Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1920-02-18
BEGINNING AGAIN
BY MARY WlNIFRED FORD.
90 IsIs. by Mcclure Newspaper syndle.te.

Dul AoIl, WHAT'S the use, she VII
only start all over again-it's gettin,
unbearable.' and Dick Hollister pacet
: the room up and down as If uncertain
what to do.
Dick, she is only mere child -she
does It only to tease you, and you know
she doesn't care might about any OF
them, Tom added consolingly.
Tom Brewster was Dicks closest
friend, and Tom knew only too well
Dicks greatest fault, which was his
Jealousy over any attention shown Fifi
Gray, his sweetheart from childhood.
Eff was home for the holidays from
II boarding school, and Dick was home
also for the holidays from college. The
iirst few days were delightful ones for
Dick and Fiji until Bob Merrill arrived.
Barbara Merrill had met Fiji at a
house party the year previous, and
they had become good friends. Bob
had been out West for five years and
had just returned home Handsome
Bob. as he was called by his most
intimate friends. After securing an
introduction to Fiji, Bob fairly monop-
olized her, and fully three days had
Z gone by now and Dick had not even a
glimpse Of Fiji He called at her home
and was informed that Miss Fifi,"
was out motoring with Mr.. Bob, and
pulling his cap far over his eyes and
with his hands deep in his pockets,
1 Dick would tear around the town look
Ing for Bob and Fiji, and then sudden
" would come upon them arm in arm
laughing happily. Fiji looked SO un-5
concerned when. she saw him ands
smiled up at him so pleasantly, that
Dick could only look at her and pass
on without a word. Eff could not un-
derstand for moment; then remem-
bering the old Dick whom she knew
50 well before they went away to
school. she knew he was Jealous Of
Bob Merrill's attentions, and Fiji de-
cided to cure Dicks jealousy. So the
following day when she was with Bob
and Dick appeared, she passed him by
without any recognition on her part
whatever. The more Fiji thought OF
It, the more she wanted to tease Dick,
70 when she received note from Dick
asking her permission to act as her es-
cort to Barbara Merrill's reception, to
which they were both invited, Fiji de-
clined with thanks, and added that Mr..
Merrill was going to call for her.
Tom, this is going the limit just
can't stand It any longer; somehow
or other wish the two weeks were
up and that I was back at college,
plugging away, almost anything rather
than watch that fellow take her away
from me-
Dick, don't be foolish and stay
away from the Exceptionally don't
you show Fiji that you don't care
why not make her jealous?
THAT you, Fiji? Awfully sorry, lit
tie girl, but 1t will be impossible for
me to come over in the car for you.
l have to meet friend at the station,
mot offended are you? Thanks" and
Fiji could only stare at the telephone
In a dazed sort Of fashion, 4
whatever will do; the idea of him
aisappO pointing me at the last moment
why didn't let Dick call for me-" and
going to the telephone she called Dick.
Yes, Dick, dear, I've decided that I
lOn't want to go with Tom; in fact. /
want you to call for me evil your"
''Why- er-yes, II Mr.. Merrill is not
.oing to-" and to Fiji, Dicks voice
ounded very cold.
At the reception that evening poor,
rif had miserable time Of it with
our conspirators around Barbara
airly monopolized Dick and Dick look
ID like the devoted lover. Bob was all
yes and ears for his little sweetheart
Nellie Lowe, and Tom played his part ,
o perfection. Going to Fiji who look {
desO out Of place alone, he said smil- !
ngly, "Well, Barbara and Dick GER
ainly are having wonderful evening :
Il don't know when saw Dick so at l
entive to a young lady before. and '
ook at our Handsome Bob'-oh, by {
he way, do you know they are going \
o announce the. engagement tomor- !
OWL? I
At this point of the conversation n
som was called away, and Fiji was Il
eft to wonder whose engagement it v
7as, Dick and Barbara's or Bob's, and
ceiling certain that no one saw her n
he stole out into the conservatory o
nd sitting behind some palms the p
rown curly head dropped and the
ears fell fast. And before she real s
led 1t, she was talking aloud: ITO T
hink my little playmate and sweet s.
cart is mine no more" and the tears G
ontinued to fall. A heavy step sound u
d close by, but Fig did rot pay any n
ttention to 1t, and presently voice .
,as saying, "No, dear little playmate. q
m still your Dick and what's more" =
"Why. Dick HOLSTER the idea OF :
gu talking to me like that when Bar !,
ara and-oh, let me pass" but Dick 4
:ood in her way and taking the little
ands in his he told her how Barbara,
E, Tom and Bob had conspired in or q
er to cure her Of her flirtations and
.asing aim.
'.Why-er-Dick, that's funny, and
lily q few days ago decided want :,
! to give you lesson SO that you ;,
ould not be Jealous Of me any more. :
tt" :.
"But what, little girlY' asked Dick ),
nderly. n
"Well, fists kind Of nice to have A
-
'meone care, and don't care If you =
e jealous, so there!" and Fifl tried ~