Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1920-09-15
BLACK EYED SUSAN
BY NELL ADAiR.

tti lItcuu, sue Ttt1iUueu MIN some
way, of certain yellow fringed flowers
he had picked IN his boyhood. Her
dark eyes glancing shyly beneath q
fringe of golden hair. reminded him
of the flowers, too. Also, there was
a certain freshness about the girl
that made one, think of country fields
and simplicity.
Introduce her to the boys, Rod"
sister begged, "and back her up If she
seems overwhelmed. | want her to
have one grand time" Rod frowned
now over the difficulty of his charge.
Since Gwendolen had introduced him,
the girl appeared possessed of pain
full shyness In his company while his
merriest conversation drew from her
mere monosyllables.
Tonight the rest of the fellows were
coming for one of Ovens weekend
parties, and he hoped that Susan
might not prove as difficult in theira
companionshlp. as she had in his. And
as he frowned down upon her, Susan
glanced up with one of her unexpect-
ed smiles-a smile that made her real
ly pretty, Rod thought.
~ WISH" she said wistfully, "that
Gwen would not try to make me have
a good time. | wish--that' while the
others are dancing and all that, Gwen
would just leave me to myself. /
don't want people to- be made to dance
with me, or take me TO supper or do
anything they don't care to do"
Rodney's frown gave place to ten
der little smile. So this was the rea-
son of Susan's silence and diffidence.
She was not popular as other girls
were. Probably" so Rod thought
compassionately "she has had no op-
portunIty to mix in young society, the
society of young men especially. And
she feels her disadvantage" The tel
ephone called before he could frame ii
suitable reply. and he hastened TO an
swer. II was one of the fellows speak
ing for the rest-they had arrived.
Same crowd of girls out with US
as usual" Bill Town said. There was
vague disappointment in his tone.
Then Rod had his inspiration. To
this young crowd. who since school
days had gone about to the same af-
fairs together, a new face was ever
an innovation, an incentive to inter
est
A certain popular girl whom Gwen
brought home last year, had been, as
she glowingly told her friends upon
her return, "just gloriously rushed to
death"
If Rod could now convey the same
Idea of Susan's popularity, he knew
that she need have no lack of invita-
lions. Gwen wanted Susan to have
zone grand time" Well. he'd try
for IT,
Gwen has another friend visiting
her." he told Bill Town, regular black
eyed Susan. There will be some COM
petition among you boys-I guess
And put your best manners on-little
Susan's mighty particular"
THAT ought to start things" Rod ru-
minated as he made his way back to
the veranda with a word of comfort
for the girl whose wistful voice still
echoed In his ears. 1t did start things
Ovens friend. sitting poised as though
ready for flight on the edge of a chair,
was Immediately surrounded that eve
ming by an eager circle of good look
ing young men, whom Rodney and
his sister had conscientiously in turn
brought to be presented. Susan gaz-
ing at first resolutely down at the yell
low ruffies of her muslin dress. raised
her black eyes at last bravely. then with
fleeing glances she viewed her cava-
llers. 1t was Bill Town who succeed
ed In carrying the new girl off to
supper, while Cameron West impa-
tiently awaited promised promenade
with her on the wide veranda.
what is 1t about that girl that's so
taking" he asked Rod wonderingly
"She isn't beauty though her yellow
hair and black eyes are different. And
she don't try to please fellow. though
you keep on talking hoping to hold
her interest. When | concluded
brilliant invention concerning myself
she asked coolly where you We're, and
would l get you to play something on
the piano"
Rod in the doorway smiled grimly
1t was queer how those fellows ell
bowed each other to get first place
with Susan because of the cue he had
given.
Rod broke off impatiently his medi-
tatlon, and walked over to take his
place at the girls side.
You seem" he said coldly, ito be
having good time"
Susan stared perplexed
"You wanted me to, didn't you?"
she anxiously asked.
"Of course. wanted you to have
good time" Rod answered grudgingly.
II planned 1t that way l happen to
know these fellows. Tell them girls
popular and they'll all fight for first
place"
so you told them" Susan said,
that l was POPULAR