Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1911-06-08
Me LOcket:
Charm
By AGNES G. BROGAN
Copyright, 1910, by American Press
Association.
YHEN Lolita was married she
babe her friends a fearful

write Orten, DEAR" she said, cling
ing to Helen, land wear this little
locket which l have designed, that
you will not forget me. May my wish
come true and success ever attend
you"
The locket was square golden one,
and turquoise forgetmenot with
diamond center decorated the cover,
which flew open when one pressed
tiny spring, disclosing the words:
"From Lolita. Success Attend You"
Letters passed between the two girls
at first. but now, after three or four
years, it was often with feelings Of
deep conjunction that Helen would
write to her long neglected friend
while the locket glistened at her
throat. Then one day it slipped from
its golden chain and changed the
course Of Helen's life. Though late
in November, the weather was delight
full, and she decided to walk through
the park on her way to the library.
The bright sunshine tempted her to
rest for moment upon park bench,
and 1t was not until she had selected
q book at the library that she noticed
the chain hanging empty and retraced
her steps, searching nj the way for
the little charm. A young man was
sitting upon the bench which she had
| so lately vacated, a big blond man in
| gray tweed suit. He glanced up at
her as she approached. then continued
| writing hastily in notebook. Helen
| looked at him for moment startled
and then relieved for a silk fob was
| dangling from his watch pocket and
| from it suspended her own little lock-
| ct. Evidently the man had clasped 1t
there awaiting the return Of the own
er. Helen seated herself upon the OPP
posite end Of the bench and regarded
him furtively. How could she tact
fully open the subject?
Pardon me-" said the man, rising
hat in hand. Have you lost any.
thing"
Eyes, indeed" Helen told him. 81
dropped square gold locket here q
short time ago" Involuntarily hel
eyes sought his fob.
"Why. that's too bad" said the mar
genially. ALLOW me to help you look
! for it."
She stood amazed as he searched the
gravel with his cane and even remov
ed the heavy bench. going down upor
his knees to look beneath 1t. Seems
to have disappeared" he said, rising
flushed and troubled. ut has evident
ly been picked up. Was the locke
very valuable?"
II wouldn't have parted with it FOL
anything in the world" she said EN-
| phatically.
"Well. I'll tell you what to do" sale
the man, resuming his seat-"advertis,
in the papers and offer reward
Some one may bring it back"
Helen sat down upon the bench quite
bewildered. Surely the man could no
f1aunt the locket before her very eyes
In that manner If he were guilty. Per
haps, after all. there were other for
getmenot charms with diamond cen
ters. If she could only press the tin,
hidden spring she would know at one,
| TIC OWhcl bul uOW NOult
she say. Twill you let me see the In
side Of that locket. for believe 1t tt
be miner"
Then an idea occurred to her. Upol
the leather cover of his notebook wa
lettered distinctly, John W. Bryce
IS Citizens Building" She would
write n letter that very afternoon. SEM
it by special messenger and. quotin:
Lolita's inscription, prove her CLAIM
beyond all doubt And it would be 81
much easier to write upon this delicat
subject than to speak. AS she hur
ried away the man raised his hat ant
walked In an opposite direction.
When Helen was dressing for Mrs
Toms reception that evening she wa
handed the reply to her hasty note
1t began very abruptly:
The locket which you saw me wearin
this afternoon Is no longer in my pos
session. Not having opened it, / am un
able to satisfy you regarding the inscrip
ton. but can assure you very positivel
that the locket was not the one whic
you lost Truly yours.
JOHN W. BRYCE.
"Well," exclaimed Helen. "of all tn
GOODNESS! No longer In his possession
and no explanation whatever"
Her cheeks were still burning wit
Indignation when. accompanied by he
mother. she Joined the gay throng Il
Mrs. Toms brilliantly lighted home
She was the center Of little laughin
group when her hostess approached
Helen. DEAR" she said. '1et me intro
duce you to Toms friend. who wi
take you In to supper" And Hele
turned to face the tall young man VIII
had been her companion upon the par
bench.
Inshnctively her eyes sought hi
watch pocket as he bowed stifily. TIL
locket was no longer there Almost 4
silence they descended the stairs an
took their places at one OF the sma
tables.
At length Helen introduced the fol
hidden subject Il received your note,
she said. 'Just before came"
Mr.. Bryce flushed to the roots OF hi
blond hair. ut is unfortunate" b
said. that ] am unable to show yo'
, the locket. IL there had been IN
, slightest chance of It's having beer
yours / would have given 1t to yo'
when you told me Of your loss. I'M
fact IL tho locket was merely loane'
to me for-er-an occasion"
, ITO take a walk in the park, per
haps," suggested Helen sweetiy as sn'
: arose. II am very sorry. Mr.. Bryce
to have troubled you over 80 trivial