The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-07-21
THE EVENING STORY
The Man who Told the Truth.
(By Virginia Dupuy Holton. }

10y virginia Dupuy HOltOn.)
Frederic Stratton. musical critic of
city paper. sat listening to the voice
of the literally advertised Lenora
Wardelle.
Beautiful, she certainly was, as pro-
claimed; of her heralded riches, as
the orphan heiress of the late Simon
Warde1le, South African diamond
owner, he had no doubt. But as to
her voice which had conquered the
critics of other cities. it was in his
opinion, entirely unworthy of the fav-
orable comment it had received. From
information which by reason of his
position he was able to obtain, he
knew of the enormous expenditure
upon her training in Paris and the
rivaling sum she had spent in adver-
Using her tour.
BY the time he had heard her Sec
ond and third numbers Stratton, with
the quick grasp of an intelligent
mind which knows its subject, was
convinced that she had bought her way
to fame.
That she was possessed Of an ex-
ceedingly engaging personality he
became keenly aware when later in the
evening at a supper given for her he
found himself next to her. This priv
lege he enjoyed by reason of his pa
per's prestige.
The evening proved most discomfort
ing. What right had he to covet
sincerity from the soft Madonna eyes
as they smiled graciously into his?
Was he not soon to be married to an
could not suppress feeling of disap
pointment that the kindness she
showed him was given to the critic
not the man. Had he been more of
an egotist he might have discerned
the admiration mingled with the
smiles accorded him in the many up
ward glances.
Stratton left her that night with
burning sense of discomfort. He found
himself reluctant to give the public
an adverse criticism of her, and yet
such was plainly his duty. What de-
light would have been his, in voicing
the praise of the other critics.! AT
the last moment he sent in his copy,
handled as skillfully as he could and
yet give the public the truth as he
saw it.
1t was well toward morning before
he fell into a troubled sleep; in fact,
Miss Wardelle's maid, Lizette, pro-
cured the morning paper for her mis-
tress. Never did Lizette remember
such impotence.
Hastily finding the critics corner,
the Young singer at first skinned
quickly over the article she sought.
The words seemed to scar her very
brain as she encountered restricted
vocal powers sympathetic tones
with conscientious treatment,
advice to confine herself to simple
ballads and lullabies, rather than
concert arias and such technical dis
play" -.
Again and again she read teach
time more carefully-until finally she
gave way to uncomfortable sobs. Nor
could Lizette tempt her with break
fast.
When later in the. day, from very
excess of sympathy after reading the
iznffc flashed.
Monsieur is indeed brute to write
so!'
mo. Lizette, her mistress was
bv this time ominously calm-'he is
the one man who has told the srusni
1.-THE truth And should mademoi-
seile waste her superb voice in lula
bies?" Her scorn fell full upon the
last word. :.
well say no more about it. Ii
zette.'' The quiet tone was none the
less decisive, and Lenora Wardelle,
under the protective cover OF the
elastic word Temperament" Cancelled
her other engagements and sailed Ior
France without knowing ing t lna' trn sf
lost his position because OF the ar
ticIe against one who had spent so
literally for advertising in the
paper he represented
Frederic stratton, now editor of
a prospecting magazine, had brought
his four-year-old son, cripple, 70
paris that he might have the care OF
a certain celebrated surgeon
The same scrupulouS principle
which had cost the former critic so
dearly six years ago in adherlng TO
the courage of his convlctlon concern
inc 7 erora Wardelle's voice had COM
manded him to marry the girl 70 Wnom
he was pledged at that time. She had
died at the birth of their only chlld,
hut the sadness which now SAT IN ms
ewes spoke rather OF a happiness
which had eluded him instead OF
something lost.
nitaI where the boy was undergoing
treatment his mind dwelt with annoy
ing persistency upon Lenora war
dele. Here in Paris all OF the oIo
lonrinp he had fought so hard these
Years to smother seemed to burst from
TIC shoulder he now knew had al
WAYS existed. into dogged flame
Would she see him if he made an
effort7 Had she forgiven him and
understood the formal compulsion un-
der which he had spoken the truth
Something told him that she had.
Rv the time he had reached the
hospital, however. a fafherly soiicltuoe
he sought the nurse for admission TO
The distinguished looking American
father to the motherless little boy
held more than passing interest " the
nurses of ST. Croix hospital, and in
their superstition that he knew no
French they spoke with unguarded adj
rniration concerning his clear cut fea-
lures and the erect bearing.
"You can go right in, monsieur"
the nurse bade him in very good En-
eIish. But walk SOFTLY" she caution
ed ssfor mademoise1le was singing
him to sleep a little while ago.
ssWhat mademoise1le? Stratton
questioned
ssWhy. the mademoisel1e who sings
for all of the children every Sunday
afternoon" Her eyes sparkled with
a., -a~< ava ornH In rnnNHfuv n hff