Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-03-20

Marina was SltunR IN the small res
taurant on upper Broadway having
luncheon when plot registered itself
in her conscious mind 1t was not an
extraordinarily good plot, yet, since
she had so many stories to write, each
one was worth remembering for future
use.
It was seldom that Martha found
herself without her notebook. This
however. proved to be one Of those
rare occasions
This is unpreparedness with ven.
geance,' she scolded herself when dill
igent search through her pocketbook
and small change purse failed to pro.
duce either pad or pencil you've no
right to be a SCRIBE" she added to her
self.
However. Martha soon supplied her
lack by asking for pencil from the
waiter and by making use of the menu
card She wrote very swiftly for a
moment or two. The plot developed
rather easily and she had covered
half the card with fine writing before
she ceased.
The waiter brought in a savory
crab meat connection and set it be-
fore Martha and so delicious was it's
flavor that plots and the writing Of
plots were entirely forgotten.
Martha never fingered over meals,
because she seldom had any time to
spare. Consequently. she ate quickly
paid the waiter hurriedly and went
swiftly out of the restaurant and
along Broadway.
The rather serious-looking young
man who took the chair vacated by
Martha was interested sufficiently in
his menu card to glance at both front
and back of it. On the front he saw
names of dainty edibles from which
he made selection and on the back
he found Marthas hurriedly written
plot for a story
This is more than prayed for"
the young man, and pro-
ceeded to read all that he could of
Martha's almost illegible writing: "a
story to read and a good lunch all for
40 cents
. He had scarcely finished the story
and decided that it wasn't bad, but it
could be wonderfully improved. when
a stormy-eyed girl came into the res
taurant and stood beside him Looking
up, John Durant questioned with his
eyes.
May I please have the menu card
you just put in your pocket?" Martha
demanded. 81 left it here but a
moment ago.
"Sit down. suggested Durant and
stood up as If welcoming friend. He
saw gathering cloud on Marthas
face and added swiftly, Don't make a
scene l hate scenes and besides
want to talk to you about the story
if it really belongs to you" Durant
felt that he might anger her SUFFICIENT
ly to make her forget convention. His
theory proved correct. Martha sat
down angrily opposite him after a
quick glance at the approaching wait
er.
Il could never come in her again for
my lunch ifsI made a scene" she
argued to herself. and they do make
such excellant Salads" She glanced
swiftly at the young man who was
off the situation with such
to her cheeks.
Nov if We try to look pleasant and
like old friends" said Durant. "our
waiter won't think We are quareling
horribly. hate to quarrel"
Martha summoned a smile. It was
not difficult.
Eyes, thank you" she said in an.
swer to his request that she join him
in cup Of coffee.
Now" Durant said, when he had
Martha comfortably established be-
hind the coffee and a small sherbet.
Il want to tell you that while the story
written on this menu is rather we'll
I can give you far better
material for the ending" He proceed
ed to outline the story. but brought a
wonderful climax into 1t that quite as
tonished Martha.
ooh! That is heaps better" she ex-
claimed enthusiastically and sent 4
brilliant glance into Eurant's eyes.
Rather good assented Durant,
think ing OF the eyes. Now if you
write that STORY as have outlined it
and send it to the Sunlight Magazine
feel reasonably sure that youu get a
nice check In return. 1t looks to me as
II that story y Just IN their line.
Martha was delighted.
1T is very good Of you to suggest
the Sunlight hadn't quite hoped to
land story there. Do you know who
the editor is?"
His name is" Durant pondered
"Durant John Durant Send
1t to him personally. You'll get better
Martha had arisen and her hand
was extended to him. IF sell the
story should like to know my col
name." she said.
Durant smiled and shook his head,
I prefer my name to remain a
secret. You might be tempted to hurl
me into the limelight of fame along
with yourself. l will watch the Sun
light Magazine, however, and take
great interest in seeing the story
there" He dismissed Martha with a
slight inclination of the head.
Martha was torn between pique and
citation over the story. She went d.
rectly to her studio and worked the
rest of the day She was inspired.
When the story was finished Martha
was pleased with the result, but, as
was her custom. she laid it aside for
hof fty,.,