The herald., 1922-09-28
The
Platonists
By MORRIS SCHULTZ

&c. 1922. by Western Newspaper Union)
Maisie was surprised that the
young fellow in the hall room next to
her own failed to reply to her cheerful
"Good-evening." Maisie was feeling
fine toward all the world, for only the
Gay before she had secured a position
IN large department store.
"Mr. Rodwell didn't seem in good
spirits" she said to Mrs. Palmer that
evening.
swell, guess he amt" she an
swered. There's a months rent ow-
ing me now, and It's high time he got
cut and hustled for living. 1 can't
AFFORD to keep no idlers here"
Maisie looked mournful. ooh. /
know he's trying as hard as he can,"
she answered. Hes got a sort of
promise Of position at the end Of
the month"
"Mebbe," answered Mrs. Palmer,
with grim determination, "but there's
been a party inquiring about his room.
and guess he'll have to 60 at the end
Of the week."
Maisie opened her slim purse
Look. Mrs. Palmer. Suppose 1 pay
his rent for the past month. I'm sure
he'll get that position and repay you.
Then you can give 1t back to me. And
You won't say anything, will your"
Mrs. Palmer smiled cynically. "Well,
it's your affair, Miss Albright" she
answered. But guess you won't see
your money again"
She told Rodwell. In spite Of her
promise, for he looked very shame
faced when he met Maisie on the door
step next evening. 81 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 ountry,
neither had been a year In the city,
and the sights were still novel to
them. But they were just friends.
Only friends. but deep In Maisle's
heart uneasiness was growing. She
felt that he was beginning to care too
much. And--well, 1t was not suitable.
that was all.
Long silences succeeded those first
lays Of warm friendship. They began
20 drift apart. Their walks grew fewer.
Then came nearly q week during
which Rodwell did not see Maisie. She
hurried home In the evenings and kept
to her room.
as Miss Albright ill?" he asked
Mrs. Palmer, one afternoon.
Mrs. Palmer smiled her cynical
smile. swell, I guess not" she an
,wered, "but she lost her Job last
week, and she's asked to hold me up
Tor the next weeks rent. OF course
I'd like to oblige her, but there's
party been inquiring for her room. and
got my husband to support"
wont you let me pay her rent for
month aheadT asked Rodwell. "Pm
,ure she'll get another position. And
promise not to say a word to her
,bout It."
swell. 1 guess you know your own
business best, Mr.. Rodwell," replied
he landlady. with her cynical smile.
That evening there came a gentle
ap at Mr.. Rodwell's door. Maisie AL
bright was standing outside. She
ooked flushed. indignant.
"Mr. Rodwell, Mrs. Palmer was tell
ng me what you-you did for me-" she
laid. II appreciate your kindness, but
ust-just because I helped you isn't
'eason why-oh, ! can't take it."
"But, Maisie." protested Rodwell.
why notT
"You know what 1t means when two
people like US, living next door, get
helping each other. They-they have
o fall In love. And won't! won't I"
The said.
Rodwell heaved q vast sigh Of relief.
Is that all?" he asked. "Why, I don't
intend to marry for years and years.
s that why you've been sort Of cold
oward meY
Miss Albright smiled through her
ears.
"Can we honestly be friends. then,
md not-not have to-to care for each
,ther just because we've met like
Ike this?" she asked.
Tt's just what I've been wanting"
answered Rodwell. "Then you'll come
tut with me again In the evenings,
Ike you used TOT"
"Of course I win. I was afraid you
AIRED"
II was afraid Of making you care"
Silence.
L