The Snowflake herald., 1920-08-06
BLACK EYED SUSAN
BY NELL ADAlR.

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| Copyright. 1920. Western Newspaper UnionJ
AS Rodney looked down at his sis
ter'S friend, she reminded him some
way, Of certain yellow fringed flowers
he had picked in his boyhood. Her
dark eyes glancing shyly beneath
fringe of golden hair, reminded him
OF the flowers, too. Also, there was
4 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. l want her tn
have one grand time" Rod frowned
now over the difficulty of his charge.
Since GWendolen had introduced him,
the girl appeared possessed of a 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 their
cOmpanionship, 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.
81 wish," she said wistfully, "that
Gwen would not try TO make me have
a good time. l 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 IL
suitable reply, and he fastened to an
Swer. 1t 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-
tions. 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 sCme 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 10
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 chair,
was Immediately surrounded that exc
ming by an eager circle of good look
ing young men. whom Rodney and
his sister had cOnscientioGsly III turn.
biOdght to be presented. Susan gaz-
ing at first resolutely down at the yel-
low ruff1es of her muslin dress, raised
ner black eyes at last bravely, thea with
fieeting glances she viewed her c6va-
liers. 1t was Bill Town who succeed
ed in carrying the new girl off to
supper, while Cameron West impa-
tiently awaited a promised promenade
with her on the wide veranda.
"Wha( is it about that girl that's so
taking" he asked Rod wOnderingly.
"She isn't a 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 were, and
would I 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-
tation, and walked over to take his
place at the girls side.
''You SEEM" he said coldly, ito be
having a good time"
Susan stared perplexed.
"You wanted me to, didn't you?"
she anxiously asked.
"Of course, I wanted you to have a
good time" Rod answered grudgingly
'T planned it that way / happen to
know these fellows. Tell them a girls