The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1921-09-23
LAST CHAPTER
BY IDA WARREN GOULD.


vile to produce a serial story. lit
was Jealous enough to hope that this
effort would raise him above medi'
ocrlty as story writer. lie sat
awaiting the torch of inspiration
which was to light him to fame.
Various openings We're before him
in notebook, though none led TO a
climax. What source should he seek!
Country or shore?
He loved the great throbbing ocean
and its varied moods. What could
he do better than take day off by
the sea? In another hour he was
close to the expanse of the sea,
Faster and faster he wrote, devel-
oping his fancies until after sunset
he rose, stiff and chilled, yet satisfied
with his work.
Then he Numbered along the beach,
took the wrong turning in time to see
the last boat half a mile off shore.
1t grew rapidly dark and he was un-
familiar with the place.
At any rate, he had a first-rate
story. He stumbled and ran, seeing
a light far off on a hill, the only
friendly beacon in the darkness.
He was in for an adventure.
After long tramp he arrived near
enough to see that the lights came
from private residence. The drap-
cries permitted a glance through the
windows. AS he took the first step
up broad flight he heard music. He
was celebrating how to phrase his
application for hospitality, when the
door opened and woman in a SHIN
mering evening gown peered into the
gloom that lay between them.
When Felix, hat in hand, ran up
the steps, she exclaimed in a pleased
voice, Felix MasonI After all these
years
This is Miss Lane, my friend, who
lives with me. Explain how you
found us after all these years"
by the lights in the windows, of
course" laughed Felix.
Dinner is served" announced Miss
Lane, abruptly, leading the way to the
next room. ,
Felix never knew just how he avert
ed true statement of his appearance
at the home of woman who had
been a good pal Of his college days.
At first he thought Of telling his story
straight. But as Pauline seemed to
regard his coming as a natural hap
penlng he allowed himself the pleas
ure Of a delightful evening-and ac-
cepted also the invitation to remain
over night.
81 will allow you to stay on one
condition." said Pauline, smiling mis-
chievously, into his suddenly sobered
face, when she babe him good night.
$50, I'm to pay for my lodging by
attending one of your social teas;
are those your termsf"
Exactly"
ITO please you, I'll come. Pauline"
Several months later Pauline sat
within reach of the genial warmth of
the huge log fire. The companion was
making buttonholes for the Lady AID
ers in far corner of the room.
Felix Mason's serial, complete ex-
cept for the last chapter, was on the
table. 1t was story of friendship,
interrupted, patched, leading now to
the climax Of remuneration or complete
fulfillment of love. The suspense Of
several months would be at an end
when the last chapter should be is
sued
The telephone bell summoned Paul
inc from her reverie by the fire. Felix
Mason was speaking.
Pauline, may l come down to con.
suit yOu-business-very important,
concerns the story?"
Surely, I'll send the car for you
at once"
Thanks. You're good pal, Paul.
inc. cannot finish the last number
until talk 1t over With you. Goodby."
After dinner Miss Lane excused her.
self and afforded the two friends the
opportunity for uninterrupted discus
sion.
Pauline nevosuly began arranging
the roses Felix had brought. He stood
looking solemnly into the heart of the
blazing logs, then blurted out:
MANY years ago, Pauline, de-
scribed you to my sisters as the girl
with the honestest eyes / ever saw.
The first time l stumbled up these
steps you thought I really had sought
you. l saw 1t in your honest eyes. l
lied, Pauline, or, as / called it, con-
cealed from you the real facts which
led to my coming. was engrossed !
In my work that day down by the
ocean, overtaken by night, lost the |
road, stumbled here, lured by the only
sign Of life on the landscape. l con.
cealed all that"
"And now, Felix?"
And now, Pauline, I'm here because
The last chapter in that serial must
De inspired by you"
Felix crossed to Pauline's side. Paul !
mes eyes remained persistently Oh !
he roses. !
The ticking Of the large clock beat |
n rhythm with her futtering pulses.
YES, it's true, Pauline; the finish
II this story which is to fix my repu-