Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1910-06-02


Lolita, merry, wealthy and wise, had al
ways been a favorite at the academy.
Write often, dear" she said, cling
ing to Helen, land wear this little
locket, which | have designed, that
you will not forget me. May my wish
come true and success ever attend
you
The locket was square golden one,
and a turquoise forgetmenot with a
diamond center decorated the cover,
which flew open when one pressed a
tiny spring, disclosing the words:
From Lolita. Success Attend You"
Letters passed between the two girls
at first, but now, after three or four
years, it was often with feelings OF
deep conjunction that Helen would
write TO her long neglected friend,
while the locket glistened at her
throat. Then one day it slipped from
its golden chain and changed the
course Of Helen's life. Though late
In November, the weather was delight
full, and she decided to walk through
the park on her way to the library.
Il
rest for moment upon park bench,
and 1t was not until she had selected
book at the library that she noticed
the chain hanging empty and retraced
her steps, searching all the way for
the little charm. A young man was
sitting upon the bench which she had
so lately vacated. big blond man in
II 81 naI Mt
her as she approached, then continued
writing hastily in a notebook. Helen
looked at him for moment startled
and then relieved. for a silk fob was
dangling from his watch pocket and
from 1t suspended her own little lock-
ct. Evidently the man had clasped 1t
there awaiting the return Of the own
er. Helen seated herself upon the op-
posite end of the bench and regarded
him furtvely. How could she tact
fully open the subject?
Pardon me-" said the man, rising,
hat in hand "Have you lost any
thing"
Eyes, indeed" Helen told him. ~
dropped a square gold locket here a
short time ago" Involuntarily her
eyes sought his fob.
"Why, that's too bad" said the man
genially. ALLOW me TO help you look
for It"
She stood amazed as he searched the
gravel with his cane and even remov.
ed the heavy bench. going down upon
his knees TO look beneath it. Seems
to have disappeared" he said. rising
flushed and troubled. ut has evident
ly been picked up. Was the locket
very valuable?"
II wouldn't have parted with it for
anything in the world" she said en-
phatically.
"Well, I'll tell you what to do" said
the man, resuming his seat-"advertise
in the papers and offer a reward
Some one may bring it back"
Helen sat down upon the bench quite
, bewildered Surely the man could not
haunt the locket before her very eyes
In that manner if he were guilty. Per.
hapS. after all. there were other for
getmenot charms with diamond cen
tiers. If she could only press the tiny
hidden spring she would know at once
the rightful owner But how could
she say, "Will you let me see the in
side Of that locket, for | believe it to
be miner"
Then an idea occurred TO her. Upon
the leather cover of his notebook was
lettered distinctly, John w. Bryce.
10
write letter that very afternoon, send
it by special messenger and, quoting
Lolita's inscription, prove her claim
beyond all doubt. And it would be so
much easier to write upon this delicate
, subject than to speak As she bur-
ried away the man raised his hat and
walked in an opposite direction.
When Helen was dressing for Mrs
Toms reception that evening she was
/ handed the reply TO her hasty note
| 1t began very abruptly:
! The locket which you saw me wearing
this afternoon is no longer in my pos
session. Not having opened II. 1 am I'M
! able TO satisfy you regarding the inscrip-
ton, but can assure you very positively
/ that the locket was not the one which
JOHN w. BRYCE.
We'll" exclaimed Helen 'of all the
GOODNESS! No longer in his possession
and no explanation whatever
! Her cheeks were still burning with
/ Indignation when. accompanied by her
mother. she joined the gay throng in
Mrs. Toms brilliantly lighted home
She was the center of little laughing
group when her hostess approached
Helen, dear" she said. "let me intro
duce you to Toms friend, who will
take you in to supper" And Helen
turned to face the tall young man who
had been her companion upon the park
bench.
Instinctively her eyes sought his
watch pocket as he bowed stifiiy. The
locket was no longer there. Almost in
silence they descended the stairs and
took their places at one Of the small
tables.
r.