The Ontario Argus. (Ontario, Or.) 1???-1947, 1922-11-09
THE GENIUS
BY MILDRED WHITE
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| NOPyTknt, ISZEt WebttTn newspaper Union
When David Morton first met her
he thought that he had found the fair
est and cleverest of women. After 9
months acquaintance he was of the
same opinion. Josephine LIE Mar was
as sweet tempered as charming. David
congratulated himself that, owing to
| Mrs. Davenport's influence, he was
permitted the boon of Josephine's
| friendship.
Mrs. Davenport chose to bestow upon
the gifted Miss lie Mar her social ia
vor. 1t was she, in her pretentious
home, who brought her two favorite
young people together. To her hus-
band alone, she admitted match-mak-
ing intent. Her interested efforts
heretofore, where Josephine was con.
cerned, had met with encouragement.
Dear Mrs. Davenport" Josephine
had amusedly remarked, my time is
devoted TO my work. Men outside Of
that sphere do not claim my atten-
tion."
To which Mazda Davenport replied:
"Do you, then, intend to devote your
life to drawing twisted letters for ad-
vertising purpOses?"
II hope" Josephine firmly respond
ed, ito do more than that. Bigger
things-covers for magazines, which
will be admired throughout the coun-
try. The twisted letters are but step
ping stones to my achievement"
And so determined was the girl in
this purpose that Mrs. Davenport for
a time despaired. Then, along came
David. That Josephine was interested
in David there was no doubt.
The elder woman, fearing to awaken
the girl to this growing interest, ap-
peared not to notice the happy conver-
sations between the two
Josephine kept solitary house in
tiny apartment, which even in its hum
bleness was, as Mrs. Davenport said
'as charming as the girls own per-
sonality."
David grew TO look forward with ever
increasing pleasure to evenings spent
in Josephine's cozy sitting room, with
its golden shaded lights. Mrs. Daven-
port would often be there, playing soft
ly on Joie's piano. Her friends called
her this, after Joie had haltingly told
them Of her life before coming to the
city.
II came" she said, "after father
died. There was no opportunity be-
fore. l wanted to study art, and earn
M liuin0 Tcohn1 ctc
ter, had never been strong, but now
she is happy in grandmother's care. At
home l was called Joie."
David was an inspiration to her,
frankly she told him so. He liked to
think out for her, helpful suggestions.
Then, into this mutual confidence came
disturbing element. Just as David
was rejoicing in the sweet sunniness
of Josephine's disposition. she met him
one evening, cOldly. indifferently. In
vain he tried to dispel the constraint,
leaving perplexedly. Upon his neO
visit Josephine appeared distrait; II
was impossible to arouse her interest
When David impatiently remarked than
he would no longer bore her with hi,
presence, Josephine arose Immediately
relieved, 1t seemed, to bid him good
night.
Nevertheless, David's love insisted
upon the telling, and he went one eve-
ming to make declaration. He entered
Josephine's sitting room through a
door left open to the spring air, and
found the girl shaken by silent Sob
bing. Like a desolate child, she lay
curled on the couch, her face buried
in its pillows.
"Joie,' cried David tenderly. "Joie,
dear"
II wish," same a curt voice from the
pillows, "you would go away"
David went, vOwing not to return,
but love Is stronger than strong mans
will. David told himself it would be the
right thing to inquire for Joie, and If all
was well with her he would try to for
get. He must first know that she had
no need.
strange young woman opened the |
door of Joie's apartment-yet not a
stranger, surely, with Joie's blue eyes
and her soft voice.
my sister is not in," said the |
wrath Of Joie. II am Isabel" She |
led the way to the sitting room, and
David saw that she leaned on a cane.
'Joie does not know that l am here"
she went on. "Grandma said we would |
her We came In to see the |
great surgeon. Jole will be so re- |
ioiced when she hears our good news.
Of course we have heard of you from |
ny sister, Mr.. Mortimer. Perhaps you
would like to know the good news
co."
~ am sure that would" answered |
David wonderingly.
"The surgeon assures us that my hip |
nay be cured by an operation. I think
hat l am more glad for Joie's sake
han my own. She has grieved all her
ife, because when she was much |
90 young TO have the care of an or
,haned baby sister fell from her
irms down stair Since she came
o the city she has shaved 10 give me
he benefit of exDert medical advica