The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-07-02

| " EM$HT like in it's innocence. Just outside | s(e&8E&As the swinging doors of The Friv- SWaD S"s olity-the newest of the glittering Ex%2sassz,$ The Dansants of Broadway-she sztfaaksssSS standing, her skirts clutched nervously in small gloved hand and her big, staring eyes never losing chance to \ sweep the gay within, whenever the doors chanced to swing open. Mona Burnett reached across the small table in the corner of the cafe, and catching Mary Hartley's arm, directed the
 others attention to the girl outside the swinging
 doors, who looked so strangely out of place. Mary
 studied the furtive1y watching figure for a mo- ment in silence.
 It was obvious that the girl outside was seek ing some one-and that she was both hopeful and fearful that the search would be successful. The girl behind the doors had stepped in quick, nervous fashion into the big cafe. For a moment she stood uncertainty, though muster ing all her resources for the ordeal ahead of her. Then with long breath she crossed the room hurredly, her little head held high, her eyes cold and hard. Now the watchers could see that she was dressed with quiet elegance, hinting wildly of comfortable income and luxurious home, and that there was the air of real breeding in
 every feature of her face. She had the object Of her search, and he was mana stockiy- built man of middle age with forid face, and carefully waxed mustache, who acting cort to young woman, whose every feature, from her penciled eyebrows to her extremely cut gown cried out her character.
 The advancing girl reached the table, and paused, as his companion, sensing the situation, also looked up The three made tableau, sub
 
 first, but strive they would, neither Mary Mona able to hear the words that fell from his lips. But they saw the girls face go white, and then dull red spot glowed in her cheeks, and she caught the edge of the table, leaning for ward, and speaking in low, vibrant voice. Ihe next instant, waiter, beckoned at sudden ges- ture from the forid-faced man, glided to the scene, and took the girls arm. "The brute! The big, hullling, red-faced brutev gasped Mona. "He is ordering that poor little thing ejected!"
 It was true. The thing was done discreetly and with dispatch.
 Mona tossed a bill on the table, and rose quickly.
 "I am going to follow her! Hurry, Mary We'll be able to catch her at the street." The two girls reached the marble hall outside just in time to see the diminutive figure ahead
 clutch for instant at the street door, and then step out onto the crowded walk. They caught her You pool dearw said Mona in low, sooth- ing voice, they took hold of the others "We what happened at the cafe, and fol- lowed you on purpose. Won't you tell us all about it?"
 The three turned into quiet tea room on
 cross street, where Mary selected a retired table in the rear
 Now, if you will tell us your story-or as much of it you like, perhaps think of something that will help you" My name is Meadows Minnie Meadows she began. q am, rather was, the ward of Amos Fuller"
 Amos Fuller, the banker?" queried Mona. "Yes. That-that MT. Fuller whom I spoke to at the cafew
 Mona's glance expressed amazement and the other shrugged bitterly
 'I know it is hard to believe-hard to believe that like Mir. Fuller would be found at
 tango cafe at this hour of the day. But it is true am afraid that the call of the white lights has been more than he could refuse-and they say that when man of his age goes astray he falls harder than anyone else! Until two three years ago he an entirely different man na S1<ad YOu See, when my father died was left quite lot of money and MT. Fuller made my guardian l always supposed that would have everything wished, and would have thought it nothing but nightmare had anyone ever hinted that would some day find myself in the position I am now in. But gradually things began to change. Mrs. Fuller, who is several years younger than her husband began to gc out more in ciety. the kind of society that wasn't very good for her. At last she took to gambling, and so on, and she and MT. Fuller had many bitter quar- rels. But she very jealous of him in spite of these and she took it into her head that her hus band was beginning to fall in love with me. Of course, that was absurd! Then one day Mir. Full Ter came to me. and told me that if I made to him the estate which father had left, he could
 invest it that it would bring in double as much Income for me. I don't know anything at all about business and had always trusted him! So
 did what he told me to do. and signed lot of papers and"
 Mona patted her hand softly as she realized what was coming
 Minnie Meadows flashed her glance of gratitude.
 T guess the rest of it is the old, old story of a girl waking up to find that everything she had in the world has been taken from her. and
 that she is helpless to save herself. Mrs. Fuller told me that she didn't like the attentions her husband was showing me, and made matters so unpleasant for that had to appeal to Mr. Fuller and ask him for enough of my money to take little fiat of my own Then he told me he was sorry, but that didn't have any money any more-that it had been lost in unfortunate specu- lation, or something. All I could understand was that l was thrown out into the world without money or home or friends and that didn't have any way to make a living for myself. I pawned the rings which had, and got little room in boarding house, and answered all sorts of news paper ads for girls, but there didn't seem any place where I could fit. Then I grew desperate,
 and tried to reach MT. Fuller again, but whenever I called at the bank they told me that he 'out, or too busy to see me. knew something of his habits, and decided to wait for him at The Irivolity. The scene which you saw the sult"
 The sears started to the girls eyes, and her shoulders quivered. Mona and Mary forced the girl to accept loan and promised to secure position for her.
 Baek in their own apartments the girls fell asSSsses.