The Rathdrum tribune. (Rathdrum, Idaho) 1903-1963, 1917-07-27
THE GREEN
.MANIKIN
A Story With Heart
Interest"
BY AGNES c. BkoGAN


When David Bronson heard an Amer
lean speaking voice In that little far
away Partisan restaurant an emotion
that was surprising surged within him.
BILE of late, this the cause of his uu-
finished book-homesickness. pure old
fashioned inconsistencies"
Long ago, as lad, he had realized
this desperate feeling. Now the sound
of that familiar tongue brought back
longing to be among his own" which
was almost unbearable, back again in
little old New York." for from her &C.
cent the speaker had also lived In that
vicinity. Bronson whirled about to
look at her. Demure and unaware Of
admiring glances, she sat at nearby
table, 'conspicuously simple" in her
close fitting black suit and turban.
Bronson struggled against an uncon.
trollable desire to hear again that soft
voicing of his mother tongue, then with
Il muttered, May II" sank into seat
at the opposite side of the table. The
restaurant being unduly crowded. his
intrusion was calmly taken for grant.
ed. Happily absorbed, he gazed at the
lovely, downcast face of his companion
and she, CHANGING up at last, smiled.
frank. engaging smile 1t was, like that
of friendly child.
THE salt?' Bronson asked politely
while the girls smile deepened.
80 you. too. are American" she said
All the pentup longings of the mans
home yearning soul broke forth at her
question.
"American-yes," he answered, land
II you could but know the Joy 1t gives
me merely to be again in the presence
of an American! | might have sought
out my countrymen here. l suppose
but'-he laughed shortly-"I did not
recognize my need until | heard your
voice."
The girl leaned impulsively forward
II know" she breathed. "Oh, l know!
For weeks I've been fighting off the
desire to go back. Sometimes 1t was
almost too strong for me. I've got to
stay here, you see. l must, until
Until" he prompted gently. The
! girl drew back, continuing her meal.
Until l make good" she answered
quietly.
"Student?" the man questioned. She
nodded her head.
"rhere are so many of u.s." she said
ruefully, "'would be- artists, musicians
mostly failures!'
And your"
The girls low laughter ended In a
wry smile. I'm an art failure" she
replied, with a shrug of the shoulders.
Bronson's quick glance was sympa
thetic.
perhaps not, he encouraged. Bet
ter stick 1t out n little longer and see"
She arose, drawing on her gloves, and
| stood looking now on the gloves, now
on him.
~ intend to-" she answered brightly
With visible regret the author also
arose.
Pardon the boldness Of a fellow
American" he entreated, but may l
not hope to see you again?"
"Why not?" the girl carelessly re-
sponded. II dine here every day"
So 1t happened that the small table
beneath the window came quite natu-
rally to be place of meeting, place
for the exchange of simple condolences,
for comforting recollections of home
beloved scenes and home happy times.
To the man this one hour was sort of
panacea for oil the trials of troubled
day. About 1t his dreams centered as
reward for nightly hours of writing,
And the girls open pleasure In these
meetings was constant growing joy.
DO you know she asked In her In.
genuous way. II cannot get over the
idea that l have known your face be
fore? 1t was strangely familiar from
the first, and yet
Then David Bronson knew that his
Sour of announcement had come. 1t
had been gratifying thing to hide
for a tine from the paths of fame and
to feel that his unknown personality
had powers of its own to awaken In
terest and pleasure. With a sigh he
drew forth his card and placed 1t be-
fore her.
David B. Bronson" the girl read
aloud, while recollection widened in
her eyes.
Not" she said in a tone Of awe
mot David Bronson, the author?"
He nodded abruptly.
"And you are writing a book over
here" she went on slowly, "a book
with a French setting perhaps and one
of your wonderful American heroines?"
1.-THE heroine" he confessed, proves
disappointment. She is SO exactly
what she seems to be-commonplace
no human heart interest"
The girl turned YEARLY aside. His
admission of greatness seemed all at
once to put him far from her presump-
ton OF friendship.
Look about you," she said. you'll
find human heart stories among Us
all"
Bronson got hastily into his coat.
Just this once" he begged, "allow me
to walk with you"
Heretofore this request had been re-
fused. Now the girl deliberated.
"You NAV come" she agreed