American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1919-06-06
HIS RIVAL
BY NJ G. o G

Jimmie Taylor watched many eve
nings, with q scowi Of displeasure, n
his sweetheart bent over her knitting.
This devotion to gray yarn, in his pres
ence, had become tiresome. Antc-
pated happy hours were spoiled by
Gracie's sbsent-minded responses to
his personal conversation-for Jimmie
was discussing the possibilities Of
their new home.
He had counted upon his iancee's
enthusiasm and help, as they would
plan together the furnishings of that
home which was a long-dreamed-of
goal. But during the stress of war
time Oracle had beer distract, indirrer-
ent. What could have caused the
change? Surely. oh, surely. and jim
mic had caught his breath at the
thought, she could not have ceased to
care; neither could anyone else have
come between them.
Night after night, and day after
day she had sat at his side here in her
mothers comfortable living room, with
no intruder to cause him apprehen-
sion.
PioAA VIC hhNC int ultiiuS tOOtu Az
delft blue, dear?" he had asked one
evening.
"M-m-m-n," murmured the girl min
~telligibly, as she was counting stitches.
"Or old rose?" queried Jim.
Gracie's eyes had rested for a mo-
ment upon him blankly. They were
very beautiful eyes, and the lover pa
tiently waited.
Presently Oracle rolled up the knit
ting and slipped 1t into her g~ay-colored
bag, coming close to rest her hand on
his shoulder. "Jimmie," she had
begged, don't you think, at this trou-
bled time, that we ought to put all
thoughts of personal comfort, and-er
triumph, from us in one devoted eff
fort to help the brave men who are
giving their very lives for our coun-
try? Just because you are a little be-
yond the age limit is no reason why
you should not sacrifice, too, In your
way. Marriage means added expense,
Jimmie. Yourself only to provide for,
you could give most generously to the
causes, and / am well cared for at
home. Later, in a peaceful time, we
might more conscientioNsly realize our
future JOY, but now"
Oracle had paused then, quite ont
of breath. She was wondering what
else 1t was that Myra Baily told her.
Myra, a great Red Cross enthusiast,
had advised freely among her young
friends.
Jimmie, staring at his formerly sub
missive sweetheart as though she had
struck him, told her that she could
not realize what she was saying and
Oracle, calmly opening the bag to re-
gain her knitting, had dropped from
Its depths a crumpled note.
Flushing almost guiltily, the girl
reached for the note, but Jimime fore
stalled her, and a jealous flash shone
in his fine eyes.
"Who is 1t fromT' he nercely asked
her.
Raising her chin d~eiantly, Oracle
had admitted that the note was from
a soldier-the man for whom she had
been knitting.
"What right" demanded the angry
lover, has a strange man to CORE
spond with your"
THE right of courtesy" she had
crisply answered ITS a letter of
thanks for the sweater and helmet and
gloves. and"
Heaven knows, o must have At
ted him out completely" Jimime &C.
knowledged. "Wnl you let me see
that letter."
Grudgingly. the girl obeyed.
It had been his turn to flush then.
and the angry red creeping up to his
heavy, dark hair, left Jim in an unen-
viable mood.
Sentimental stuff he muttered
disgustedly. dreamed gratefully OF
his benefactress, while the warm
sweater sheltered him from the
breeze" Calls you his angel lady.
you are silly, Jimmie Taylor" she
said at last. You'd better go home"
And abruptly her lover had gone,
After his departure Oracle smoOthed
carefully the e~xtravagantly grateful
note, while a smile played about her
lips.
OF course, she could not be actually
. III lOFt WIN IIt titFtT WIlltt u lhOot
beautifully penned epistles. but ro'
7 Dance held her In its grasp-romance
= and ideallsm. And he, Jim, must stand
aside until the fancy had passed
Would 1t pass? Returning soon now
perhaps, would this absent soldier seek
her out, and finding her more lovely
Than eve he could have dreamed
would he make her "1deal5 a ~realiza,
ttonf
Resolutely Jimmie kept away from
his beloved. Hers had been the fault
he told bimself-hers, II she wished
II, must be the undoing.
And evidently Oracle wished II.
IF you will come tonight" called
her sweet voice over the phone, u will
show you my last letter-from the
soldier"
A laughing note in the request forced
Jim to ignore its mockery. Still for
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