Gilpin observer., 1919-01-09
HER RING
BY MARION c. LEesAM.

Betty Saunders to her sister.
II know It," said Jean. looking up
from her knitting. ~ 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,
II ! 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 Mt
the dance, Just before he went away.
He paid attention to that Wentworth
girl h6lf the night. Then he pretends
he loves me. He doesn't know whar
love is. I'll never forgive him. ether
81 don't think he meant It," said
Betty. you probably. ina gined 1t.
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 ravlng over him.
tell you I've changed entirely toward
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 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,"
said Betty. "'rhough you have only
been away ten weeks 1t seems like n
year."
at seems like that to me, too" said
Dick, plotting Betty on one side and
his mother on the other. ~ had hoped
Jean would meet me. but l suppose
that was too much to expect"
I'm sorry" said Betty. ~ tried to
persuade her to come. told her 1t
hn oh
petty things"
you're right" said Dick. at Is fool
ish. What do you say If we stay in
town and have lunch and go to
show?" Dick was bound he was going
to forget things for once.
II think I'll go home." said Mrs. Full
ION. "You two go and have a good time"
After leaving Mrs. Fulton on the
train Dick and Betty started for au
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 it up?"
Dick looked at her earnest face,
never before realizing how strikingly
pretty Betty was. Then 'she had so
much sense, too, even though she was
only two years older than Jean. He
pufted his cigar slowly, thinking very
deeply.
"I'll tell you what we can do" he
said with happy thought. Lets 90
and pick out n 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 ft your hand will dc
Jenn's, won't it?" said Dick as they sat
before the tray Of dazzling stones, try.
Ing to pick out just the right one.
Betty was rs happy ds though It
were for herself. and many people
turned to admire the happy couple,
andN Dick certainly looked manly In
his uniform. AS he watched her 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 II 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 so?" 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 out prob
lem In his own mind.
When leaving Betty that night, after
what she pronounced n dandy time, he
took her hand In his and whispered:
"Betty, I want you to have this" slim