The Little River news., 1922-10-14

Maise was surprised that the young fellow in the hall room next to her own failed to reply to her cheerful "Good-evening." Maise was feeling fine toward all the world, for only the day before she had secured a position i'll large department store
 'Nir. Rodwell didn't seem in good spirits,' she said to Mrs. Palmer that evening
 "Well, l guess he ain't,' she an- ing me now, and it's high time he got out and hustled for a living. I can't afford to keep no idlers here"
 Maisie looked mournful. "Oh, I know he's trying as hard as he can," she answered. Hes got a sort of promise of a position at the end of the month.'
 .'Mebbe." answered Mrs. Palmer, with grim determination, ''but there's been party inquiring about his room, and l guess he'll have to go at the end of the week"
 1alse opened her slim purse. Look, Mrs. Palmer. Suppose I pay his rent for the.past month. I'm sure he'll get that position and repay you. Then you can give it back to me. And you won't say anything will you?"
 Mrs. Palmer smiled cynically. "Well, it's your affair, Miss Albright" she answered. But l guess you won't see your money again"
 She told RodWell, in spite of her promise, for he looked very shame step next evening. q don't know how I'm to thank you," he began.
 Maisie laughed and she told him her position paid enough money to make the loan insignificant She gave up lunch for two weeks and then got straight again.
 Rodwell did secure his position, and they became good friends. They often went for walks together in the eve ming. Both were from the country. neither had been year in the city, and the sights were still novel to them. But they were just friends.
 Only friends, but deep in Maisies heart uneasness was growing. She felt that he was beginning to care too much. And-well, it was not suitable, that was all.
 Long silenceS succeeded those first days of warm friendship. They began to drift apart. Their walks grew fewer. Then came nearly week during which RodWell did not see Maisie. She hurried home in the evenings and kept to her room.
 "Is Miss Albright ill?' lie asked Mrs. Palmer, one afternoon.
 Mrs. Palmer smiled her cynical smile. "Wel, guess not" she an swered, but she lost her job last week, and she's asked to hold me up for the next weeks rent. Of course I'd like to oblige her, but there's a party been inquiring for her room, and l got my husband to support
 "Won't you let me pay her rent for month ahead?" asked Rodwell. ''Fm sure she'll get another position. And promise not to say word to her about it."
 "Well, l guess you know your own business best, Mr Rodwell," replied the landlady, with her cynical smile.
 Tn; | evening there came a gentle taa at Mr. Rodwells door. Maisie AL bright was standing outside. She looked flushed, indignant.
 Mir Rodwell, Mrs. Palmer was tell ing me what you-you did for me-" she said. T appreciate your kindness, but just-just because 1 helped you isn't reason Why-oh, can't take it."
 But, Maisie,' protested RodweH. "w hy not?'
 "You know what it means when two people like us, living next door, get helping each other. They-they have to fall in love. And 1 won't l won't!' she said.
 Rodwell heaved a vast sigh of relief "Is that all?" he asl;ed. "Why, I don't intend to marry for years and years. Is that why you've been sort of cold toward me?"
 Miss Albright smiled through her tears.
 Gan we honestly be friends, then, and not-not have toto care for each other just because we've met like like this?" she asked.
 It's just what I've been wanting" answered RodWell. Then you'll come out with me again in the evenings, like you used to-"
 'Of course I will. I was afraid you cared"
 q was afraid of making you care"
 Silence.
 You did a little.'
 Darling, I've loved you all along"
 Snuff Making Complicated Process.