The Snowflake herald., 1921-01-07
The Call of Talent
By VICTOR REDCLTFFE
90. 1920, western Newspaper Union,)

OGb 1SGV, WESTERN 1S"SP~RSA
There was something awry in the
mating of Ncrena Wilton and MARX
Blake, people said. Mark was big
bluff. hearty fellow cut out for nat
ural comedian, and never knew II
through his earlier years of MANHOOD,
although always ready with merry
uuip and jest His life had been In
a measure an indolent one, for MS
uncle had adopted him and about all
he required of his heir expectant was
good nature and contehtment
There came q new element into the
lives of both when Mark was twenty
three. An artist friend of his uncle
died and committed his daughter,
NOrena, to the charge of Marks uncle.
81 send YOU what little have saved,
wrote Jasper Wilton on his death Ded,
"and I know that for old friendships
sake you will treat NOrena as though
she were year own child. She is
song bird, dear little treasure! Don't
curb her predilection for music. Mar
ry her to some genial, fndulgent young
man who will appreciate her gift IN
that direction"
But within six months after Norena
had become the ward of John Blake
the old maa had consummated the de-
sire of his heart. Mark liked the vol
atile. happy spirited Norena and she
could not help but return the sentl-
ment. They married. Mark tound
humdrum position in local bank hat
ing the same. The only musical enjoy
ment Norena had was in the church
choir and at local social amusements.
Within a few months the discovery
was mutually realised that they were
mismated. Old John Blake died.
After that the home was lonely. Marx
would come home evenings and doze
and read, sluggish, yet secretly dream
ing of ambitions he had always enter
tanned. Norena felt an outside world
calling for her and wondered when the
opportunity would come to heed It's
call
They did not quarrel but gradual
" the affection that might have bios
somed and bloomed well nigh became
indifference. They did not exchange
confidence as to their respective
wishes and aspirations, for there
seemed a barrier between them and
they utterly misunderstood one an
other. These facts were noted and
speculated upon by their friends and
neighbors, and one day there was q
climax that startled the little town
1t was Judge Slocum who hailed the
leading merchant of the place with az
intimation of conditions.
Understand that Mark Blake has
sold the old homestead" he said.
"Yes," nodded the other. Il heard
so"
"And he and his wife have parted"
"You mean that Mrs. Blake has left
the villageY
LAST night. 1t was all pleasant and
harmonious though, according to out
ward seeming, for Mark took hel
trunks to the station and kissed her
goodby."
At that moment Mark Blake, turn
ing a street corner came unexpected
ly upon the two gossippers and over
heard the last remark of the judge
He approached them and halted.
''You two are pretty good friends OF
mine" he said, "and / think | can
trust you with the true story Of the
separation of myself and wife. The
fact is we don't seem happy with each
other. Norena was never made for
the dull, meaningless life she leads
here. She is dreaming Of more use
full or entertaining one, am sure, but
what it is don't know for have
never tried to find out. We have part
ed in friendly way. sold the old
home and divided the money got
from 1t equally with Norena. She
has gone her way. In a day or two
when have settled up a few little
odds and ends Of my affairs shall
go mine"
What is your program, Mark"
asked the civil Judge.
Drifting, till / find what am best
intended for. 1t isn't sitting at a.
clerks desk. l can tell you that. I'VE
often considered if my old liking for
the circus hasn't stayed with me in
longing sort of a way. Or the stage" !"
We'll, | hope you come out well
whatever you do" said the Judge sin.
cerely. and within the week Mark hao
departed and he and his wife were
practically forgotten in the quiet lit
tie village.
What Norena did in the course OF
= very few weeks was to find posi-