The Ely miner., 1922-09-22
THE PEACEMAkER
BY MISS SUSAN E. BowLEs.

S3S5S95S1S2S153 153S2S1515151S1515r1
60. 1922. by Mcclure Newspaper Syndicate.)
Myron and Beth had been married
about eight months when their matri-
monial troubles first came to my no
tice. Then, suddenly, and for raore
heard from them.
1t was durirg the interim, however,
that they formed the habit of coming
to me with their complaints.
The young couple were ex.pupils Of
mine, so / knew something of their
characteristics, chief among which was
an inordinate 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. / 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 reprimand2'
Or it would be Beth, after this FASH
ion: "Myron is needlessly jealous and
cruel. won't stand for his arrogance
and dictation."
In vain l observed that 1t was too
late to quarrel over what could not
be undone; that both parties to so sa-
cred a pact owed each other much in
the way Of liberation and sacrifice.
But, aside from seeing my best coun-
sells disregarded, 1 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 it all One might have judged
from their hot yerbiage that both were
supremely Indifferent as to the out
come, the inference being that If they
never met again 1t would be soon
enough. But I was not deceived by
this naughty show of independence. I
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 1 met Myron, or rather I
hailed him, for he had clearly intended
to avoid me. For moment he blushed
and evaded my gaze, and 1 noticed
nervous little twitches about his
mouth. / managed to reassure him,
however, after which he shamefacedly
confessed that everything was all
right; that he'd been a fool, and man.
fully refrained from casting any blame
on his wife.
Yes, they were happy again; 1t had
been the merest nonsense to wander
from the ideal state, etc.
But who-how?" / pressed him.
Well, he was nice chap, and would l
come to see him?
Yes, 7 certainly would. Having ex-
hausted my resdurcefulness in striving
to make peace, only to meet with re-
peated failures, 1 was curious to know
who had been so successful in the role
of peacemaker; both the person and
his charm were worth adding to ones
collection of friends and accomplish
ments.
Il think he'll be with us tonight"
said Myron. I'm fact, I know he will.
Better come; you'll like him." And
with that he literally ran from me.
After all, reflected, 1t was a mans
job, that Of reconciling disputants-for
Myron had said "he" would be there.
| must here beg the indulgence of my
the obscure teacher must not
be judged too harshly If she appear
unduly alert when she scents a possi-
BILE romance.
That night I called on them, and
found them both smiling, like children
refreshed from sleep. And 1 was sur
prised but not displeased to observe
that Beth showed not the slightest sign
Of remorse for her part In the late
squabble / had feared my coming
would embarrass her. But no; sac was
prouder than ever.
have seen her becomingly so. erect
and naughty; but when explained my
mission she became superb. queenly,
as she silently led the way to her bed
room and pointed to a cot in which lay
the tiny but influential citizen whose
mere coming had done more for the
cause of peace than all the learned
statesmen Genoa will probably ever
see. No wonder Beth was pYoudI
Disappointed spinster though am,
am good looser, and cheerfully say
more power to the little mani