Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1915-08-05
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IN 9 ID R 4 III =
a COMEDY r o ~ AANC
Bx EARL DERR BIGGERS
Ao 81 SEVEN KEYS TO BALDPATE
Cory.rcHrEn TIE EoDss- MERRILL COMPANY

SIG care cuOtSu IOl lhd.' G1AeAAooA'
enough, burning tears filed her eyes.
Hot revolt surged into her heart. She
stood lookins down
Meanwhile the other members OF
the dinner party were gathering with
tender solcitude about their hostess
in the ballroom beyond. Dick Mlnot,
hopeless, glum. stalked moodily among
them. Into the crowd drifted Jack
Paddock, his sprightly air noticeably
lacking. his eyes worried, dreadful.
For the love of heaven Minot
asked. as they stepped together Into
a secluded corner, what ails your
BE gentle with me, boy" said Pad.
dock unhappily I'm in horrible
mess. The graft, Dick-the good old
graft. It's over and done with now
What do you mean?'
sIt happened last night after our
wild chase of Harrowby-I was fussed
excited | prepared two sets OF
repartee for my two customers to use
tonight
"Yes?"
81 always make carbon copies to re-
fer to myself just before the stuff 1s
to be used. A few minutes ago took
out my copies. Dick! sent the same
renartee to both of them!'
Good lord!"
Good lord is meek and futile. So
is damn Put on your little rubber
coat, my boy. l predict hurricane.
In spite of his own troubles, Minot
laughed.
"Mirth, eh?' said Paddock grimly.
az can't see it that way. I'll be as
popular as a republican in Texas be-
fore this evening is over, Got a
couple of hasty rapid-fire designations
all ready. Thought at first wouldn'
come-but that seemed cowardly
Anyway, this is my last appearance
on any stage as librettist. kindly
omit flowers"
And Mr.. Paddock drifted sloomily
away.
While the servants were passing
cocktails on cleaning trays, Mino.
found the door to the balcony and
stepped outside A white wrath nit
ted from the shadows to his side.
"Mr. Minot," said a soft, scared
little voice.
"Ah-Miss Meyrick," he cried.
Merciful fate this, that they met
for the first time since that Incident
on the ramparts in kindly darkness.
Miss Meyrick." began Minot hur'
riedly, I'm very glad to have a mo-
ment alone with you. / want 10 apoio
gize-for last night was mad dlo
narrowly very palpable wrong. I'm
very ashamed of myself as | look
back. Can I hope that you will-for'
get-all l said?"
She did not reply, but stood LOOKING
down at the palms far below.
"Can l hope that you will forget
and forgiven
She glanced up at him, ana ner eyes
shone in the dusk. ~.
81 can forgive" she said softly. but
T can't forget. MINI. Mlnot-
"Yes?"
"What- what-is- woman's great
est privilege"
Something in the tone OF her voice
sent a cold chill sweeping through
Minot's very soul. He clutched the
rail for support. ...
Tiff you'd answer" said the girl,
eft would make 1t easier for
Aunt Mary's generous form appear
ed in the doorway.
oh there you are, Cynthia! You
are keeping the duchess dinner wait
ing"
Cynthia Meyrick Joined her aunt.
Minot stayed behind moment. Be"
low him Florida swan in the azure
night. What had the girl been about
to say?
Pulling himself together, he went
inside and learned that he was to
take in to dinner glorious blond
bridesmaid. When they were seated
he found that Miss Meyricks face was
hidden from him by a profusion OF
Florida blossoms. He was glad Oh
that. He wanted to think-think.
A few others were thinking at that
table, Mrs. Bruce and the duchess
among them. Mrs, Bruce was men,