Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1915-02-23

Of the 10y Of meeting John Ward and
perhaps-but Martha did not let her
thoughts go further than the meeting.
It was a week before the half ex-
pected happened. The great Matinee
idol did receive the locket, and ne dld
make his way to Martha Helder
studio.
The conceit with which many act
ors make their way in the world was
not lacking in John Ward. An all-con-
suming curiosity as to the personality
of the girl whose name and address ne
had found in the locket which had been
sent anonymously to him led the actor
to make his way leisurely toward that
address. He had donned his most De-
coming habiliments and his most en- :
trancing manner. Surely girl VINO mad
so lost her heart to him was worthy
at least a call Of inspection. She would
be quite overcome upon seeing him. or
that Ward was certain. He thought,
deep in his heart, that perhaps the girl
herself. wishing to know him, had sent
the locket in the hope that he would
present himself at her studio door.
Martha, being guiltless either OF the
I flattery or the indiscretion OF seeking
an introduction Of her idol, controlled
the wild beating Of her heart when his
card was presented to her, and went in
to meet him.
When he had introduced himself,
which was quite unnecessary. and had
held Martha's hand an unnecessary
length of time-the while he smiled
softly into her eyes-John Ward drew
forth the locket.
II am flattered that one of our
greatest miniature painters shoulo
have chosen so unworthy subject Tor
the expression of her art he said, and
smiled that peculiarly fascinating smile.
This locket containing my likeness
was sent to me anonymously, ana,
finding an address engraved within |
took the liberty"
Address! What address," exclaim-
ed Martha, while a spot of red famed
either cheek.
The actor drew unpardonably near to
her and showed her the fine engraving
within the locket Martha's name and
address had been deliberately carved
therein.
She drew a swift breath and her
steady eyes held off the flowery speech
that was on John Wards lips.
II have no Idea how my address came
to be engraved there. l have painted
miniatures Of all our well-known actors
for friend Of mine who is an lnVeter-
ate collector" Martha lied glibly. she
knew that the situation required dras-
tic measures if she were to extricate
herself gracefully 81 will have to take
that ivory out Of the locket now She
looked quickly at John Ward and
laughed softly as if at good joke.
How very funny" she added. 1T al
most looks as if some person was try
ing to make trouble between my fiance
and myself as we'll as putting you to a
great deal Of trouble to return the
! iocket"
John Ward bowed himself not I'm
gracefully out of Martha's studio. He
| felt and not without reason, that he
| had made a great mistake in thinking
| the girl capable Of hopeless passion
for himself. Martha had played her
| part well.
When the elevator had descended
! with her caller Martha dropped into
! the nearest chair and pondered with all
| her might Who had taken her locket
from her studio with the deliberate in
| tention Of bringing John Ward and her
together? Some one who desired to see
| her engagement to Alan Dobie broken.
| OF that Martha was certain. She never
quite knew what prompted her to go
| Immediately to the telephone and call
up Alan.
do you happen to know anything