The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1917-11-22
DETESTABLE IMAGE
BY MILDRED WHITE

Miriam brought the thing over on
my birthday. ut may seem queer as
gift, Nell" she remarked. "but the
girls are all ruving over these old
images, and the china is as rare as II
IL quaint" 4
am afraid my thanks lacked en-.
thuslasm, as took the leering Hindu
god into my hands. for she added
coldly. ut is also supposed to bring
true love-" and Miriam smiled enig-
matically, "the image can never be
parted from its owner"
1t tid not seem to me. as l looked
into the squirting features, that this
was thing much to be desired, but
II was gratifying TO possess such a
priceless bit Of china, Its stamp was
undoubtedly genuine. From my dress
Ing table each morning the image
lnered an awakening greeting, and at
Night when the last light had been ex-
Unguished, the whiteness Of the squat
ty figure shone out In the darkness.
and / was uncomfortably aware OF
that dlabOllcal smile as / passed into
troubled dream. The thing was ae-
tually getting on my nerves. Its pres
ence seemed so all-pervadlng. With
contempt for my own weakness, i
locked II I'm an unused cabinet, from
which II was later drawn forth by my
mother.
"Why, Nell" she reproved you are
hiding away valuable piece Of bric-a-
brac; II you do not care for 1t In your
room, | will place II upon the piano.
How many beautiful symphonies
that wretched thing interrupted. to my
embarrassment, no one may know, but
happily, for time at least, became
so busy that the provoking Image lost
its power TO annoy. Our sorority girls
had formed habit Of meeting each
MONTH to brush up their knowledge
upon forgotten college subjects. 1t
was interesting, for the boys were
asked in to be judges at the contests
as we called them, and prizes were
given the successful. These prizes
were donated by the girls in alphabet-
ical order, and we tried TO make them
as unique as we could. ! was study
ing up to beat Miriam Smith at the
latest contest, and-I did II.
The rooms with their chattering oc-
cupants swan dizzlly before my eyes
when Billy Bronson gave out the
judges decision.
"Credltably won" he shouted. "by
Miss Nell Wentworth"
Then all at once II came upon me,
| why, In my excitement had over.
looked this public moment. II had
| been my turn TO donate the prize, anu
In stress of constant study the pur-
chase had been forgotten. 1t was only
when slipping into my coat to leave
! for the contest that | remembered.
Then, like n flash of inspiration, came
the thought of the Hindu god. Quaint
and costly. the appropriate thing.
There was satisfaction in the
thought, as tied my card about the
things neck, that should never more
be troubled by that grinning face.
And here, now, in presence Of Miriam,
whose gift 1t had been, Billy Bronson
Wbs holding out TO me that fiendlsh,
!ovincible. face.
Miriam looked, then laughed. "Con-
sratulatlons," she remarked, "the cut
came back"
left the sorority crowd at the great
gateway, ostenslbly TO board car at
the corner, but my purpose was differ
ent. Safely away upon the stone walk,
| intended TO let that detestable image
slip carelessly to its fate. China will
break, no matter how ancient, and
the time of the Hindu god had come.
The street lamps were lighted when
I looked about furtieely, and-let go.
There was an encouraging crash us l
hurried on.
Madame" cried deep voice, al
low me-" A young man was bending
over the pavement, and rs / hesitated,
he raised handsome, regretful face.
IL am sorry" he said, "the statue
seems to be broken in two, still 1t
might be mended."
"ohl no." gasped, then the humor
Of II all came over me, and l buried
my face In my mum, in silent laugh
ter. ut doesn't matter" l added,
blinking at him.
He was evidently mlstaking the
laughter tears in my eyes, his own
were so sympathetic. II am very
sorry" he repeated, and stood staring
after me as | turned the corner. l
was so glad TO be rid of the thing that
went about singing and ] couldn't
forget the nice young mans kind eyes.
And the very next night when l was
singing n love song, he came to our
front door, The young mans name
was John Curtis, scn Of John Curtis,
proprietor Of the curio store, and
young John had taken that smashed
Image Of mine to his fathers store,
and had II all nicely mended. Then
be brought II to my address, which he
found upon the card tied about the
hcathen gods neck. And was so cold
IN my appreciation, that had to make
Up for Il by inviting him In, ana being
entertaining.
You will remember that the image
was supposed to bring true love to its
owner. Well, II the love of John Cur
It's for me is not true, then never was
true love In the world. AS he says
surely 1t was the little old chap
who brought us together and for
that reason he is determined never to
part from the Hindu god But In
Johns home and mine, the smile Of
the image above our hearth fire will