Sioux County pioneer. (Fort Yates, Sioux County, N.D.) 1914-1929, 1921-05-05
The Call Of Talent
By VICTOR REDcLIFFE
,a 1870. western Newspaper Union,

t@ 1890. Western Newspaper Union.)
There was something awry In the
mating of Norena Wilton and Marx
blake, people said. Mark. was a 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
qulp and Jest. His life had been In
q measure an indolent one. for his
uncle had adopted him and about all
he required of his heir expectant was
good nature and contentment.
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.
~ send you what little have saved"
wrote Jasper Wilton on his death bed,
'and I know that for old friendships
sake you will treat Norena as though
she were your own child. She Is 2
song bird, dear little treasure! Don't
curb her prediction for music. Mar
y her to some genial, indulgent young
man who will appreciate her gift In
that direction"
But within six months after Norend
had become the ward Of John Blake
the old man had consummated the de-
sire of his heart. Mark liked the vol
atile, happy spirited Norena and she
could not help but return the senti-
ment. They married. Mark found
humlrum position in local bank. hat.
Ing the same. The only musical enjoy
ment Norena had was in the church
choir and ut local social amusements.
Within a few months the discovery
was mutually realized that they were
mismated. Old John Blake died.
After that the home was lonely. Mark
would come home evenings and doze
and read, sluggish, yet secretly drenm'
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 Its
call.
They did not quarrel, but gradual
" the affection that might have bios
somed and bloomed we'll nigh became
indifference. They did not exchange
confidence as to their respective
wishes and aspirations. for there
seemed 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 a
climax that startled the little town.
It was Judge Slocum who hailed the
leading merchant of the place with an
intimati0n Of conditions.
understand that Mark Blake has
sold the old homestead" he said.
"Yes," nodded the other. II heard
So"
"And he and his wife have parted"
"You mean that Mrs. Blake has left
the villageT
Last night. 1t was all pleasant and
harmonious though, according to out.
ward seeming. for Mark took her
trunks to the station and kissed her
goodby." .
At that moment Mark Blake, turn.
ing street corner came unexpected
" upon the two g0ssippers 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 I think can
trust you with the true story Of the
separation Of myself and wife: The
fao 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
ful or entertaining one. am sure, but
what 1t is ] don't know for have
never tried to find out. We have part
ed in friendly way. I sold the old
home aud divided the money got
from 1t equally with Norena. She
has gon.. her way. In day or two
when have settled up few little
odds and ends of my affairs shall
60 mine"
'What 10 your program. Markf
asked the. civil Judge. s
Drifting, till nnd what I am best
Intended for. 1t isn't sitting at q
clerks Aesk. can tell you that. I've
often considered II my old liking for
the circus hasn't stayed with me 10
slonging sort Of q way. Or the stage
well. ] hope sou come out well
whatever you do" said the Judge sin
cerely. and within the week Marx had
departed and he and his wife werl
practically forgotten In the quiet IL
~ villacs. S.S hi 5,.59:
What Norena dis n the course zoi
4 very, few weeks was to dnd = POSI-.
don n the chorus or 40 operate com
pan1. yitltns 4 yst,fs IT. hld sdegea
eed hsr ss sss, se''s SO g !. aatuss'