Ellsworth American., 1919-12-24
The MAN Halter
BY ELIZABETH |. SAUNDERS.
Q, 1919. by Mcclure Newspaper Syndicate

SELL, thought Gwendolyn Ritchie, as
she sat pondering on the edge of the
bed, staring absently into the mirror
before her. "It can't be jealousy. l
/ was never jealous of Fran in my life
and yet, why am so opposed to Hal,
all OF sunderland just since he put
that ring on her finger? Goodness
knows, want to see my little sister
happy and / know she loves him-so
what Is it? Jealousy? That awful
word-could 1t be that--but how could
1t, for l never loved Hal-in fact my
affections have never been inclined to
any mere man, and never will be.
Ihey are bother and quite trouble
some. know what it is" she finally
added to the perplexed reflection in
the mirror. "Hal is taking Fran away
from me. l will be all alone"
The thought of being all alone, sepa-
rated from Fran, who had been her
only pal and confidant since their
great loss had come upon them. leav-
ing them two orphans to face the ups
and downs of life alone They had
I been inseparable and in fact only one
| SUBJECT had ever come between them
to cause dispute, and that was Frans
everlasting persistency that men were
| quite essential, and she liked them. 'T
just know, Gwen Ritchie, that the
morning will come when you will wake
up and find yourself head over heels
in love with the only man in the world
of men," Fran had said time and time
again to Gwen. Gwen had argued
with Fran to the contrary, but without
results, for Fran was firmly in favor
| OF the male sex.
1t was in this mood that Fran, with
flushed cheeks, sparkling eyes and all
excitement burst into the room, with
"Oh, Gwen, isn't it wonderful; Hal just
got the marriage license. I am so
/ happy"
"Yes, dear. I'm glad for you," choked
| Gwen.
"But, Gwen, you are crying. What
is it, dear?"
Nothing much, only l dread the
| thought Of giving you up to a-man.
Marriage may be all right, but don't
| believe it. l hate men and will have
nothing to do with them"
'Tm not silly, Fran; it's just my ma
ture Perhaps you're right. We can't
get along without them, but I guess !
am not like other girls, for they mean
nothing to me but hard feelings and
hatred"
"Gwen, I will give you just one
month to meet and fall in love with
the one and only. Remember, just one
month"
But, Fran"
"No butts about it. and what's more
you are going to that dance tonight
with Hal and me. His chum has just
returned from hospital where he
has been recovering from injuries in
the service. Although he can't dance,
he will be there. His leg was injured
and he hasn't the use Of it to the
extent of dancing-but anyway,
promised Hal you would be there to
entertain him, so that's final"
$50 I should play nurse to Halls
pals? Oh, well, if you insist. Per
haps | could do you one more favor.
and fall in love with him."
"All right, we will make it bet"
dared Fran.
For hours after the dance was over
and the two sisters were snuggled
under the covers, Gwen tossed and
sighed.
| "Gwen, for goodness sake, what is
the matter with you? What's on your
i mind?"
Nothing much-only mani mean
was wondering if Ray had ever been
| in =; l mean isn't 1t too bad Ray
was injured, for he is such fine fel-
low? SO different from the rest-the
most individual male l ever met.
"Oh, well, let's go to sleep and for
get it-but remember, 1t is not love,
but only sympathy for his poor leg"
sympathy and understanding spell
| true friendship, and that is the seed
of love-"
| "You are certainly sentimental lit
tie mite, but don't you be so sure
that am falling in love-Im not"
! The next three weeks were busy
ones for Fran, preparing for the all
eventful day that spelled happiness
| to her. True, she had noticed flowers
and letters coming to Gwen, but in
her excitement had not given her pre-
diction a thought.
The night before Fran's wedding had
! arrived Gwen showed much interest
| in the final touches of her sisters
| trousSeau. I'm so glad, Fran, I only
wish tomorrow were my passport and
| date for happiness"
"You mean you'd like to marry Hal,
yourself?" questioned Fran.
| "Hal. nothing-his pal-Ray. Love
Is wonderful, after ALL" she pondered
"Oh, Gwen, I'm so glad"
"Glad? What for-what have /
| ,,o,, .ov;pp9u Storrnad Gwan "Don't