South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-11-14
A Long Chance
By Olive Roberts Barton

had no Aunt Pennington who knew
that there is only one way to cure
head-strong girl of folly
After dinner she remarked casual
~ that as Jane would have COM
pany, she would take a taxi cab and
run over TO the Laxwells. as there
had been a request for several thou
sand extra dressings from the Red
Cross and they were anxious to get
them done
When she was gone. Jane tried to
read. but the velvet box with it's
solitaire on the table beside her. re-
fused to allow her to focus her
thoughts on the page. She dropped
il into drawer finally, but the rays
of the diamond seemed TO shine
through the wood. Finally she put
down the book, and went over and
sat by the fire.
IF Phillip would only come and
have it over with, OF course. she
was foolish to be nervous, her life
was her own 10 do with as she
pleased, but perhaps it would be
hard TO convince him He really
did care for hAr, she knew, very,
very much. She half smiled as she
thought of his ardent wooing. and
the many months she had been UNI
able to make up her mind. Aunt
Pennington haG been provoked. She
had said 1t would serve her right if
Phillip would go and never come
hack. But she was never afraid If
Phillip.
Nine o'clock and he hadn't come!
Half-past nine, then 10! It was
most unusual. She had rather ex-
pected him to arrive before dinner
was over. with his usual Impotence.
a little after 10 o'clock he came.
I'm sorry I've been detained,
Jane" he said coming over and hold
ing out his hand. He did not offer
TO kiss her. But I've had import
ant business. You see L leave early
in the morning. And I'll not be
home again, for our division leaves
for France very soon.
But I've been thinking a lot
about things and 1 finally decided it
would be fairer TO both of us to be
honest at a time like this and tell
you what decision I've reached.
There's no doubt a soldier fights
better. risks more, dares more, if he
has no affiliations at home. That's
the objection TO married men, and
think it's the same with an engaged
man. The good soldier stands alone.
Now I'm determined 10 win my
bars. a gold or silver leaf even. if
possible, and 1 can't do it if I'm wor-
rying about you, Jane. So l think
you are sensible enough to see that
it is best for US both, for me to give
you up, at least till the wars over.
When I come back it's time to talk
sentiment. don't you think"
Jane had dropped back helpless
~ into her chair. pale and dazed
unable to collect her thoughts. She
ran a hand distractedly across her
forehead. What was it she had
wanted TO tell him? Oh. yes! She
had wanted 10 give him his ring, but
he was standing there literally ask
ing her for IT, Her Phillip that she
was always sure of was telling her
he didn't want to be bothered with
her now.
A tear rolled down her cheek.
then another and another. She was
sobbing softly.
Philip could endure il no longer.
He flung himself on his knees be
side her. Dearest. you do care.
don't YOU. Tell me you do"
She nodded. still sobbing
Thank God" he cried drawing
her close. / thought you didn't
can any more. and I'd give YOU "a
chance for your freedom. 1t was a
long chance but I'm glad I took it."
so am l." said Jane softly. TT
was Just what | needed