The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1913-09-11

when ALL SIGNS FAIL
BY CARRIE CLARKE

Helene Ramsey was extremely SUI
perstitious, and had every omen Of
good or bad luck systematically cata-
logued in the pigeonholes Of her men,
DRY, and her days were spent trying to
Offset any calamity predestined by the
Ill omen. Strung about her neck were
several Egyptian amulets of good for
tune; a four-leafed clover reposed in
the left shoe; a rabbits paw occupied
the inside pocket Of her jacket; on her
right hand was worn moonstone
ring; the god Bilhken grinned his ap-
prevail of her devout worship at the
shrine Of luck from his throne on her
dressing table.
Helene was a fair vision as she
stood before the oval mirror drawing a
comb through her wavy bronze hair.
She was dressing to receive Billy Pax
ton, who came twice a week to bring
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
comb to arrange a few refractory
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,
l 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! I thought by your tragic
voice something dreadful had hap
pened, or I never would have come"
Then she left the room with this part
ing shot of sarcasm: "Be careful to-
night, Helene, dear, for it is new
moon. Look at it over your right shout
der-or is it the left? 1t keeps one
busy to remember correctly all the
unfailing signs. I'll not see you any
more this evening, SO pleasant dreams.
I 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. 1t 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 main tanned
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-
lions the doorbell rang, and she de-
scended as the maid ushered Billy Pax
ton to the drawing room. Helene
found him ensconced in his customary
armchair, 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 4 June,
rose-scented night can be. l want you
to come unprotestingly to wherever l
care to lead you. Do you consent"
"Is this to be an adventure that you
speak so gravely, sir knight? If SO,
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
q 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 it was not Crossing the park they
started the peacocks that had roasted
for the night, and these disagreeable
fowls rent the peaceful air with their
demoniac shrieks.
Helene clutched Billy's arm in fran
tic terror. LET us return; am really
frightened"
Nonsense" said the phlegmatic
Billy, you are coming with me-"
On he led her, never pausing until
they reached the hedge surrounding
pretty house. Then Billy spoke
again. "This is the parsonage, Hell
enc, and I have arranged for the min
lister to marry us tonight. For long
time l have loved you, but hesitated
to tell you because knew that you
would never select a wedding day un-
til all the signs pointed to luck, and
that would mean months of waiting,
for this is 1913-your objection num-
Der one" ~.
"But I don't want to marry you,"
gasped Helene. II am afraid"
20, yes you do, and you must get
over your fear. Give me your hand,
Helene!"
She tremblingly obeyed, and over
the third finger of her left hand he
slipped ring. Helene shuddered as
she saw the opal surrounded with dia-