The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1921-02-10
a Secret
Foe
By cEcILE LANCDON
oO0O0OOo0oo
(@ 1920, Weatarn NeHanan ar Union

2eoeooeeoooooooeoeoooooeo&
&c. 1920. Western Newspaper Union.)
The first experience Verne Dysart
had as to any particular devotion to
special member of the opposite SCI
was with Blanche Disston. A heart
less coquette, she demonstrated her
fimsy characteristics speedily, played
with 4 sterling soul the homage Of
which would have won the apprecia.
ton of any worthy woman, and dis
enchanted Dysart, who was later glad
to have got beyond her thralldom.
1t was then that he met Lois Man.
vile.
II might have had Verne Dysarl
just by speaking the word. many a
time" vaunted Blanche, and acted the
satisfied heart breaker with scores of
beaux as victims. All the same, Sc
cretly she often realized that there
was not one among them who was the
equal Of Dysart.
"Oh, he is doing SO WE'LL" Lois told
Blanche one day. "You know he has
his own studio now and has more or.
ders than he can fill. Since he won
the prize on that Liberty bond poster
it seems to have advertised him every.
where"
Dysart was indeed gifted and sue
cessful in the special line of work he
had adopted. He made quite a hit
with poster illustrations of famous
movie actor, and his name had ap-
peared many times with an approving
word in motion picture miscellany. It
resulted in his having the entire post
er work of leading producing con-
Germ and the gratified lovers were en-
abled to plan ahead as to the pretty
cottage home that was their ideal.
Blanche rarely met Dysart, but she
called upon Lois frequently. More
than once, even after she and the
young artist understood each other,
she had exerted her wiles to attract
him anew from the perverse influence
Of certain feeling of jealousy to-
ward Lois. Dysart, however, was
firmly loyal to his real love.
1t was with good deal of satisfac-
ton that she saw Lois enter the store
where she clerked one day. The for.
mer made some trivial purchases, and.
too inexperienced and innocent to sus-
pect the undercurrents of falsity in a
person she had known for years, be-
gan telling Of some new triumphs Dy-
sart had acquired in his work, how
happy they were, and limiting at a
wedding not far ahead.
"Yes, / hear that Verne is sweeping
all before him." observed Blanche.
And then, with hidden malice: Don't
you think it bit dangerous, dear, to
have a fiance who is brought so con-
ttnually in contact with the handsom-
est stars of the scenic world?"
"Oh, dear, nor exclaimed Lois.
"Verne only draws them, as he
would chair or building. He is
so wrapped up in me. often wonder
what he Sees in my poor little self to
attract him." .=.s,~
"Verne was here day or two ago."
went on Blanche. mot at my counter,
but over in the fancy dress depart
ment. He selected a gown that was
dream in its lovely material and trim
ming. learned that he had it sent
to the address of lady and paid the
bill, over one hundred dollars"
ooh! you must be mistaken,
Blanche" declared Lois, all the sun
shine gone out Of her face in an in
slant, 'You mlstook some one else
| for Verne"
mot at ALL" insisted Blanche de-.
cidedly. 'Why, Myra Grimes, who
knows him, was here at the time.
place. She told me Verne had bought
diamonds twice at the establish.
ment.'
1T must have been in some way
along with his business" murmured
Lois, trying to appear calm, but dread
fully disturbed. She went home
wretched Verne noticed her visible
constraint when he called that eve
ming, but Lois did not reveal what was
on her mind.
! Ouu yOu ulOp AuLO lily SluulO SOuIO
time tomorrow" he asked in part
ing.
Lois assented. Dark and fOrbiddfng
fears and fantasies kept her miser-
able until the next day. AS she en-
tered the studio she found Verne
alone. He greeted her affectionately
and pointed to sketch on an easel. It
was that of woman attired in a
Haunting garb, of extraordinary grace
as to figure and pose. Her face was
partly yelled, but her eyes were viva
cious and expressive.
"A dusky Juno" explained Dysart ;
"that is the work I have on hand.
That is Lucille Travers. who is q Gre
ole and making star in the movie
world. She is new to the screen,
something of an experiment, and I
have had to practically arrange her
entire makeup for the management.
Why, Lois. what are you staring at?''
| Her eyes we're fixed upon the light,
filmy dress depicted on the sketch as