The Meeker herald. [volume] (Meeker, Colo.) 1885-current, 1919-06-21
A MANS HEART
BY LOUISE OLIVER.



Bob had gone away that she had act
ed dreadfully. But with characteristic
pride she never acknowledged 1t to
anyone else.
All Clearwater knew that she had
resented her fiances enlisting; that
she had returned his ring and refused
to shy good-by. But that was the end
of 1t so far rs anybody knew.
She plunged feverIshly into all kinds
of works. Her house became the
mecca for knitting parties, thrift tens,
dances with proceeds for French or
phnns and card parties with savings
stamps for prizes. The Red Cross be-
came gradually so cognizant Of her
ability that all points of dispute were
referred to her.
"When Virginia is so thoroughly I'M
bued with the spirit of this war;" said
people, "One wonders why she ever
fused about Bob Jennings going
away"
Virginia, hearing something Of this.
answered spIritediy: "Oh. ! don't dis
approve Of men enlIsting. and in a way
I'm proud of Bob. Only think an en-
gagged man Is the same us married
man. There are ten million unat-
tached men who go first"
OF course home letters carried gos-
sip, and Bob In camp soon learned the
colossal Indifference with which Vir-
ginia regarded his absence.
He was selected for nm officers train
ing camp. and as the weeks went on
he made good and won his commits
sion rs first lieutenant. Then being
given two weeks leave before he was
assigned to regiment, he went home.
And great was the rejoicing. For Bob
WINS WHY the girls once envIous Of
Virginia now turned resentful Of her
treatment Of him.
The big thing was n dance the girls
planned In his honor. Clearwater lind
not Ind real dress-up affair since the
war began. So they decided to do 1t up
right now. Also they decided for
once that they did not need virginIa's
help.
But they didn't put 1t that why to
her. because they didn't want her to
stay ut home. "You have so much on
your hands, Virginia." they explained,
1--WE thought we'd give you II rest md
do things ourselves. Just come and
enjoy yourself. The fact that Bob Is
to be there need not affect you my,
you know"
virginin could not help flushing
brightly.
"Well. I should say not. I want you
all to know that I'll be very glnd to
see Bob"
But even after this speech she was
not included In the list made out for
Bob. Adopting the college plan Of fill.
ing cards beforehand, the girls Of
Clearwater picked Bob's partners for
him long before he arrived home.
There were no dance cards-the list
wns Just made out md banded to him.
You see. 1t will save you such n lot
OF bother" they explained. when he
smilingly thanked them. zone loses
so much time hunting partners In the
scramble. So each girl has put down
her own name once-you see, we dnre
not he selfish-nnd you'll get around
nicely.
Bob's face fell. Once! Then he
could only have one dance with Vir-
gInin instead OF half .dozen he had
determined on. He had meant to try
ngnin tonight to plead with her for a
little hope.
But running his eye down the list.
he discovered that her name was not
there mt all. Was she so implncnblc rs
Tint then. that she didn't even cnre for
one dance?
But Virginia knew Of no list, md as
there were no cards sha supposed
BOb's evening to be his own.
lie looked stunning In his uniform.
and she felt nm Involuntary pride In
the silver bar on his shoulder. He had
changed somewhat, and her heart
gave fierce little tug when she saw
1t. II was hard to explain this change.
There was no sadness. rather stern.
ness. the look OF man with n great
work ahead to do and determination
to do 1t.
She felt like m ineffective bit OF
white paper against great Iron wall.
She saw now That sentiment and duty
must have entirely different places In
a mans heart How little and silly and
cruel she Ind been!
And rs the evening passed and Bob
did not come nenr she hated herself
more md more. "He doesn't consider
me mt all." she thought. "Tve killed
NIL his love and respect. oh. Bobbie.
dear. I don't blame you."
She went home enrly without TALK
Ing to him ut NIL. But not to sleep.
She sat on the vcrnndn alone under
the bright spring stnrs. md tried to
unite the tangle her life had got her
Into.
An hour pasSed. two hours. and still
she sat there thinking, hot bitter tears
falling Into her lap.
a