Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1923-08-22
THE IDEAL,
BY MOlliE MATHER
Ss.Sss......s - u
90, 1928. Western Newspaper Union.)


TIM TOWNSEND leaned forward
} watching hopefully the car door.
Since the memorable evening, not
long ago, when the provokingly haunt
ing young woman had entered that
same door his senses had been alert
to her possible coming. She must
surely return some evening from the
city, on the 5 80 homeward bound.
He had fretted as miles flew by that
there might be no way of learning her
name before the train bore her per-
haps out of his life forever, carrying
his hope of happiness.
The young woman, casting a fleeing
glance in his direction, had half
smiled, as though under the impress
sion of former acquaintance. The
smile was quickly checked, but it
left the hope Of sympathetic under
standing.
Now just as the illustrator was
sinking back discouraged, the last pas
senger was the girl of his dreams. As
she was about to pass Townsend, fate
SauSAt liiS lcuS SoluGH CHILL SIG WOEo
and fastened it to the arm of the seat
he occupied. Quickly he reached to
release a golden pendant, then sat
staring In amazement, for the locket
cover lay open in his hand, revealing
the round countenance of his old col
lege chum, Richard Danvers.
IF you please"-said the girl-and
he turned to find her regarding him
curiously. 80. ,,.,.,z..-,., go.
Pardon me-" Townsend said, Il
was rather taken by surprise Your
locket contains a picture of my old
chum, Dick Danvers. If you are his
friend, or relative, you may have
heard him mention Jim Townsend"
Il have heard of YOU" she agreed
''the fishing trips into Canada-and
lately l have heard" she paused
that you are to be best man at the
| wedding" a - -, +. X.
The weddingl Jim recollected that
DICK was to be married next month.
lie stepped out into the car aisle, mo-
tloning TO the vacated seat won't
you join me?' he bowed. The young
woman graciously accepted. Some
thing, very heavy and uncomfortable
seemed to have settled in the place
where his heart used to be.
ALLOW me-" he said stiffly, "to wish
you happiness. l shall renew my
congratulations to Dick when 1 see
him."
You will not forget the date of the
wedding" the young woman remind.
ed as he rose slowly at his approach.
J ing station.
1T will be impossible for me to at
tend the wedding" Jim answered
shortly. asst >~--..-,,,~
He settled down to his sketchins
after this with determination to for.
get the haunting young person who
was his friends promised wife
One day Dicks bulky figure loomed
up before Jim on the street.
Where in the world have you
beenf" Dick questioned.
Busy" his friend briefly answered.
You'd better cut it out for this
AFTERNOON" Dick advised land drive
out to Dalton with ME, to meet Jane
Townsend was about to refuse when
the tormenting memory picture of the
girl flashed before him. ..,
"All right" he. agreed recklessly,
III go.'
His heart hammered against his
ribs in foolish manner when later
the two men awaited the appearance
OF Jane, in her fathers living room.
When Dicks fiancee came and was
duly presented, jim stared incredu-
lousy, then controlling himself, put
forth his hand. For Miss Jane of
Dicks affections was a tall, fair
young person, while the little girl Of
the train episode was short. with
gypsy dark eyes and hair. Perplexed
confused, jim Townsend endeavored
to listen to the polite conversation Of
Dicks brlde-to-be. Then who-his
heart was questioning-who is the
other?
IF you don't mind" voice said
at his side, "A will take you out to
show you the gardens. 1t is under
stood between Dick and me that l am
to entertain any disturbing caller. He
and Jane have so much to talk over
concerning the coming wedding"
Jim knew that voice before he could
turn to look into the laughing dark
eyes.
Sometimes" Dick remarked ap-
preciatively, 81 think that Glory is
more truly my friend than she is
James. Reads as it We're, my secret
wishes. Jim-Mr. James Townsend
allow me to introduce you to Miss
Gloria Greenville, college friend Of
James, and all that sort of thing
even as you, and t." Dick quoted in
explanation.
"Why," demanded Jim later, when
he and the realized ideal sat together
beneath a garden maple, did you al
low me to think that you were en-