Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 251, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 October 1915 — FRIENDSHIP HIS ONLY IDEA [ARTICLE]

FRIENDSHIP HIS ONLY IDEA

But We Have a Suspicion That the Young Man Did Not Accept the Father’# Offer. He came Into the old gentleman’s office with a bright smile. “I’m the young man who’s been calling on your daughter, sir, and 1 just dropped into say I am not in love with her.” No answer. “I want to be perfectly square. Ours Is a friendship, pure and simple—genuine platonic. We respect each other. We enjoy simple and friendly communion. Just a case of comradeship, pure and unalloyed." No answer. “You may think —it would be natural for any man of your vast experience of the world to think —that, even if 1 feel this way about it, your daughter might unconsciously be falling In love with me. only to wake up some day and find her heart broken. Through no fault of my own, you understand. Just one of those unhappy accidents which come. No, sir. Nothing in that. She knows the situation. Purely men tal. I assure yon.” The old gentleman wheeled around. “Weren’t you kissing my daughter last night in the back parlor?” The young man smiled again. “Certainly, sir, certainly. Nothing in that. I assure you—the kiss of friendship. Ever hear of Damon and Pythias? They kissed each other frequently. Jonathan and David also. I, sir, am proud to kiss any friend of mine." “Um! I suppose you’d put both arms around your friend, hold bis lilywhite hand in yours and lay his head on your shoulder —just for pure friendship?” “That’s it, sir. Your intuitive-mind has grasped the idea. With me friendship is everything." “And what is your idea of love?” “Love, sir! Never experienced It. I’m not interested in love. Me for friendship, pure and unalloyed.” “I see —just a few friendly, platonic hugs and friendly kisses and —” “Exactly, sir. You know.” The old gentleman smiled. “I’m glad you called," he said. “Nothing like a frank talk to clear up these little matters. Young man, I feel friendly toward you already. No reason. Is there, why you and i shouldn’t be friends?” “None, sir. In fact. It’s the dearest wish of my heart.” “Good! Then I tell yon what. I’m going to send my dear, friendly daughter away tomorrow for a month’s vacation. But don’t let that make any difference. I’ll take her place. Come around and sit In my 'lap all the evening, will you?”—Life.