Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1921-11-11

SAM rhaNSpdlIln9 upon BeftS part,
concerning the g!r.. Almost, ii seemed,
| he might recognize this creature of
young lOve'S dream, were he to meet
her upon the street Berl had de-
>cribed her in glowing terms. He hir-
self was satisfied and conceited
bachelor. Perhaps Bayes had reason
10 he self conCeited, for he had
achieved much, and was sought as
both friend and adviser. Now, Bert
in his eager enthusiasm looked up at
mis- older friend.
jim he suggested, why don't you
90 out to Cedars next week with me,
| and see lthoda; 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
hours of the night. l 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 y-"dsappointing."
You will go out with me to see
Rhoda on Saturday,"
"AIl 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.
Rhoda 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
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 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 flat
tering attention to his easy, interest
ing conversation. She liked, she told
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, 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
| (BayesO 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 filled his fancy. He arose alb
ruptly.
Time and fate will bring your an
swer, Bert" he said. "Now must
| get to business"
Slowly and heartIessly, 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
responsible as usual Rhoda and Jim
had been talking, seriously, Bert could
see that.