Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1919-08-07
UPID-CLAIRv0YANT|
BY EVA ooLDsERo.

LIE FOullHe VI Betty ddmllIOnS DAILY
program brought her outside the door
precisely at eight each morning. She
delighted in the brisk, stimulating ex-
ercfse, an appetizing prelude to the
days labor, and enjoyed watching the
eight o'clock procession Of workers
whose faces had become familiar
through such regular meeting.
| Howard Morse, n newly established
lawyer and stranger in the city, was
another fresh-air enthusiast, who pre-
ferred walking to street car conges-
ton. For several mornings he had OBJ
served Betty rs she crossed Gage ave-
nue.. There was something in her man.
| ner that invited acquaintance. It
must have been this very something
that prompted him to single her out
of the many as one whom he cared to
know. And ne craved an introduce
ton!
Strangely, too. with the natural Gu
riosity that besets u newcomer in the
neigl1borhood. Betty wondered, as they
exchanged glances. who he might be
and was anxious to meet him. Sort
of mutual telepathy!
The Young Ladies' Aid, Of which
Miss Hamilton was social director, was
running novelty bazanr to raise
funds for the entertainment of return
ing soldiers and sailors. Betty had
often amused the members with her
pet hobby of telling fortunes. Thus
on this festive occasion she occupied
a little booth and charged admission
for her advice on affairs Of the heart.
Whatever possessed Howard Morse
to stroll into the bazaar, he himself
knew not. Maybe, surrounded by gay
ETY. and excitement, he could shake of
that lonesome feeling. Yet should he
seek the real truth, maybe he would
encounter that captivating blue-eyed
little lady. He sauntered into the
dance hall-if she were here surely 1t
would be proper to ask her to dance.
an oppOrtune moment for acquaint-
ance! But no. she was not among
the merry gliders. Most likely she
was not fond of dancing" he thought.
He would quickly change his mind II
he knew now, in that stuffy little booth,
she longed to escape and keep time
with the gay music.
The young attorney was not senti-
mental enough to patronize fortune
tellers. Had anyone ever suggested
such means Of fathoming ones
heart, he would have laughed in mock
cry. But, upon passing the oriental
quarters, he decided to visit there II
only for the sake Of amusement. He
would try his luck
She affected Il decided accent.
"You are not long In this city," she
began IN tone that almost fright.
ened.
He nodded.
In her Interest she found 1t hard Ia
concentrate. The silence perplexed
him.
young man." she resumed, II fear
Il fear"
"Any trouble ahead?" he interrupt.
ed nervously.
II fear you IRE in love-" This she
told to all whose case it generally
fitted
you've guessed 1t right" he smiled
pounding the small table.
What a delightful voice he had! She
must tactfully urge him on to further
conversation.
Before he realized 1t, he was con
fiding in her, unconscious Of the fac1
that he was actually doing the telling
of his own fortune. "And never ever
spoke to the girl" he continued, "bu
I'm smitten-never believed in thi.
love-at-first-sight business either
guess I've fallen though.
"Only yesterday found out he
name, when somebody walked over II
greet her. Betty-Betty Hamilton
that's it. Now how am going t,
meet herr"
When she discovered herself to b,
the object of his conversation. Bett,
was tempted to reveal her identit,
then and there; but no, she must no
betray the madame's origin. What
strange predicament Now for Quicl
thought!
WELL she suggested, ito show thu
can help you out somewhat; 20,
might call at my Office tomorrow eve
ming, and I'll arrange an introduction
i 80 Main street is the address,"
. He paid the fee and walked out, feel
ing silly to have aired his private al
. fairs to some unknown woman. Jus
q the same, he would venture to call tn
: next evening.
Mrs. Hamilton answered the door
bell. us Madame Sphinx in, please
Z Is this her office? saw no sign" TIL
q young man was beginning to feel en-
3 barrassed ut sight Of the kind-face
womans roguish smile. After all, h
= might be making fool of himself.
III He was ushered into the living ROOF
!. where Betty received him.
z "GoDd evening, Mr.. Morse" she vO
! unteeled.
"Er-er," he fumbled for word
l"She hasn't told you anything abor
Z 1t, has she? The madame
II haven't heard word from
4 SOUL" she assured him.
He was SO innocent in his remark
. that guilty Betty could not refrai
y from disclosing the secret to her II
d terested puzzled listener.
:. He drew long breath, sighed par
z ly out of amazement, partly out /,
q pleasure. Grasping the dainty ha1
= he confessed: .Well. that's one &