The Lamar register., 1920-03-17
The MAN Halter
py ELIzAsETh I. SAUNDERS.


"What mas come over mei What ails
me lately? l don't feel bit like my
SELF" thought Gwendolyn Richie, as
abe sat pondering on the edge OF the
bed, staring absently into the mirror
before her. 1T can't be jealousy. /
was never Jealous of Fran in my life.
and yet, why am I so opposed to Hal,
all Of sunderland just since he put
that ring on her finger? Goodness
knows, I want to see my little sister
<Iappy and I know she loves him-so
Fwhat is 1t? Jealousyi That awful
word-could 1t be that-but how could
II. for I never loved Hahn fact my
affections have never been inclined TO
any mere man, and never will he.
They are bother and quite trouble
some. / know what 1t is she finally
added TO the perplexed reflection in
the mirror. Hal is taking Fran away
from me. 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
been inseparable and In fact only one
subject had ever come between them
TO cause dispute, and that was Fran's
everlasting persistency that men were
quite essential, and she liked them. 81
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.
II was In this mood that Fran. with
flushed cheeks. sparkling eyes and all
excitement burst into the room, with
"Oh. Gwen. Isn't 1t wonderful; Hal just
got tho marriage license. am so
happy"
Yes. dear. I'm glad for you" ehoked
Gwen.
But. Gwen. you are crying. What
10 II. dear?"
Nothing much, only l dread the
thought OF giving you up to a-man.
Marriage may be all right. but ] don't
nothing to do with them"
I'm not silly. Fran: it's Just my ma
ture. Perhaps you're right. We can't
get along without them, but guess i
am not like other girls, for they mean
nothing to me hut hard feelings and
hatred"
Gwen, 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 II. 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 win be there. His leg was injured
and he hasn't the use Of IL to the
extent OF danclng-but anyway. /
promised Hal you would be there to
entertain him, so that's final"
so I should play nurse to Halls
pals7 Oh. well. II you Insist. Per
hsps l could do you one more favor.
and fall In love with him"
IAN right. we viii make 1t 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 youf What's on your
mindf"
Nothing much-only II mani mean
| was wondering II Ray had ever been
in -; mean isn't II too bad Ray
was injured. for he is such fine fell
low? So different from the rest-the
most individual male I ever met
"oh. well. let's 90 to sleep and for
get it--but remember. It 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 a sentimental lit
tie mite. but don't you he so sure
Z that am falling in love-rm not
The next three weeks were busy
ones for Fran. preparing for the all
eventful day that spelled happiness
10 her. True. she had noticed flowers
and letters coming to Gwen, but In
her excitement had not given her pre-
dtcttnn "a thnught