Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1919-09-25
Sentiment and
Business
m
BY JACK LAYTON
osoSssS>o<ssSSS SoSSsoeSso0Vs9S<SssS~,
Copyright. 1919. BY Western News aper Union


That Is what his own familiar friends
good naturedly dubbed him.
mo use for us to try To step in,
Gerry" they would say, the girls can't
ace anyone else when you're around"
And SILENTLY Gerald accepted the
statement; why attempt To deny what
was patiently true?
I'm be- hanged if | can see what
M keS you irresistible To the feminine
sye." iom cheeriully remarked.
1t m bee the feminine mind to
Which | appeal" Gerry modestly sug-
ye,. a. II sure have a way with the
Wmmin"
In CarterSville you'll be overwhelm-
ng." Tom said mournfully. Il won
Ter why | brought you out, just when
I'm having budding affair of my
own? Heretofore we native males
had things pretty much our own way.
out after my college acquaintance with
you. | can see that things are going TO
happen TO us.
Lead me on" Gerald boastfully in
vited. and Tom did.
The first pretty girl To whom the
visitor was presented was Toms couS-
IN. In the course of events Toms own
sweetheart followed. and after that
several choice charmerS of village Soci-
ETY. Easily and inditferently Gerald
conquered everything The girls seemed
but TO await his invitations, refusing
/ Hos In
fear IN: they might not be free Ia nc
rept those OF the dashing stranger
What the deuce do you talk about
10 keep q girl entertained for hours nj
a stretch7" Tom peeviShly questioned.
ut isn't my talk" Gerald pleasantly
explained "they like the way | do
any hair"
But the conqueror's own interest APP
peared 10 be aroused for the first time,
as an auto. driven by charming girl.
rolled past the veranda where the two
! friends sat
who" asked Gerald eagerly. SIS
that lovely girl? have met her sew
.rsl times Oh the street. She's win
ner, and She doesn't seem to mix
with any OF you --~rs~st~'F'' -'--s>
Right. as usual Tom agreed. and
the answer is that she won't mix.
Prefers TO tear around the country In
her splendid car, stops at the hotel
with severe old aunt. and turns down
all invites the girls give her. Comes
/ from fine family In the city, too
they have mutual friends here.
Judge Bakers wife introduced me
10 the girl, hut | did not seem to make
hit.
I'm going to meet her right now"
/ Gerald declared.
Tom studied the young man In white
/ hannels before him.
you'll be the lucky guy. Of course"
ne said rucfully. And 50 II afterward
appeared.
Like had met like" the girls re-
marked bitterly. and there was specu-
lation as to the ending of the affair.
Every afternoon Miss StandiSh. from
the city. awaited AZ the hotel door the
appearance of Gerald Gordon Then to-
I gcther they would whrl away in her
soft rolling car.
In the enjoyment Of the game Ger
/ aid had been constituencies and had
not realized serious side. Now Tom
rallied at his friends fits of moody alb
strHction.
"Why mope?" he asked gayly, 'is
not the fair lady already won? Else
why these daily trips along the river
road. the long rides up steep country
hilsf"
The rides" Gerry replied, are all
right. But why won't Ruth StandiSh
let me visit her al the hotel--or come
with me to some of your COMPOUNDED
dances, or"
9The aunt" Tom suggested. may
object"
Geralds gloomy face frightened.
"If You love the girl" Tom burst
out, "why don't YOU tell her 500"
Il will" Gerald suddenly decided.
and crossed the street 10 where his
ideal sat on the hotel verandn.
ReSolutely the copqueror of feminine
hearts approached and dropped into
chair AT the girls side
81 have something to tell you Ger
aid hogan. "and I'm going 10 say il
now while I have the chance. IL n
minute that old-your aunt-will be
here, and while We are driving YOU
deliberately avoid giving me an oppor-
tunity.
81 love you. Ruth Standish no man
ever loved woman more; and | want
you Ia be my wife"
Flushing. the girl sprang To her
feet
Mr.. Gordon :" she demonstrated.
"why do you talk like that? / have
given you absolutely no encouragement
none AZ all There can be no ques-
I ton Of love between us"
40 encouragement :" Gerry cried
fiercely; what Of those rides in the
car--your car-you called and took
me yourself, and"
Dear me, said Miss StandiSh de-
murcly. II did not think il necessary
to explain that the object of my stay
here is demonstrating i'm small way
machines from my brothers business
concern in the city. He has been
short of help since the war. and I've
been most successful i'm selling. Didn't
Tom tell YOU that he has ordered one
OF our cars? I've also sold one To
Judge Barker But Ms for sentiment.
Mr. Gordon" Gerad's ideal vanished
before the hooking laughter of the