The Nezperce herald. (Nezperce, Idaho) 1900-1957, 1923-03-08
The
Platonists
By MORRIS SCHULTZ

90, lSz2, Dy western Ne"hpapef oAio'A'
Maisie was surprised That tn
young fellow in the hall room next {
her own failed to reply to her Cheerful
"Good-evening." Maisie was feelin
fine toward all the world, for only tn
day before she had secured position
in a large department store.
Mr.. Rodwell didn't seem in goo'
spirits" she said TO Mrs. Palmer tina
evening.
swell, / guess he amt" she an
swered. There's months rent ow
ing me now, and it's high timeNhe go
out and hustled for living. ] cam
afford to keep no idlers here"
Maisie looked mournful. "Oh,
know he's trying as hard as he can
she answered. Hes got sort Of
promise of position at the end o.
the month"
"Mebbe,' answered Mrs. Palmer
with grim determination, "but there's
been party inquiring about his room
and guess he'll have to go at the end
of the week"
Maisie opened her slim purse
Look. Mrs. Palmer. Suppose ] pay
his rent for the past month. I'm sure
he'll get that position and repay you
Then you can give ii back TO me. And
you won't say anything, win yOu?''
Birs 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 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 Maisie's
heart uneasiness 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 illG" he asked
Mrs. Palmer, one afternoon.
Mrs. Palmer smiled her cynical
smile. well, l 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
got my husband to support"
wont you let me pay her rent for
month ahead?" asked Rodwell. I'm
sure she'll get another position. And
promise not to say word to her
about it,"
swell, guess you know your own
business best, Mr.. Rodwell," replied
the landlady, with her cynical smile.
That evening there came gentle
tap at Mr.. Rodwell's door. Maisie AL
bright was standing outside. She
looked flushed, indignant.
''Mr. Rodwell, Mrs. Palmer was tell
ing me what you-you did for me-" she
said. Il appreciate your kindness, but
just-just because helped you isn't
reason why-oh, can't take It,"
"But, Maisie," protested Rodwell
why not2"
"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 won't won't ~
she said.
Rodwell heaved vast sigh OF, relief.
rs that all?" he asked. "Why, / 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.
Scan we honestly be friends, then.
and not-not have toto care for each
other just because we've met like
like this?" she asked.
ITS 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 ! will. 1 was afraid you
cared"
II was afraid of making you care"
Silence.
"You did a little"
Darling. I've loved you all alongl'