Deming graphic. (Deming, N.M.) 1903-1948, 1920-11-02
SYMPATHETIC TIE
BY MILDRED WHITE.

The girl came down the steps from
house on the south side OF the street
lust ns young man opened the dooI
Of corresponding house upon the
north side OF the street. Then across
an avenue OF slanting rain they looked
at each other. and as suddenly. and
consciously. looked away. For this
mutual morning exit. though entirely
{ thing Of chance. had become a rcgu'
lar occurrence.
II the little southern girl with the
appealing black eyes had failed TO ap-
pear precisely at $50 In the morning
lack Rensaler OF the opposite house
ss,nsuld have been anxiously curious.
4 flie nk.ddening circumstance was that,
T'aot having been properly presented
70 Miss Kennedy Lee. walking at her
side TO the trolley instead OF In cold
aloofnsss upon his own side OF the
street was not to be thought Of.
Jacks Aunt Beula. with whom he
made his home In the city. had been
communicative concerning this SAME
plqrant Kennedy Lee. Aunt Beula
was friend and neighbor to the wild
owed Mrs. Humphrey. who considered
her fair neighbor more as ward.
Kennedy had left the sleepy little
southern village. she said. In order 10
make her own way In the world as IN
artist. She had come to New York
to continue her studies, and II wns
thought that she would marry Mr..
Ed Travis Of that city. But Mr.. Travis
being called at that seemingly pro-
pltlous time TO the service Of his coun-
try Miss Lee had preferred to await
his return In single blessedness. She
decided TO keep herself occupied with
study. the marriage TO be consum.
mated upon her hance's return.
"0f course II was all foolishness."
he told hlmself--thls constant thought
u n girl whose heart and promise
were In the keeping OF soldler,over-
sens and yet Well. Jack couldn't
dismiss his thoughts OF her, and that
was the trouble. So, on this particr
.ar rainy morning. both hesitated
moment before hurrying into the
street.
Jack had gone half block before he
realized In the confusion OF her near
ness that Miss Lee was without an UNI
brella; also her dainty suit was get.
ting wet. Then his heart beat high
with hope
III you Will let me take you to the
car" he suggested. and his careful
courtesy met with an agreeable re-
Spouse.
That was the beginning. There
after the morning meetings were not
entirely accidental, and more and more
Jack became enthralled. He had
learned that the one unfalling subject
to arouse Kennedy Lees enthusiasm
vas war and their country's heroes.
"Tve thought II over" she regretted.
"ane am afraid that this friendship
nj ours Is not quite loyal to Mr.. Travis.
We seem TO have become such close
friends, you and l."
Then Jack had his inspiration. A
deeting scruple was banished by re-
membrance that "All is fair In love
and war"
Il don't think that Travis would con-
slider a friendship with me disloyal,"
said Jack, because you see. though ]
nave not mentioned II, there's Red
''ross nurse over there who-who-"
Evident relief flashed over Kennedy
Lees expressive face.
WHO is engaged to you" she fin-
lsAed. "That simplifies everything I'm
so glad. Now we can be-better friends
han ever In our sympathetic under.
Standing" And they were.
II Jack sat gazing dlsmally across
at the window Of Kennedy's room long
after she was lost In slumber that did
not disturb her pleasant dreaming.
Sometimes she wondered what sort OF
woman had won her new friends hon.
est heart, and one day she asked him,
"She's dark" Jack answered her
question, "and little and charming
Like me-" Kennedy m'schlevous.y
replied, with the exception OF the
charming"
AUST like you" Jack repeated. his
eyes wistfully regarding her.
But gradually change came over
Kennedy Lee. Her mlschieyous moods
were no more. her black eyes seepsd
blacker still. because Of darkenng
hollows beneath them. Her merry
laughter was silenced.
Jack In his anxiety about II grew as
grave MS she. In desperation he
hroached the subject which fretted.
"Have you had bad news from
F'ance? Is he lll--woundedT
Kennedy's red lips closed In a firm
thle.
NO" she replied.
Then" demanded Jack. and master
fully he swung the girl around to the
light. "what is the troubief"
ed Travis was married." she said
slowly. TO n girl over there'-a war
worker"
"The-houndl Jack exclaimed, his
face was white.