Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 41, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 February 1918 — “Davy Dear" [ARTICLE]

“Davy Dear"

“David, I wish you’d do something for me.” “Pm yours at all times, Louise, you know that” “But this la different, David. You’ll think it very silly and queer I know.” “Try me and see.” “It’s this way, David. When I go up in Wisconsin to visit Mark and Helen the first thing they do will be to —start on the same old theme. Why don’t I marry? It’s duty to myself and everybody else, and all that stuff. You know how they talk. The next thing they’ll do will be to post notices on all the rocks and trees that Tm there, and will all the unattached male populace please call, hoping, of course, that one of the latter will inadvertently catch my critical eye. They do it every year, and It’s beyond endurance.” David showed signs of mixed emotions, chiefly indignation. “So here’s where you come in, Davy, dear,” she went on, “but it’s a little hard to explain. It’s this way. You see, if I were to convey the idea to them there was somebody at home here that I was engaged to then everybody would let me alone and I’ll have a peaceful, delightful rest.” “Louise!”

“But it’s only pretend, David,” she explained hastily. “I’m only borrowing you for the time being. It isn’t a real engagement, you know, and it doesn’t bind anyone to anything. You don’t mind, do you?” “Oh, no I The only thing is—couldn’t you make it real just for a little while; then maybe I could kiss you good-by,” wistfully. “Oh, that would never do, David. If you’re going to do that, we mustn’t be engaged at all. It really isn’t anything, you know —a contract in name only. As far as you are concerned, no one around here needs to know it, as you can still be nice to all the girls and have a good time.” “All right, dear girl I If it will help you any, go ahead. But you know how I love you, and how many times I’ve asked you to marry me.” “I wouldn’t think of such a thing, David,” ignoring his last words, “only I suspect that Mark and Helen have somebody picked out for me. I can always read between the lines, and Helen’s been talking a lot about an bld college chum of Dick’s who is going to be near them this fall. He’s an artist or something. It’s funny how I run to artists, isn’t it, David?” He uvas silent a minute. “Yes, but If this chap hasn’t any better luck with you than I’ve had, I can’t say that we are in a class to be envied.” “You must run along now, Davy, dear. Fve got to pack, for I leave on an early train. Remember to write to me every day—at least send an envelope to carry out the bluff, won’t you?” "Certainly, I’ll do what I can I”

“You’re an old darling, David. You always were a good sport, and the best friend I’ve got. I knew you’d take it In the proper spirit. Now run along.” An the way up the street Louise’s thoughts were busy. About David! It was rather a sensation to be engaged to someone, even If it didn’t mean anything. Dear David! After an, what would she do without him? Probably, if it hadn’t been for her music she would have married him. But she had determined so implacably to put matrimony behind her that she had got out of the habit of thinking of men in the same minute with sentiment

Besides —there was something about David! She frowned slightly. He was too submissive! How easily he had agreed to her plans! If only he would come after her, with a club — why, maybe—who can tell? She liked masterful men—or at least men who determined to gain their goal, and got there, no matter how. Why hadn’t he said, “Louise, look here, I won’t stand .for this nonsense any longer, you’re going to marry me, and you know it, and there’s no use refusing any longer, for Pve made up my mind!” One comfort, however —she wouldn’t be bothered with other men all fall. Dick’s college chum had no terrors for her now. Two days later she was sitting alone on the porch watching the moon come up. Mark and Helen had gone to a dance at the country club. Everything was very quiet and peaceful in the soft twilight, but Louise was feeling—shall we say it—lonely. There was a step almost inaudible on the soft pine needles and a man emerged from the shadows of the trees. ' ‘. "David t” cried Louise, springing up and holding out both hands impatiently. - He grabbed them warmly as he came up and looked down earnestly into her eyes. “Don’t you think,” he begged, "that under the circumstances, I might kiss you?" "Please, Davl<L you’ve said that twice now, and it’s only pretend, you know.” “Well# little girl, you’re going to have some time of it carrying out your bluff. Pm afraid. Pm the college friend