Okolona messenger. (Okolona, Miss.) 1900-current, 1922-08-31
THE PEACEMAKER
BY MISS SUSAN E. bowLEs.
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10. 1922, BY Mcclure Newspaper syndieAte.)
MyroH and Beth had been married
about eight months when their matri-
monial troubles first came to my no
4 tice. Then, suddenly, and for more
than three months, neither saw nor
heard from them.
! 1t was during the interim, however,
that they formed the habit of coming
to me with their complaints.
The young couple were ex.pupiIs Of
mine, SO | knew something Of their
characteristics, chief among which was
on ihordinate yet naive pride-a rare
combination among adolescents.
First, 1t would be Myron, in this
wise: Beth is growing cold toward me
and Is altogether too free with other
men. l demonstrated, but she said I'd
best mind my own business. Now,
say, must fellow look on in silence
when he knows his wife's conduct de-
serves a .reprimand?"
Or 1t would be Beth, after this fash
Ion: "Myron is needlessly Jealous and
cruel. l won't stand for his arrogance
and dictation."
In vain l observed that II was too
late to quarrel over what could not
be undOne; that both parties to so sa-
cred pact owed each other much in
the way Of liberation and sacrifice.
But, aside from seeing my best coun-
sells disregarded, l soon realized I'd
got into an awful mess for listening to
them. They were proud, these two,
very proud; but they had yet to learn
that pride has its penalties; that one
pays mighty toll for those pungent
little thruSts which temporarily as
suage anger or fancied injury.
Words, angry words, what would not
one give to recall hasty taunts when
bitter regrets come to emphasize the
folly of 1t all One might have judged
from their hot verbiage that both were |
Gupremely Indifferent as to the out |
come, the inference being that If they |
never met again 1t would be soon |
enough. But was not deceived by
this naughty show Of independence. ! |
knew it to be mere artificial props to |
sustain their amour propre. So when
they ceased accusing each other / hap
PLY concluded that the young couple
were cooling as Of yore.
One day I met Myron, or rather
hailed him, for he had clearly intended
to avoid me. For moment he blushei
and evaded my gaze, and noticed
nervous little witches about his
mouth. I managed to reassure him,
however, after which he shamefacedly
confessed that everything was all
right; that he'd been fool, and man.
fully refrained from casting any blame
on his wife.
Yes, they were happy again; it had
been the merest nonsense to wander
from the ideal state, etc.
"But who-how?" 1 pressed him.
Well, he was nice chap, and would l
come to see him?
Yes, / certainly would. Having ex-
hausted my resourcefulness in striving
to make peace, only to meet with re-
peated failures, was curious to know
who had been so successful in the role !
of peacemaker; both the person and i
his charm were worth adding to ones,
collection of friends and accomplish
ments
Il think he'll be with us tonight" !
said Myron. "In fact, 1 know he will. ;
Better come; yOun like him." And
with that he literally ran from me-
After all, reflected, 1t was mans
job, that Of reconciling disputants-for
MyrOn had said "he" would be there.
must here beg the indulgence Of my
friends; the obscure teacher must not
be judged too harshly If she appear
lnduly alert when she scents a posi-
Bile romance. -.
That night called on them, and
found them both smiling, like children
refreshed from sleep. And was sur
Drised but not displeased to observe
hat Beth showed not the slightest sign
II remorse for her part in the late
'quabble. / had feared my coming
would embarrass her. But no; she was
Drouder than ever.
have seen her becomingly so, erect
nd naughty but when explained my
mission she became superb, queenly,
s she silently led the way to her bed
DOM and pointed to cot in which lay
he tiny but influential citizen whose
lere coming had done more for the
ause Of peace than all the learned
Genoa will probably ever
ee. No wonder Beth was proud!
Disappointed spinster though am,
am good loosen, and cheerfully say
lore power to the little mani