Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1921-08-17

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(0. 1921. by Mcclure Newspaper syndicate.l
Fenton fdgeted intentionally In
the surroundings which were foreign
to his frank wholesomeness. Always
he had hated subterfuge of any kind,
vet here he was in this dim interior
redolent of sandalwood at Lilla's res
quest. Lila suffered some ailment
which, while doctors considered 1t
unimportant, was to Lila a real af7
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 mlraculously locate and
cure pain where physicians failed.
Madame valeska was a 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 grlmly at the patient walters
already assembled. But this girl APP
peared unlike them to share his W
unrest-almost his own humiliation.
Like some small. gray shadow, she re-
tired d%ifidently to the recess Of the
long room. She had cast him one fright
ened glance in passing, and impulsive-
!y-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
eear-stricken, as a child's in face OF
disaster.
.Well," he asked the young woman
In the gray frock. "What is your
particular trouble? And is Madame
| yaleska to bring the remedy from one
Of her picturesque frances? The
Madame can keep it up pretty we'll
I am told. I 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.
1T came, sFenton good-husno
replied, "tc please my fancifui Sister
who is as easily impressed as Jour
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 Valeska will know best
what to tell her" she said, "only yes
terday I lost my purse, and she found
it for me-"
"And afterward robbed 1t 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.
do 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 Y%aleska," she Informed
the girl, twill see you now"
The girl did not reappear. Disap-
pointedly, Fenton learned that ques-
TONERS were dismissed after their au-
dience, through a rear door.
His own turn came next Theatrical,
indeed, was madame's setting. White
and small, as a 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 a voice faint and far away as a,
musical echo. gave voluntary informa-'
ton. Fenton stared.
"The artist" faltered Madame, "the
lovely sister-will yet be famous.
Fame is worth the price of a pain
or-two. After all-not serious. The
spirits-they tell me, nothing to do.
Tell this sister-who Is it? All, yes,
Lilla-to forget. the pain-to think
nothing of it. To rest-to be much in
the fresh air and sunshine-to put
her fancies aside. That is ALL"
( -,.- NF.ae. We