New Ulm review., 1921-03-02
CUPID'S BALM
BY MAUDE II. cALLoW.
9e9g9e9e9e9e9e e9g9R9ee9ee99
(@ 1921. by Mcclure Newspaper Syndicate)

They had quarreled; not merely
failed to settle a difference of opinion
but he, at least, had actually used
harsh words. Trivial disputes had
arisen before between the boy and the
girl--they were scarcely more than
that-during their brief married
period, but by mutual compromising
an amicable settlement had always
been reached. But now it was all
over. There could be no reconcilia-
ton.
He would have liked to know her
plans for the future, but was deter
mined to yield no longer to her auto
cratic Whims.
She was likewise confident that his
conduct as revealed by her would dis
close a brute, and encouraged by her
friends, she would remain firm until
he came to beg her forgiveness and
acknowledge his mistakes. Then per-
haps she would consider taking him
back.
He filled his pipe and forgot to light
it. From the corner of her eye she
followed his every move, for the man,
thinking of concealing his impatience,
only succeeded in doing the opposite by
an exaggerated show of indifference.
where's my best suit?" he de-
manded.
She glared at him and haughtily
told him to go find it. Another long
silence followed, which increased their
embarrassment.
Then, I'm going to pack up and get
Outw said the man.
"Shall help you, dear?" she asked.
What did She mean? But. of course
the dear was uttered quite uncon-
sciously, he had the good sense to tell
himself. Yes, it was the force Of habit
rather than an ambiguous phrase. For
was she not ready and willing to as
sist him to pack up?'
Aren't you going home to your
mother?" he began as a "feeler."
II don't mind telling you intend
doing just that" she assured him, "but
not tonight"
"But why prolong the inevitable?"
questioned the man with affected cool
ness. Il told you I've had quite
enough of your mischievous temper
"Let us not discuss that" she re-
piled calmly. "We have agreed to dis
agree / shall go tomorrow. Tonight
IL
$50? You were going to entertain
someone?" thinking he had made
shrewd guess. "And perhaps that's
just why you started this quarrel?-
thought I'd run out and leave you to
do as you please-but I won't!'
''You ought to capitalize your omnis-
cience," she remarked with natural
nonchalance, you're such a good
guesser," which only irritated him the
more.
"You may think you're smart"
growled the man, having fully sue
cumbed to his irate temper, "but your
frankness is ridiculously crude:''
A mischievous little laugh preceded
her next sting.
"Yes, am going to entertain man
this evening"" never once giving way
to irritation. 'The, best man in the
world" she added. A brief pause.
"And love him, too, only he
WHAT" he cut in care you mad
to say such an awful thing? Do you
realize your brazenness exposes you?"
But she gave no heed to his aug
mented ugliness, and continued with
out a quiver in her voice, II was go
ing to say that he is just the dearest
man but for one wicked habit"
The man stood erect and faced her
as one resigned to make the best Of a
bad situation.
well, since you are. so fond of this
man, suppose you tell me more about
him."
She had brought out her work bas-
ket and was busy on bit of lingerie.
Without looking up she told him her
guest-to-be was the most lovable man,
but for an extremely irascible temper.
Il suppose he supposed once again,
II may remain until he arrives? You
see, I,Want to congratulate him!"
"As you like" returned the girl with
calm that made his outburst Of irony
sound absurd. But fortunately the
man was not altogether hopeless and
it dawned on him that adolescents in
revolt are not rare, and that connubial
bliss without it's occasional trials
would be contrary to both truth and
fiction.
Heshad begun to see the light and
knew he was outwitted. He recalled
the gospel of a soft answer only to
regret it was too late to wish he had
drawn her out instead of making a
fool Of himself by falling an easy vic
tim to her superior self possession.
Humiliated, he sat with his back
toward her, his feet resting on a
cushion.
DO you mind telling me-" he asked
in manner akin to dog pleading for
a bone, "Who the--that man is? and
when you expect him?"
No answer.
There was decided change IN his
voice now; 1t was no longer csustic
and contained a hint Of remOrse.
She had laid aside her work and
was looking directly at him, trying
hard tO keen from 1al1ohino nI1tripl1f