The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-03-11
"I OWES CAMEL E.

when she entered it. And David Burke's impression of Lucille-that first impressit which, of all others, is so nightly important-was of beau tiful young woman with an interesting, rather tragic face, a glorious figure and magnetic personality.
 Lucille, for the first time in many years, felt she was in the presence of a very kindly gentleman.
 H had come to her to help her-so he said. He spoke of Shirley Marsh. He wanted to hear the story of Jim Dal- sons faithlessness from Lucille's own Bps. Would Lucille tell him all about st? Lucille both would-and could.
 She showed him the photographs of herself and Jim. Also the marriage certificate. She described Jim accu- kately.
 And David Burke was immensely kind <-and sympathetic--as was his wont.
 I'll do my utmost to put things right for you. You've had a hard time, Mrs Dalton-Mlle. Derange, l should say"- he stammered little over the words "'but you're among good friends now and don't forget it!'
 In his heart of hearts he felt im- nensely grateful to Lucille for turning g up at the psychological moment and putting timely stop to Daiton's court ship of Miss Shirley Marsh. He would &nOW ms RTdtlIuuS III SOmc pTdCllCdi way, too. he decided.
 "I'll cable out to my agents in South Africa and verify her story Burke re- Elected. "Thatll confirm the whole af- xair--and Master Jim Dalton will see his little game is up for good!
 This husband of yours-this worth aess Dalton fellow--do you care for him?" he asked
 Care for himg' Lucille gave a ner- vous little laugh. "oh don't know. <-I used to think l did. But now
 She broke off, looking rather mean fngly at David Burke. Again he mis- understood.
 Now that you fully realize the black guard that he is, you can't care any more? Is that it?"
 Lucille nodded She was quite in earnest.
 David Burke leant forward and patted her hand approvingly
 That's sensible grill admire you 3or it. I haven't any patience with a lot u4 sentimental bosh--the kind some women would display under the cir eumstances. and in your position. We both realize that the fellow isn't worth . decent woman's love"
 LucilIe's heart leapt at the intimacy of that we"
 The sympathy of this man was some- thing very precious
 Only" she sighed, "It's sort of lone- xy. you know, knocking round the world alone. And--there are times when hate the stage. It's rotten life for a girl when she hasn't friends, or money, Hr inf1uence.''
 But, my dear young lady, we must change all thatS' He was genuinely grateful to Lucille for the good turn she had done him--and he meant to show it. know lots of the theatrical managers and agents up in London-l could always put in word for you give you introductions-you must count me as friendr
 Indeed, I willi' Lucille put out her hand and caught Burke's in firm, de. cided clasp. 'I can't think why you are so kind to me-" she added frankly It was Burke's turn now to flush He felt that the sympathy and the in- terest he had shown were scarcely gem who had made his matrimonial projects toward another girl more probable.
 He rose to his feet.
 There's a note I want to write-ii youll excuse me for a moment"
 He crossed to a desk in a corner oi the room, seated himself before it and took up a pen.
 But minute or two elapsed before be could collect his thoughts. Lucille had been more disturbing than he real ized.
 At last he made a start.
 Dear little Shirley His per scratched across the hotel note paper sI have seen and talked with the young woman who calls herself Lucille De range and her story seems most plausi- ble to me. Although the marriage cer- tificate and the photographs are am pie proof, l am cabling today to my agents out in South Africa to verify the whole affair. l must also add that James Daltons behavior last night was most ordinary-including the fact that he has made no move to see this woman--nor indeed expressed any de sire for a meeting
 ''I would ask you, therefore, to be- lieye the worst--at the same time be aieying that the worst is for the best Over his tangled sentiment David Burke drowned momentarily, then continued
 You can always count on me, my dear, to remain the same"
 A sudden honk. honk of a motor horr outside the window made Burke look up. There's in the drivers seat wa. none other than Jim Dalton, immacu lately dressed, apparently quite impcr turbable. He drew up in dexterou: curve before the front door of the inn
 Burke rose to his feet. Lucille hat gone,
 He hurried down the passage leading
 
 to the entrance.
 There was a sudden cry of: "Jim."
 Lucille had bounded out into the roaf and was staring spellbound at th' driver.
 ryim" she repeated. shrilly. 'Jh Daltony
 Burke hurried to her side.
 Heres the lady who Is your-youl wife" he said in clear firm tone. Lis eye on the occupant of the car. Haven you got anything to say to her?"
 But Jim Dalton was staring blankl, at Lucille Derange.
 T don't know how she comes 10 knc V my name" he said, because l neveI saw the woman in my life before"
 MATTER OF MONEY
 Life had hit Shirley Marsh heav! blow.
 To have been. figuratively, perches upon Parnassus for so lonf. then, with cut rhyme or reason-hurled down int the abyss-it was too cruel, For Jim Dalton had gone-withou one single word of explanation-shak ing the dust of the White Cottage of his feet as though he never wished t sec the place again. He hadn't even said good-by to Shir ley. He was much too angry. lf Drove off like the devil 'isself, e did miss,r old Joe, the gardener, had in former her, eyeing Miss Shirley curi cusly. From the moment he had foun' that Spartan damsel with the attrac uv. and unconscious strangers hea' upon her lap, he had had his own sus picions as to the measure in which Mis