The Dolores star., 1924-08-22
DISLIKED GAME
OF "PLAYMATES"
Bv DOROTHY N. DONAHUE


"A sessed such gorgeous desires. But
She was distinctive in that she STUCK
TO them. April wanted young giant
with tender eyes and n strong chin,
scarlet roadster, drawing room with
pearl chandeliers, a great deal of money
and heart Of gold; in short, per
feet young gladiator with advantages
and a steadfast religion.
She told Colin about her ambitions.
Colin was twenty and lived across the
street from April. He had played with
her all his life; for Is years in fun,
for three In dead seriousness.
He stood with one foot on the thres-
hold of the door. his cap in his hand,
the stray look in his eyes, and glow
cred
"All right hope you find him the
very pink of perfection. But he won't
be any good. A guy with all that and
as good looking as you've dlsgustingly
put him just can't be true-blue. In ac-
quIring the riches and cultivating his
beauty he loses all sense of real value
and turns cad. You'll find that out"
And Colin was gone.
Don't be stupid" April called after
him. but he didn't hear.
week later April met the shining
knight OF her dreams. He came
straight from New York.
Gaylord Marchmount liked the shy
smile and the dark blue eyes, the soft
ness of the blond hair and the tiny,
childish figure.
"Will you ride with meY
April blushed and rode.
There were many rides. Gaylord was
staying on week or so to straighten
things out with Steve Wainwright. He
called for April every evening and on
the fourth, as April stepped into the
car, she looked over and caught Colin
peeking out at them. Her eyes shone
and her heart sang, ave found him.
Colin. have found him."
Colin debated whether 1t would be
more sensational to lick Gaylord be
fore a crowd or in private. and let the
news leak out afterwards He decided
on the crowd and then went to call on
Daisy, whom he hated.
Out in the country with the car spin
ming along n moonlight illumined road.
April lived in a dream.
Gaylord Marchmount removed one
hand from the wheel and placed II
over Aprils two white ones.
Life turns me crooked deal, little
one. Just because have a name and
ha md hn
cause that some one has the money
that covet, must marry her-Glenna
Landlord. Ever hear Of her? We near
ly despise each other. think, but
what must be, must be. I'd be happy
as clam to have you'll wonder II
you know I'm going tomorrow and that
l think you're the sweetest playmate
in the world"
April closed her eyes and relaxed
little and came out of her dream.
She wanted to grab his arm and tell
him. tearfully, that she didn't know he
was only playing a game and that she
didn't want to be playmate.
But April was wise little girl and
had just found 1t out.
'My dear Gay-how silly. Life isn't
to blame. It's tradition and a loss of
the ability to realize true values.
Don't blame the poor old world. It's
being-cad. (Oh, II Colin could hear),
but I won't preach. We've both been
just playing. Let 1t go at that"
April surprised herself
They drew up to the door an hour
later and Gaylord Marchmount looked
at April quizzically.
Tell me, little playmate, what 1t is
in life you really like"
me? Like? Why-I guess sunsets
and rainbows, violin music-and, why,
just living"
THAT'S just like you. Do you know,
do you want to know what Glenna
Langford likes-in life? It's anus
ing"
II think I know. Gay. She likes
long, slender drawing rooms with pearl
chandeliers, scarlet roadsters, lap
dogs, bon-bons and men like you"
Men like me. April? Are you being
nice-or not?"
MOT! Men that let an army of an
cestors with musty ideas and family
traditions push them into marriage
that they hate-men that don't know
themselves or what they want, how to
get 1t or how to think straight. Why.
you aren't even square enough to play
your own game straight. You have a
little fun on the side, bit of amuse-
ment with some little light headed
country girl you call Playmate for
conscience's sake. That's what she
likes and what she's getting. Good.
night, Mr.. Marchmount."
After she had gone, Gaylord March.
mount huddled down into his seat.
turned up his coat collar and shiyered.
Forty below, and the mercury still
dropping. So this Is Alaska I"
The next night Colin came over.
Hes gone, Is he?"
"Yes."
III you think I'm going to get down
On my knees and murmur that I've
been waiting for You. I'm mt ~,