Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1910-09-15
: His 4.
Lucky
Star
BY AGNES C. BROGAN


hotel looking undecidedly up and
down the long business street. The
June night was oppressively warm.
not breath of air seemed to be stir
ring in this overcrowded portion OF
the city. Finally he lit cigar and
strolled slowly along. wondering If in
all that great mass Of humanity there
was one other creature as utterly
lonely and foresaken as himself. There
was not one familiar face to greet his
eyes, not one friendly voice to speak
his name, upon this side OF the At
lantic.
His search for employment In New
York had been fruitless. He had hoped
to meet with better success in this
smaller city. but encouragement met
him upon every side.
Absorbed in gloomy meditation, for
getful of his surroundings, he walked
on through the beautiful residence dis
trict. until the sound of music coupled
with happy laughing voices, caused
him to raise his eyes suddenly. Be
for him stretched a high brick garden
wall whose heavy overhanging trees
brought a memory-and a fresh pang
of inconsistencies.
Brilliantly lighted Japanese lanterns
twinkled everywhere, and as he turned
the corner he saw large white pla-
card which read: Lawn Fete for the
benefit of the Guild Mission Come in
and help the good cause"
A young man clad In white linen
suit stood at the entrance to the
grounds, proclaiming, through a meg
aphone. the many attractions to be
found inside. The stranger hesitated
a moment; a rustic bench beneath a
spreading tree appeared very inviting
after his long tramp. He paid the adj
mission fee and joined the gay throng
passing through the gateway.
He had seated himself In secluded
corner when a very vision of lowell
ness in the form of young girl bear
ing a basket of flowers appeared be-
fore him.
"Will you buy some roses for the
benefit of the mission?" she begged.
There was no resisting the smile
which accompanied her plea. The man
promptly handed over dollar-and
his supply of dollars was running ex-
ceedingly low. The girl thanked him
charmingly and sought another vic
tim.
She was Immediately followed by
purveyor Of candy, but this time the
stranger resolutely shook his head.
Il must breakfast upon roses" he told
the persistent young saleswoman.
Would you have me dine upon can
dy?" And thereupon he withdrew
still further into the corner to be out
OF range OF these enthusiastic help
ers.
Directly across the pathway white
tent flap stood open showing it's in
mates clad In fantastic gypsy cos
tunes, and over the doorway stretched
a sign:
Cynthia, the only true and reliable
reader of fortunes, assisted by her
band of educated Gypsies, would re-
veal the future, and give valuable ad-
vice concerning the same for the small
sum OF so cents"
The man smiled ironically into the
darkness and the troubled frown
again appeared upon his forehead.
There was wild burst of music from
the orchestra, then suddenly and ST.
lently from out of the shadows came
girl. who stood peering into his
face. She wore gypsy dress and
strings OF scarlet beads were woven
through the braids of her heavy let
black hair; bracelets and bangles
covered the round brown arms. She
flashed smile at him.
Like TO have your fortune told?"
she asked.
The man again shook his head ct
am afraid that the future will have
to remain an awful blank" he said
for ] have squandered my last ready
dollar upon these COMPOUNDED flowers"
The girl pursed her red lips. We'll"
she suggested, Il might tell II for the
roses"
Agreed" he answered and extend
ed his palm, but she raised her face
to the sky.
Il do not read palms. she said in
her soft musical voice. II read the
message of the stars"
The man laughed "All right" he
said; go on"
She looked at him defiantly through
half closed lids.
20. you do not believe in nv mower
to predict" she said. Then 7 shall
convince you by telling your past"
That" he answered, would be de-
cidedly interesting"
you are" she began, "a stranger in
a strange land"
my accent" he grumbled. has he
trayed me-"
mo" tho girl replied. 1T "a not
your accent. Mr. Harry Ashton"
The man gave a perceptible start.
then smiled. You have evidently
been in England. fair prophecies he
said, "and l have been pointed ont IN
you by some one OF my admiring
friends" There was slight bitter.