The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1921-11-03
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MADAM vALESkA
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BY .MoLLlE MATHER.
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0f1s31, by Mcclure Newspaper syndicats.J
3Fenton fdgeted -uncomfortably In
the surroundings which were foreign
to his frank wholesomeness. Always
he had hated subterfuge of any kind,
yet here he was in this dim interior
redolent Of sandalwood at Lilla's re
quest. Lila suffered some ailment
which, while doctors considered it
unimportant, was to Lila a real at
Fiction. -.
The pain Of her arm had neces-
stated Fenton's doing her hair that
morning, and one Of Lilla's studio
friends assured her Madame: Wales
ka could miraculously locate and
cure pain where physicians failed.
Madame Valeska was trance
medium, in great favor among the
young art students. Lila had at once
insisted that Fenton go and hold au-
dience with this famously clever seer,
regarding her own condition. And
the indulgent brother, fretting his i'm
patience, had nevertheless gone.
Perhaps, when this Madame Vales-
ka had demonstrated her infallibility
in Lilla's case, the girl would be salts
fed and cured. He intended to give
her no information in her question
ing. Into the softly lighted waiting
room, came presently another seeker
after hidden knowledge. Fenton
smiled grimly at the patient walters
already assembled. But this girl ap-
peared unlike them to share his own
unrest-almost his own humiliation.
Like some small gray shadow, she re-
tired diftidently to the recess Of the
long room. She had cast him one fright
ened glance in passing, and impulsive-
ly-Fenton hardly knew why-he fol-
lowed, perhaps, to give assurance, or
to laugh away her significance Of the
occasion.
The girls face was as white, and
fear-stricken, as child's in face Of
disaster.
SWELL" he asked the young woman
in the gray frock. ::What is your
particular trouble? And is Madame
Valeska to bring the remedy from one
of her picturesque trances2 The
Madame can keep it up pretty well,
I am told. l have never before at
tended this curious kind of entertain
ment."
But levity evidently could not allay
the girls fears.
MADAME Valeska really visits the
spirit world she told him in an awed
tone, "the things she tells are mar
velous. But, if you do not believe,
why do you Gomez"
The question was asked not in rude
ness, but wonderingly.
II came" Fenton good-humoredly
replied, ITO please my fanciful sister,
who is as easily impressed as your
self. She hopes that Madame Valeska
will influence some kind spirit to take
imaginary pains out of her arms,
The little frightened patient nodded.
MADAME Naleska will know best
what to tell her," she said. "only yes
terday lost my purse, and she found
1t for, me-"
"And afterward robbed it, for you,"
Fenton added grimly.
The girls eyes were reproachful.
Madame has to have money to keep
this place up" she reminded him.
"Her charge really is not much. That
is, when you consider what she does
for one."
Fraud" Fenton contemptuously
exclaimed; with real concern he re-
garded the trusting face before him.
10 not let this seer impose upon
you, little girl" he advised. Make
this your last visit" She stood as
though considering. But a watchful
attendant slipped to her side.
Madame Valeska," she informed
the girl, will see you now"
The girl did not reappear. Dlsap-
pointedly, Fenton learned that ques-
TONERS were dismissed after their au-
dience, through rear door.
His own turn came next. Theatrical,
indeed, was madames setting. White
and small, as child's, her hands made
mystic movements, then Madame Va
leska bent above her crystal ball.
FentOn folded his arms cynically-but
she asked him no questions. Madame,
In voice faint and far away as a
musical echo, gave voluntary Informal
ton. Fenton stared.
"The artist" faltered Madame "the