Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1910-09-15


Proceed" he said. II am completely
mystified."
There is an old crumbling manor
house in England" she continued
dreamily. mot much money there, /
think, but, o! a great deal of pride,
and you offended that pride very deep
ly when you sought the stage as a
profession. 1t was unjust of your
mother to disown her youngest son,
but now that an actors life seems
dstasteful to you, hope your ambi-
ton may be realiZed-that you may
make a name and place for your
self in this new country. Thus far"
she questioned, you have met with
discouragement-is II not so?"
The man sat staring into her up
turned face.
Yes" he answered shortly, that is
all very wonderful and all very true.
and It is no easy matter for an un-
known man to gain foothold in the
business world when one has no pre-
vious experiencing recommends
lions to offer"
The girl threw out her hands and
the bangles jingled And yet" she
cried, you were born under a lucky
star so henceforth you shall rise, you
will attain great prominence and
wealth" She smiled at these oft
quoted words. BE faithful, be indus
trious. See-I shall give the message Of
your own particular star" She drew a
paper and pencil from the pocket of her
crimson skirt, and writing rapidly,
folded the note note and placed It in
his hand. then catching up the sheath
of roses and laughing at his bewilder-
ment. she was lost among the passing
crowd.
Mechanically Ashton unfolded the
note and read: Call at the office of
the NJ V. r. r.. New York city,
Thursday afternoon between the
hours of nine and ten o'clock and ask
to see Charles Alden, the vicepresi
dent"
He crumpled the paper excitedly
and looked in vain for the girls be-
witching face. Who was this little
creature who was so well acquainted
with his Improbable past? Was she
merely hooking him, or could it be
possible that the few written words
held the slightest possibility Of a
chance?
He hurried over and entered the
tent where a number of gypsies were
evidently packing up preparatory to
leaving for the night. Ashton was
astonished to find that they were true
Romany people beyond doubt.
IL am searching for a young girl
who has been telling my fortune" he
explained to dark stout woman OF
the tribe. "She did not seem to be
one of your people"
"No fortune has been told here to-
night except by my people" the wom-
an answered decidedly, IF you don't
see the girl here now she has gone
home"
He wandered about the grounds and
peeped into the booths until the mu-
sicians encased their instruments and
departed; but the reader of the stars
had completely disappeared.
When he visited the scene OF the
lawn fete upon the following day, no
trace OF last nights festivities re-
manned. Ashton re-read the scrubbed
directions, and then smiling at his
own folly, packed his trunk and board
ed train for New York The very
air OF the morning seemed filled with
a new hopefulness as he FASTENED
along Broadway, and 1t was not until
he had given the card bearing his
unknown name to an attendant who
guarded the entrance to the vice
presidents private sanctum, that
Ashton became appalled,. all at once.
at his own rashness. He was consid-
ering flight when the man returned.
"Mr. Alden will see you at once"
he said.
Eth" the Englishman exclaimed.
This way. please, the man re-
sponded, and Ashton found himself
standing stupidity quiet in the pres
ence of man whose shrewd eyes
seemed to be reading him through
and through
You have no letters OF recon-
mendation, ] believe, Mr.. Ashton ?"
the vice-president asked
These pertaining to my character
alone" he replied
The man at the desk smiled as he
looked over the letters and Ashton
flushed.
Very well. the vice-president said
at length. I'VE will take you on trial;
you must prove yourself There is a
chance OF advancement here for the
right person, Mr.. Ashton. We have
no use for the other kind"
He went to his hotel that night and
drew a picture from memory OF the
girl whose face haunted all his
waking hours. Lest forget" he
said. but never ceased his unavailing
search for a glimpse of her in every
crowded place.
Then he settled Gown to work with
a determination and a thoroughness
OF understanding which we're sure TO
win success. He allowed himself
three days vacation during the sum-
mer, and these three days were spent