. -
Betty returned from lunch She was
apparently the same Betty that she !
had always been. Ferdinand made no
reference to the fote, nor did Betty.
He tried to absorb himself In the
strikes of ancient Egypt, but they had
not the remOtest appeal. Almos1
feverishly he waited until the uniyer-
sity chimes announced five O'Clock.
Apparently Betty, as she sat, typing
off some Of his corrected manuscript,
felt no perturbation. 49,. -~~..
Z: Five o'clock sounded. Betty arose,
closed her typewriter. Then she put
on her hat and coat and collected
few little personal belongings. An
umbrella she had left for emergen-
ClGS, d 1ulIIOA q TuoC oAA A>A NS-e
These latter she wrapped In a neat
bundle, them N.."h:.-.A -.
'Good-by, Ferdinand" she said, and
If there was q culver in her voice
Ferdinand did not notice it. perhaps
It is not customary to shake hands
perhaps should simply walk out"
Ferdinands arms were around her
umbrella, bundle :and all. Betty, Bet
ty-how can you torture me? What
are you thinking of? What are you
doing?" r. -, ..,..-,.
-, "Tm striking-walking out" an
nounced Betty. "That's the only way
any one ever gets anything in this
world. "If you know you are in the
right, why accept less than you want?
why not fight for it-strike for it|"
Betty quoted for moment. initiating
Ferdinand's vibrant voice.
,"Betty, I never knew any one could
love any one as love you now. 1t
makes it so different-knowing that
you really want toto be married 1t
makes it impossible to be patient"