The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1939-02-04
II q Wish
By OSCAR SoMMERS
G Associated Newspapers.
WNU Service.


ing of an old banjo clock. The man,
standing with his back against the
mantel of the big roomy fireplace,
searched the face of the girl anx-
iously as though to read there the
answer to his fears. Lindsey Put
nam had been going with" Phyllis
Rand ever since school days, and
Lin had just confessed to Phyl that
he was head over heels in love with
the lovely, fiery, exotic Adele Thorn
toni
tits not that like love you
any less, Phyl; you'll always be the
most perfect pal ever had It's
just that Adele seems to sweep ev-
cry sane thought from my head.
She well, guess it's true. %.
that l am crazy over herl I can't
seem to think sensible thoughts any
more :" Then the girl seemed
to stir from her reverie, and, al
though he was not so sure about
her eyes, they seemed hurt. Her
mouth smiled gravely, and she rose
and went over to him, laying her
slim brown little hand on his sleeve
as she said softly: 'Lin-theres
nothing l can say other than that I
hope you'll be ever so happy! If
wish could make it so, I'm sure
you'll be happy and contented with
the girl of your choice!"
AfterWard-when he was striding
home, Lin recalled that she had not
spoken Adele's name, had, instead,
worded it girl of your CHOICE" and
he smiled tenderly at that thought;
they were both of them so wonder
full, so adorable. Phyl, like keen,
Straightforward young boy, hiking
and hunting and fishing; playing
tennis and golf and riding with him
over dangerous mountain trails, and
Adele, soft, ultrafeminine, with her
girlish gowns and helpless ways,
and pretty, appealing manners.
With the door shut on Lin's re-
treating form Phyl flung herself
into the deep cushions of the shabby
old divan before the fire, and the
hot singing tears coursed down her
tanned face for the first time since
she could remember. How could
he do it? How could he go around
with her all these years, making
the flower of love in her heart grow
stronger and deeper rooted, only to
tear it up casually and go after an
other girl? Was he quite crazy to
think that their friendship could 90
on after he had given his heart to
Adele? Didn't he know that these
feminine women had nothing to di-
vert their minds from such things
as jealousy? Of course Adele's first
action of proprietorship would be to
suggest that he see less of dear little
Phyllis!
Two weeks later, after Phyl had
repeatedly turned down invitations
to hike with Lin, or play golf or
tennis, or ride over Pitcher noun
tain with him, on the grounds that
that was Adele's privilege now, she
opened the door one rainy fall day
and found Lin standing on the wind
swept porch, a bunch of sumac in
his hands and comical expression
on his face.
Gosh, Phyl," he murmured as
she took his dripping coat and hat,
lit seems like home here. I know
how crazy you always were over
sumac | remembered" PhyI
had to force herself to drag forth
the usual: "You should be giving
them to Adele . " to which he
replied dryly: "She hates 'em; likes
only nice dollhouse flowers that
aren't messy" Phyl almost grinned
as she took the sumac and went to
find vase for it.
MAY l come again?" he pleaded
after she had given him hot choco-
late and sugar cookies and a golden
wedge of squash pie.
You'll find out it's a mistake,
Lin, Adele won't like i'll" remon-
strated Phyl doubtfully.
We'll, there are so many things
she doesn't like that one more thing
added to the list won't make much
difference" he growled; "why g.
don't you like me to come, Phyl?"
he added wistfully, and Phyl fought
to make her voice sound imperson-
al and even, as she assured him
that it was always a great pleasure
to have him come-to talk over old
times.
eve did have such wonderful
times together, Phyl," he unused,
starring at the dancing fire.
Didn't WEI" she said, catching
her breath softly.
"Oh Phyl men are such
fools couldn't we go on :.
having good times as we used tor"
he asked brokenly, his eyes telling
her what he couldn't say.
81 oh, Lin I'm afraid
=. it's been so hard :"
"Afraid of what?" lie asked GEN
thy, moving over to stand very close
to her.
afraid / couldn't be strong
enough to give it all up again." she
muttered through clenched teeth.
Need we ever break up
again, Phyl? tn always be you
with me, and nobody else oh.