The Prescott daily news., 1913-09-01

WHEN ALL SIGNS FAIL
By CARRIE CLARKE.

perstitious, and had every omen of good or bad luck systematically cata- logued in the pigeonholes of her mem ory, and her days were spent trying to offset any calamity predestined by the i'll omen. Strung about her neck were several Egyptian amulets of good for tune four-leafed clover reposed in the left shoe; a rabbits paw occupied the inside pocket of her jacket; on her right hand was worn a moonstone ring; the god Billiken grinned his ap- proval of her devout worship at the shrine of luck from his throne on her dressing table.
 Helene was fair vision as she stood before the oval mirror drawing comb through her wavy bronze hair. She was dressing to receive Billy Pax ton, who came twice a week to bring a box of candy and pay his respects to mother" as Helene would tell you should you display curiosity enough to ask her.
 The last hairpin was finally placed in position, and Helene raised the COulD lO arrange lcW IclId dCtOI tresses, when it fell from her hand to the floor. "A disappointment" she said almost tearfully, and. going to the door, called: Betty! Betty, come here, 1 want you!"
 Her younger sister appeared. Please, dear pick up that comb for me-"
 Betty did as she was bid, grumbling the while. You and your old super stitions! l thought by your tragic voice something dreadful had hap pened, or l never would have come" Then she left the room with this part ing shot of sarcasm: Be careful to- night. Helene, dear, for 1t Is new moon. Look at it over your right shoul- der-or is it the left? It keeps one busy to remember correctly all the unfailing signs. I'll not see you any more this evening, so pleasant dreams. l am going to read"
 Helene donned her frock and looked critically at her reflection, and knew that she was looking better than usual Blue always was becoming, and Billy admired this more than any of her other gowns. Helene wondered if he cared very deeply for her It would be such a satisfaction to know, for during the three years of their friend ship Billy had never once become sen- timental enough to declare his devo- ton, but week after week maintained that comfortable, intimate, heart-stony affection which Is very gratifying, but which no girl of normal discrimination could mistake for love- Helene had reached a stage where Billy puzzled her, and she wanted to know what thoughts, concerning herself, lurked behind his gray eyes and placid coun- tenance. In the midst of these refiec- tions the doorbell rang, and she de- scended as the maid ushered Billy Pax ton to the drawing room. Helene found him ensconced in his customery armchairA but he arose to greet her as she entered. After the usual pleasant ries had been exchanged, he said: Do you mind going for walk, Helene? The night is glorious as only June iSoN7SSVhlcu CdH Ue. l WdHL you to come unprotestingly to wherever care to lead you. Do you consent?"
 'Is this to be an adventure that you speak so gravely, sir knight? If so. l trust myself entirely to your pro lection and we will start immediately" And they suited the words to action
 When she reached the open Helene scanned the heavens for the moon. and saw it over the wrong shoulder; then a black cat ran across the path and an owl hooted mournfully in the sycamore tree. A queer creepy sensation danced up and down Helene's spinal verte- brae. and she felt her pocket to see whether the rabbits foot was there but 1t was not. Crossing the park they started the peacocks that had roasted for the night, and these disagreeable fowls rent the peaceful air with theiI demoniac shrieks.
 Helene clutched Billy's arm in fran tic terror. Let us return; I am really frightened"