The Denver star., 1917-11-10
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 raving over these old
images. and the china is as rare as it
Is quaint"
1 am afraid my thanks lacked en-
thusiasm, as took Interfering 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"
It did not seem to me, as looked
into the squirting features, that this
was a thing much to be desired, but
it was gratifying to possess such
priceiess bit Of china, its stamp was
undoubtedly genuine. From my dress
ing table each morning the image
leered an awakening greeting, and at
night when the last light had been ex-
tinguished. the whiteness of the squat
ty figure shone out in the darkness.
and was uncOmfortably aware Of
that diabolical smile as l passed into
a troubled dream. The thing was ac-
tually getting on my nerves, Its pres
ence seemed SO all-pervading. With
contempt for my own weakness, 1
locked 1t in an unused cabinet. from
which it 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, I will place it upon the piano."
How many beautiful symphonies
that wretched thing interrupted. to my
embarrassment, no one may know, but
happily, for time at least. l 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. II
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. l was study.
ing up to beat Miriam Smith at the
latest contest, and-I did it.
The rooms with their chattering oc-
cupants swan dizzily before my eyes
when Billy Bronson gave out the
judges decision.
"Creditably won," he shouted, "by
Miss Nell Wentworth"
Then all at once it came upon me.
why. in my excitement had I over.
looked this public moment. 1t had
been my turn to donate the prize, and
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 a 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 thu
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
was holding out to me that fendish,
invincible face.
Miriam looked, then laughed. "Con.
gratulations." she remarked, 'the cat
came back"
left the sorority crowd at the great
gateway, ostens.bly to board a car al
the corner, but my purpose was differ
ent. Safely away upon the stone walk,
I 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 furtively. and-let 60.
There was an encouraging crash as
hurried on.
Madame" cried a deep voice. cal
low me-" A young man was bending
over the pavement, and as hesitated,
he raised a handsome. regretful face.
II am sorry" he said. ''the statue
seems to be broken in two, still IL
might be mended."
"Oh! no." gasped, then the humof
of 1t all came over me, and I buried
my face In my mum. in silent laugh.