Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1921-09-09
THE ANSWER
BY MoLLIE MATHER.
5000 NpepepepepepepT

YEARLY. He was tired of this con-
slant rhapsodizing upon Bert's part,
concerning the girl. Almost, it seemed.
he might recognize this creature of
young loves dream, were he to meet
her upon the street. Bert had de-
scribed her in glowing terms. He him.
self was a satisfied and conceited
bachelor. Perhaps Bayes had reason
TO be self coneeited, for he had
achieved much. and was sought as
both friend and adviser. Now, Bert
in his eager enthusiasm looked up at
his older friend.
"Jim,' he suggested, why don't you
go out to Cedars next week with me,
and see RbOda; you can judge how for
tunate l am. OF course, haven't
asked her in so many words to be my
wife, but she must know it's coming"
The man in the desk chair nodded
smilingly,
"And going without the little luxuries
of life in order to provide them for
her." he said. How much have YOU
saved NJ against that joyous wedding
day, Bert You've been tireless in
your servi ,e here, working until all
hours of The night. think we will
have to raise you again, you-earn
your pay"
The young mans face shone.
"Jim," he answered jerkily, "you
are the best friend a fellow ever had.
Sometimes / wonder that a girl did
not find the big heart hidden under
your calm, and drag it forth"
Bayes laughed.
Some dragging" he said cryptic
ally.
He arose and stood looking whim-
sically down on his young friend.
Girls never measured up for me"
he said slowly disappointing
you will go out with me to see
Rhoda on Saturday.
IAN right" the big man nodded good
humoredly. 81 will go to give Rhoda
my approval, for my disapproval would
not have the slightest weight" he
said.
Not the slightest" Bert laughed
back.
Rhodl was different. Bayes ST.
lently admitted the fact after his first
talk with her. She seemed a very
worthwhile young person. Bert was
fortunate. His sacrifices and striv-
ings would not be in vain. Bayes,
studying the girl in the soft twilight,
reflected bitterly upon a fate which
had brought no such maiden to his
path.
Then, as weeks passed and his visits
We're repeated, sometimes in Bert's
companionship, sometimes alone, as he
drove his great car through Cedar val
ley-it came upon Bayes that youth
and love might not be yet gone for
him, after ALL
Young women frequently felt for
older men an admiration the younger
could not inspire. His own achieve
ment could never be accomplished by
youth. She accepted several times his
invitation to ride at his side in the
beautiful car; she listened with fiat
tering attention to his easy, interest
ing conversation. She liked, she told
him ENORMOUSLY, his distinguished APP
pearance Bayes knew that he had
an air, what amused him was the fact
that the mere opinion of a girl could
give him such pleasure. Bert looked
pale and worn these days. His eager
face lost its happiness. He worked
late at the office, he was secretly plan
ming to offer to Rhoda a ring worthy
her acceptance.
Rhoda loved diamonds, he had once
heard her say. And Rhoda of late
had been absently cool in her greet
ings, unreluctant, relieved, 1t seemed,
at his early departure Bert could
not understand it all. Troubled, he
went to his confidential friend Bayes.
his eyes turned down to the point of
his cigar, considered Bert's problem.
Also, he came to his decision. He
would ask Rhoda to marry him. Here,
of course, was reason for the change
that Bert had found In Rhoda. His
(Bayes) experienced wooing had won
the girls heart. He was sorry in an i'm
personal way for young Bert's com
ing disappointment. The 10y had
worked hard. and he had dreamed his
dream. Well, others had a right to
dream, too. All was fair in love, as
in war. Bayes was certain of his
own love for the girl; no other had
so filled his fancy. He arose alb
ruptly,
Thine and fate will bring your an
swer, Bert" he said Now must
get TO business"
Slowly and heartlessly, the young
man found his way out to Rhoda's
home in the 'Cedars."
She was there. as he had hoped, in
the garden. She looked more than
ever desirable, the little white frock
suited exactly her simplicity But
Jim Bayes was there before him.
Bert noted the tact with apprehensive
pain. Jim. looking distinguished, and