The Knoxville independent. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1894-current, 1919-01-18
her RING
BY MARION c. LEEsAM.

from her knitting. Il was talklnS u
his mother yesterday. 1t doesn't inter-
est me, however"
"Oh, Jean, try to be nice to him this
week. He's going South to learn to
fly and then he's going to France. Why,
If were in your place I'd be planning
to give him the best time while he Is
home. You can't do too much for those
fellows"
II know It," said Jean pensively,
"but he did treat me so that night ct
the dance, just before he went away.
He paid attention to that Wentworth
girl half the night. Then he pretends
he loves me. He doesn't know what
love is. I'll never forgive him, either"
II don't think he meant it," said
Betty. "You probably imagined it. ]
know he's sorry you do not write him,
because he writes the, bluest letters
home to his mother. Besides, you'd go
far and near to find as nice fellow as
Dick"
"Oh, Betty, do stop raving over him.
I tell you I've changed entirely toward
Dick. l think Jack Somers is more of
a man than Dick ever thought Of be-
ing"
With that Jean picked up her knit
ting and angrily walked upstairs.
Meanwhile, Dick Fulton, comforta-
bly, settling himself in the Pullman
bound for Boston, breathed a deep
sigh, whether of relief no one knows.
He was glad he was going home.
After squaring himself with his own
conscience he settled himself for forty
winks and knew nothing until he heard
the porter cry, Boston, all Out!' He
pulled himself together and, grabbing
his grip, hurried out, watching anx-
iously for some one to meet him. "Of
course Jean wouldn't be there" he ar
gued to himself. Yet he half hoped
she had forgiven him. He hurried up
the platform and saw his mother, wait
ing for him. In back of her was Bet
ty, but Jean was nowhere to be seen.
"Oh, Dick, I'm so glad to see you, h"
said Betty. Though you have only
been away ten weeks it seems like a
year."
ut seems like that to me, too" said
Dick, plotting Betty on one side and
his mother on the other. Il had hoped
Jean would meet me, but l suppose
that was too much to expect"
I'm sorry" said Betty. II tried to
persuade her to come. told her II
was no time to be worrying over such
petty things"
/ you're right" said Dick. 'It is fool
ish. What do you say if we stay in
town and have lunch and go to 6
show" Dick was bound he was going
to forget things for once.
II think I'll go home" said Mrs. Ful
ton. "You two go and have good time
After leaving Mrs. Fulton on the
train Dick and Betty started for al
evenings fun. First, they got tickets
at one of the best theaters and ther
found little cafe and had nice din
ner.
"Dick, I've been wondering about
Jean. It's too bad things are this way
Can't something be done to fix it up?
Dick looked at her earnest face
never before realizing how strikinglJ
pretty Betty was. Then she had Sc
much sense, too, even though she was
only two years older than Jean. Ht
pulled his cigar slowly, thinking very
deeply.
"I'll tell you what we can do" HI
said with happy thought. Lets g
and pick out diamond for Jean. II
take it to her and surprise her.
know she'll forgive me-"
'That would be fine" said Betty
her face Frightening.
"What will fit your hand will fl
Jeans, won't it?" said Dick as they sa
before the tray of dazzling stones, try
ing to pick out just the right one.
Betty was as happy as though /
were for herself, and many peopl
turned to admire the happy couple
and Dick certainly looked manly IL
his uniform. AS he watched her PAM
went through his heart. Here was
girl who cared and knew what low
was. Finally they picked out the on
that Betty declared was beauty,
and Dick stuffed it in his pocket. Thel
they hurried to the theater.
II know she'll love it," whispere,
Betty while they were watching TIL
play.
do you think SOP" said Dick
queer feeling came over him as Bett
leaned near him, enjoying herself t
her hearts content. Betty has Away
been good friend of mine, but surel
,, I'm not falling in love with her." h
thought. He paid little attention t
the play, as he was battling out prob
lem in his own mind.
When leaving Betty that night, afte
what she pronounced dandy time, h
took her kaipd in his and whispered
Betty, want you to have this" slip
ping the ring on her finger. at wa
just meant for you. noticed that Il
the jewelers."
"Why, Dick" Betty faltered, "Wha
about Jean?"