The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1910-07-22

The Man Who I old the Truth
BY VIRGINIA. DUPUY HOLTON

Copyright. 1910. by Associated Literary pressJ
Frederic stratton musical critic OF a city paper
SAT- listening to the voice of the literally advertised
Lenora wardelle
Beautiful. she certainly was as proclaimed: of
her heraded riches. the orphan OF the late
Simon Wardelle. South African diamond owner he
had no doubt. But her voice, which had con-
quered the critics OF in his opinion
entirely unworthy Of the favorable comment it
received From Information which by reason of h,s
position he was able to obtain he knew of the enor-
rNaling sum she had spent Id advertising her tour
BY the time he had heard second and third
numbers stratton. with the quick grasp Intel
nsent mind which knows its subject, was convinced
that she had bought her way fame.
That she was possessed Of exceedingly engaging
personality he became keeniy when later Ia
me me evening at a supper given for her he found
reason of his papers prestige
Inc evening proved most dsconcerting. what
right had he TO covert sincerity from the
eyes as they smiled gracously into his? Was
not son to be married to another? And yet. try as
he would. ne could suppress a feeling OF dis
appointment that the kindness she showed him was
given TO the critic--not the man. Had he been
of egotist he might have dscerned admiration
mingled with the smiles accorded him in the many
upward glances.
stratton left her that night with a burning sense
of discomfort. He found himself give
pubic an adverse criticism OF her and yet
plainly his duty. What delight would have been his
In volcing the praise Of the other critics At the
last moment he sent in his copy. handled skiifuy
as he could and yet give the public the truth ne
saw 1t.
1t was well toward morning before he fell q
troubled sleep; in fact it was almost the hour
thst MISS "ardeiies maid Lizette procured the
morning paper for his mistress. Never could Lixetts
remember such Impotence.
Dndfng critics
at first skinned quickly the article sought
The words seemed to her very brain
encountered restricted powers" sympathetic
tones with conscientious treatment" "a quality OF
voice which compelled the advice conhne herself
simple ballads and ullabies rather concert aras
and such technical display"
Again and again she read it--eaeh time more care
sobs Nor could Lizette tempt her with breakfast
When later In tho day. from OF
pathy after reading the criticism, Lizette flashed:
Monsieur is indeed brute to write SOL
NO. Lixette"-her mistress by time
truth"
The truth And should mademoiselie waste her
Wen say more about it, Lizette" The quiet
under the protective OF the elastic
permanent cancelled her other engagements and
who had dared tell the truth lost his position
of the article against who had literally
for advertisement in the paper he represented
Frederick stratton. editor OF prospecting
magazine. had brought his four year-old a Grip
pie to Paris that he might have the care of GER
tain celebrated surgeon.
former critic so dearly six years ago inSadherng to
the courage of his conviction concerning Lenora war
to whom he was pledged at that time. She had died
at the birth OF their only child but the which
now sat in his spoke rather Of happiness which
had eluded him instead OF something lost.
AS he left his hotel for the hospital where the boy
was undergoing treatment his mind dwelt with
noying presidency upon Lenora Wardele Here In
Paris all OF the old longing he had fought 50 hard
s1nolder he now knew had always existed into
logged flame
Would she him If he made effort7 Had
she forgiven him and understood the moral compul-
sion under which he had spoken the truth? some
thing told him that she had.
BY the time he had reached the hospital however
fatherly solicitude had crowded these thoughts
and he sought the nurse for admission to his
The distinguished looking American father to the
motheress little boy held more than passing In
terest to the nurses at ST. Crox hospital ana in
their supposition that he knew French they spoke
with unguarded admiration concerning his clear
features
You can right in. monsieur" the nurse bad him
in very good English But walk SOFTLY" she
toned, flor mademoiseie singing him to sleep
a little while ago"
What mademoiselle?" Stratton questioned
Why the mademoselle who sings for all the
children every Sunday afternoon" Her eyes sparkied
with awakened IN connding q bit OF gossip,
They say she had some great disappointment-gave
up the stage devotss her beautifully trained
children in all the hospitals She's taken a particular
fancy to your boy" she added. "To-days the nrst
time she's him and she's been back to him
twice"
"Indeedp stratton remarked. disappointed that
should happen to be there at the very time he
had chosen to visit the child.
hope that she had by this left, walked
quickly down the corridor, but he neared the
he heard soft grooming. Suddenly
thing stirred within him! softly ne turned
the knob until the door stood slightly atar. Tho
picture before him quickened his pulse throb almost
suocation. for there hts sleeping chilo bent
Ienora wardelle lovely than in her ma
bodybuilding the mission he had destined for
grooming lullaby.
For the Ugliest Man.
Jerry johnson. the man what's got en-" offers
gal on of cid sort IA heft tn