Willmar tribune., 1921-07-06
KARIN
BY ANNIE n. / e -YNN q Gil.
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70 1924. by Mcclure Newspaper syndicate, |
When Jerry discovered that he was
falling in love with Karin he swore
softly, but firmly, and resolved not to
see her again, Whereupon, vastly re-
lieved in mind; he phoned her. and
made an engagement for the following
evening. %.5@# -
Karin Of the limpid blue eyes, the
dull gold hair, and the firm white skin,
was secretary ITO elderly John Ritter
Of the house Of Ritter & Ritter. Chos.
en- primarily because OF her beauty
s(Ritter was a connoisseur in a digni-
fed way), her brains soon made her
an Invaluable aid to the senior men,
ber of the firm. Furthermore, Mr..
Ritter, desfrous of an heir for his
name and his wealth, and knowing that
the cold, blue blood of the Ritters
needed an infusion of warm red blood
lest the stock deteriorate, had decided
to marry Karin. OF which Karin was
aware. -"
She was aware, too, of Jerry's per-
turbation, = perhaps because his
thoughts paralleled her own. Both she
and Jerry had a penchant for luxuries.
Jerry was darling, but his salary was
barely sufficient for his standard of
living. Mr.. Ritter, gentleman and
arlstocrat, had wealth, and Karin had
no fancy for demonstrating" exist
enee.
It was easy for these two young
things to indulge in such thoughts,
when apart. But when, as tonight,
they danced together, Jerry, for his
part, forgot that he had resolved to
break with Karin, forgot that he was
spelling her chances that Karin, and
Karin's clothes, gossamer webs to en-
tangle mans heart, were too expen-
sive for him. He was conscious only
Of her nearness, of her allure. Thus,
all-forgetful, he was scarcely prepared
for her remark, when back at their
table, the dance finished, she raised
her coffee cup:
smiled lightly. Then as Jerry stared
blankly, she added slowly, "This after
noon I promised to marry Mr.. Ritter"
Karin had outplayed him. Man-like,
angry and hurt, he was inclined to
sulk. They left shortly after, their
evening spoiled.
At the door Of her apartment Karin
turned. "Boy, dear, have you the right
to be angry? After all, you are no
fonder of cotton stockings than l."
She stood on tiptoe, encircled his
neck with her arms, and kissed him a
soft, little, lingering, regretful kiss.
She went inside quickly.
1t was six months before they met
again.. Then one night at the "Follies"
Jerry's seats were next to hers and
Ritter's. Jerry exchanged common
places with Ritter, who looked not al
together pleased with the coincidence,
but his eyes were all for Karin. More
like a flower than ever in her silver
and blue gown he thought her. In his
prejudiced eyes the fluffy young per-
son with him suffered In comparison
with Karin's serene young dignity. Un-
der cover Of the music Karin turned.
"Is all we'll with you, Jerry2" she
questioned.
"Yes," he lied, not knowing that the
misery in his young eyes told Karin
all that she wanted to know of the
past months. For the rest of the eve
ming Jerry stared grimly ahead watch
ing the stage unseeingly.
Six months of dceam-haunted nights
had dented his armor of self. Karin
and Karin's love were worth any
price. He knew now. He told him
self that he would not have 1t any diff
| ferent for her. Glancing at Ritter, the
! finished, the elegant, beside whom he
| always felt boorish and clumsy, he
knew that there was a fit mate fol
Karin. She would make an exquisite
mistress for the old Ritter home. She
belonged there among the Ming vases
priceless rugs and rare paintings; no1
beside him among tray cloths ant
dusters.> And his heart rose up t
mock his head.
A week later he dined with Karir
/ in her apartment. The dinner was de
licious-a thick, juicy steak Will
mashed potatoes, hot rolls, topped of
with f1aky apple pie and cheese. Jerr,
] was hopelessly in love, but he did am
4 pie Justice to Karin's cooking.
Dinner finished, together they dit
the dishes in the tiny kitchenette
where they got continually in each 9th
! er's way. It was all very jolly ant
| they laughed great deal over noth1n,
at all. =
/ Back in the Sitting room a little 81
lence fell. Jerry smoked, watching tn
candle light bring out the golden bean
Of her hair. Her eyes he reflecte,
4 with remarkable originality, were jus
the color Of her dull blue gown. 81
had never seen that one before. I
must be a new one, for Ritter's bene
fit, he supposed bitterly. AS If guess
ing his thoughts, Karin spoke.
You like my gown" she questioned
She sprang to her feet and whirle
around before hfxn. "See," she con
SF