Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1921-09-15
THE ANSWER
Copyright, 1921. Western Newspaper Union.

Hayes leaned OacK In his chair
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 satisfied and conceited
bachelor Perhaps Bayes had reason
to be self conceited, 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 Rhoda; you can judge how for
tunate | 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 up against that joyous wedding
day, Bert? You've been tireless in
your service here, working until all
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 l wonder that 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."
Cali 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
mot the slightest" Bert laughed
back.
Rhoda was different Bayes 81
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
were 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 sfor
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 ingenuously his distinguished ap-
pearance. Bayes knew that he had
an air, what amused him was the fact
that the mere opinion of girl could
give him such pleasure. Bert looked
pale and worn these days His eager
TO, II
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, it 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 boy 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 filed his fancy. He arose alb
ruptly.
thine and fate will bring your an
swer, Bert" he said. Nov 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 fact with apprehensive
pain. Jim looking distinguished, and