The Dolores star., 1920-03-26
THE MAN Halter
BY ELIZABETH I. SAUNDERS.


before her. at can't be Jealousy. l
was never jealous OF Fran in my life.
and vet, why am 50 opposed 10 Hal.
all OF suddeu-aud just since he put
that ring on her finger Goodness
knows, l want to see Iuy little sister
happy and know she loves hlm-so
what is It? Jealousy? That awful
word-could II be thgt-but how could
It. for l never loved Hal-IH fact my
affections have never been inclined to
any mere man, and never will be.
They are bother and quite trouble
some. l know what il IS" she finally
added TO the perpleSed reflection in
the mirror. Hal is taking Fran away
from me l vii! be all alone"
The thought of being all alone, sepa-
rated from Fran, who had been her
only pal and confidaut since their
great loss had come upon them. leav-
ing them two orphans 10 face the ups
md downs OF life alone. They had
been inseparahle and In fact only one
subject had ever come between them
to cause dispute. and that was FranS
everlasting perslsteucy that men We're
quite essential, and she liked them. 81
.now, Gwen Richie. that the
corning will come when you will wake
mp and find yourself head over heels
in love with the only man in the world
Of men" Fran had said time and time
gg"in to Gwen. Gwen had argued
with Fran 20 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
0~citement burst into the room, with
y Gwen, isn't it wonderful; Hal just
'No marriage license. am so
dear, I'm glad for you" choked
Gwen, you are crying. What
dear?"
hing much, only l dread the
" Of giving you up to a-man.
re may be all right, but | don't
1t. | hate men and will have
1g TO do with them"
not silly, Fran; it's just my ma
Perhaps you're right. We can't
along without them, but l guess ]
not like other girls, for they mean
hing to me but hard feelings and
red"
Gwen. will give you just one
month TO meet and fall In love with
Nn 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 will be there. His leg was injured
and he hasn't the use of 1t to the
extent of dancing-but anyway, !
promised Hal you would be there TO
entertain him, so that's final"
$50 l should play nurse to Hal's
pals? Oh, well, If You insist. Per.
haps I could do you one more favor,
and fall in love with him"
"All right, we will make it bet"
dared Fran.
For hours after the dance was over
and the two sisters were snuggIed
under the covers, Gwen tossed and
sighed.
Gwen. for goodness sake. what is
the matter with. you; What's on your
mind?"
Nothing much-only mani mean
/ was wondering If Ray had ever been
in =; mean isn't it too bad Ray
was injured, for he is such fine fel-
low? So different from the rest-the
most Individual male | ever met.
"0h, well. let's 20 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 sentimental lit
tie mite, but don't you be so sure
that am falling in love-Tm not"
The next three weeks were busy
ones for Fran, preparing for the all
eyentful day that spelled happiness
to her. True, she had noticed flowers
and letters coming to Gwen, but in
dictiOn a thought.
The night before Fran's wedding had
arrived Gwen showed much interest
In the final touches OF her sisters
trousseau. "Tm so glad, Fran, I only
wish tomorrow were my passport and
date for happiness"
you mean you'd like to marry Hal.
yourselfT questioned Fran.
Hal, nothing-his pal-Ray. Love
is wonderful. after an she pondered.
"Oh, Gwen, I'm so glad"
"Glad2 What for-what have
been sayingT stormed Gwen. Don't
mind me, Fran, l was just talking
silly"
please, Gwen, you know you were
the first to know of my engagement +"