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


fact Is the locket was merely loaned
to me for-er-an occasion"
ITO take walk In the park. per
haps," suggested Helen sweetly as she
arose. 81 am very sorry, Mr.. Bryce,
to have troubled you over so trivial
matter"
The man stood frowning as Mrs
Tom again appeared. Pardon me for
interrupting you two" she began, 'but
I have a favor to ask of you, Helen
Maurice Malcolm has arrived. Every
one Is wild about his tenor voice, and
he has consented to sing for us pro-
vided / find an accompanist. Imme
diately thought Of you, my dear"
"Why, certainly | will play" said
Helen and followed her hostess with
a sigh Of relief.
Maurice Malcolm bowed low before
her with look of alteration in his
dark eyes. $50 kind Of you," he muir
INJURED. And Helen soon became alb.
sorbed in her music, forgetting all else
save the wonderful voice which echoed
through the room. When the applause
had ceased he bent over her.
ut is YOU" said he. "who have made
my song a success"
But Helen was staring increduously
at the forgetmenot charm suspended
from his silken fob "Who gave you
that locket?" she demanded CURLY.
The singer Strengthened suddenly and
looked surprised
81 beg your pardon" he said coldly.
Then she smiled
at is such beautiful design" she
said and held out her hand. May
see it,"
Unclasping the locket, he laid it il
her palm. Would you mind II
opened it?''
The singer smiled. at took me some
time to find the hidden spring" he
said. ALLOW me to show you how"
But her finger unaided had found
the spring Her friends name with
its curling IL" and the well known
motto were dancing before her eyes.
"Mr. Malcolm" she said quickly,
'this is strange; friend gave me the
NCls VI lhlo iONhNl oCNCldi
years ago. and | lost it today in the
park"
THAT was indeed unfortunate" said
the singer. THE owner Of this little
charm desired me to wear 1t this even.
ing. She has had 1t for a number of
years"
Helen's fingers frightened about the
locket as the man held out his hand
to receive it.
Mrs. Tom came toward them, bevy
Of laughing girls in her train. MIR.
Malcolm" she called. ''come and he
introduced" The man hesitated. III
you please?" he said peremptorily,
looking at Helen.
Reluctantly she surrendered the
golden trinket and turned away. Per
haps Mr. Bryce had not deceived her
after all. She was strangely pleased
at the thought and decided at least
TO tell him Of her new discovery. She
found him sitting in secluded corner,
screened from view by palms and
plants and apparently lost in gloomy
meditation. Helen joined him uncere-
moniously.
II have seen it again" she announc-
ed. His face Frightened rs she en-
tered
81 am afraid | do not understand
you" he replied.
"Mr. Malcolm is wearing my locket,"
she explained. Inscription and all
Did you give it to him.
IL never saw the man before" he
said sOemnly He has probably been
fortunate enough to find your lost
charm and will return it to you"
Helen shook her head. "He says it
is not mine" She looked up at him
meaningy. IL suppose it has been
loaned TO him for IAN occasion. "
See here"' said Mr.. Bryce indig-
nantly. He ought TO give better
explanation You wait here for Il few
moments while | hunt the fellow up
and find out"
The girl seemed TO have forgotten
her animosity toward Mr.. Bryce
"How good you are" she said, and
the look in her eyes was catering.
But when he returned his face wore
perpleXed frown
"yid you GET the locket?" she asked
eagerly. The man avoided her eyes.
at is no longer in his possession"
he said
"Well. where is it, she persisted.
Mr.. Bryce spoke very slowly. He
seemed To think it was none of my
affair
II see" said Helen. and her friendly
feeling toward the young man fed
GOOD evening. Mr. Bryce"
His tall figure blocked the passage.
One moment. please, before you go"
he said desperately. May call some
time if am able TO bring an eXplana-
ton of this annoying AFFAIR.""
You may call" she answered weari
ly. when you can return my locket
to me-" He bowed and stood aside
for her TO pass.
Later. when Helen's mother was