The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1919-02-26
HER RING
BY MARION c. LEEsAm.

Ing nome Tor weeks rurl0ugn, SalO
Betty Saunders TO her sister.
Il know IT," said Jean, looking up
from her knitting. at was talking TO
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"
81 know It." said Jean pensively,
but he did treat me so that night at
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"
Il 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 60
far and near TO find as nice fellow as
Dick"
ooh, Betty, do stop raving over him.
i tell you I've changed entirely toward
Dick. think Jack Somers is more OF
man than Dick ever thought Of be-
ing"
With that, Jean picked up her knit
lting and angrily walked upstairs.
Meanwhile, Dick Fulton. comforta-
sbly settling himself I'm 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
icOnscience he settled himself for forty
winks and knew nothing until he heard
the porter cry, Boston, all Quit" 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
Try, but Jean was nowhere to be SEEN,
"Oh, Dick, I'm so glad to see you"
fsaid Betty Though you have only
been away ten weeks 1t seems like
year"
at seems like that to me, too," said
Dick, plotting Betty on one side and
his mother on the other. II had hoped
Jean would meet me, but / suppose
that was too much to expect
I'm sorry" said Betty. 81 tried to
persuade her to come. told her Ii
was no time to be worrying over such
petty things"
you're right" said Dick. 1T is fool
fsh. What do you say II we stay in
town and have lunch and go TO a
shown Dick was bound he was going
to forget things for once.
II think I'll go home" said Mrs. Full
ton. you two go and have good time"
After leaving Mrs. Fulton on the
train Dick and Betty started for an
evenings fun. First, they got tickets
at one of the best theaters and then
| found little cafe and had a 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 1t up9'
Dick looked at her earnest face.
I never before realizing how strikingiy
I pretty Betty was. Then she had so
much sense, too, even though she was
only two years older than Jean. He
| pulled his cigar slowly, thinking very
/ deeply.
"Pll tell you what we can do" he
| said with a happy thought. Let's 60
and pick out a diamond for Jean. I'll
| take 1t to her and surprise her.
know she'll forgive me-"
''That would be fine" said Betty.
her face Frightening.
what will At your hand viii at
| Jeans, won't it7' said Dick as they sat
before the tray of dazzling stones. try
ing to pick out just the right one.
Betty was as happy as though IL
were for herself, and many people
turned to admire the happy couple.
| and Dick certainly looked manly I'm
his uniform. AS he watched her a pang
went through his heart. Here was a
girl who cared and knew what love
was. Finally they picked out the one
that Betty declared was beauty"
and Dick stuffed IL in his pocket. Then
| they hurried TO the theater.
| II know she'll love IT," whispered
Betty while they were watching the
play.
do you think soT" said Dick. A
queer feeling came over him as Betty
leaned near him, enjoying herself TO
her hearts content. Betty has always
been good friend of mine. but surely
I'm not falling In love with her." he
thought. He paid little attention to
the play. as he was battling outta prob
lem i'm his own mind.
When leaving Betty that night. after
what she pronounced dandy time. he
took her hand in his and whispered
Betty, want you to have this" slip
ping the ring on her finger. at was
just meant for you. ] noticed that In
the jewelers."
"why, Dick" Betty faItered. what
about Jean?"