The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1921-08-19
keep Them
Guessing Volume"
By R. RAY BAKER


William Shakespeare didn't refer to
Florence Davidson when he made that
observation about it being easier to
give advice than to act upon it.
For Florence was one Of those per-
sons that practice what they preach.
Her preaching was done through the
columns Of the Evening Gazette, un-
der the caption, advice to the Love-
Torn, by Arabella Anderson" Every
day, except Sunday, Florence an
swered questions of young women, and
some young men, in regard to love af-
fairs, preceding the replies with an
article of general advice.
These articles written by Florence
lately had been accumulated and pub
lished in pamphlet form under the
title, keep Them Guessing" and
these pamphlets were distributed free
of charge to the readers of the Ga
zette who submitted the necessary
coupon
Florence was a strong advocate of
guessing" in love affairs. She argued
that young mans interest became
stimulated when he found himself I'M
able to fathom the depths of his
idols nature. Keep them guessing;
never let up until the marriage knot
is tied, and don't let up then" was the
gist Of her advice, and many fair
reader needed it and profited by it.
Because Florence practiced what
she preached, Harvey Roberts was
kept constantly on the anxious seat.
He never could tell just where he
stood with her. Her personality
seemed never the same. She was ex-
ceedingly agreeable and sweet one
day, and the next time Harvey saw
her she was cold and distant. She
never would admit definitely that she
would marry him, but whenever he be-
came convinced his case was hopeless
she would be sure to lend him fresh
encouragement by means Of few
choice words of sentiment. He was
"kept guessing"
Harvey did not realize that he was
the constant subject of experiment for
Arabella Anderson of the Gazette. In
deed, he was not aware that Florence
acted in that capacity on the news
paper, although of course he knew she
held some position there. Yes, Har-
vey was experimental upon shameful
~ in order that the readers of the
Gazette might profit; but from this
1t must not be inferred that Florence
did not care for him. She really was
in love with him, but felt she must
follow Arabella Anderson's advice in
order to keep him on the matrimonial
eligible list
One day Harvey had called for her
at the Gazette office and escorted her
to the modest dwelling where she lived
with her mother.
"Shall I see you this EVENING"" he
inquired. She had been particularly
amiable, and he was confident she
would be glad to have him call. His
Insurance business had kept him out
of town for week and it seemed like
years since they had been together.
He was then taken off his feet by her
response.
81 think not, Harvey. Really, be-
lieve we should not see so much of
each other for a while. Besides, /
have another engagement for tonight"
"But Florence" he protested, 81
haven't seen you for week and"
Lets not argue" she broke in. II
think it is best, really, and couldn't
break an engagement-even for you"
So Harvey went away with heavy
heart, and Florence kept her engage
ment with man she heartily disliked.
1t was necessary, however, to forge
another link in the chain of guessing
with which she bound Harvey.
"He1l call me up In day or two
and beg me to relent," she confidently
told herself, "and of course TIL yield
to his pleading. It's all in the game"
Florence was ready to relent, but
she didn't get the chance, for Harvey
failed to fulfill her expectations. He
did not telephone to her and she re-
ceived no word from him through the
mail. When three days had passed
she began to be worried.
Then came the climax. Florence
went to the theater one evening with
her mother, and there she saw Har-
vey with another young woman. 1t
literally appalled, her. Such a thing
was unheard of. He appeared to have
broken away from the letters she had
tied with such painstaking care.
At first Florence was angry. What
right had Harvey to pay attention to
another girl after the many protesta-
lions of love he had poured into her
ears? But her anger cooled and anx-
iety took its place. She stood ready
to forgive If only Harvey would come
back.
But Harvey made no effort to see
Florence. He must be away on bust
ness. she decided; but 1t was odd not
to receive letter from him If such
were the case. She discovered he was