The mirror., 1923-07-19
THE FIGURE IN BRONZE
CONTINUED from page I

SeSSeQ lew original IDEAS. "A "SOClaI
dumbbell," but could quote, parrot-like.
whole reams of sayings from the many
literary books with which his library
abounded. However, in spite of these at
tainments, DePomp was too much of
"blunderbuss" to be socially popular, and
was merely tolerated in polite society. His
business was that of money-lender and
mortgage speculator, while he also dab
bled in cheap theatres, rickety tenements
and lodging houses, and was minor
politician whenever politics could be used
to enhance his business. However, he was
a home man, as we'll as business man,
and was devoted to his wife (who had
been twice married and divorced before
he met her) and he regarded her as
social satellite of great brilliance.
Miss True passed along the spacious
hallway, scanning the numbers upon the
transoms above the doors. Many per-
sons were hurrying to and fro, in and out
of the seemingly endless succession of
doorways labeled with an equally amaz-
ing number of business and professional
signs. Finally she came upon the num-
Der wanted: 564
GERALD DE POMP
Entering, she was greeted by slim
young Miss with dark hair, and black
eyes which seemed to reveal nature
somewhat given to moods. Calm, cool,
and rather appraising, was the first mo-
mentary glance, but being apparently sa-
tisfed with her first impression of Justice,
her manner lost its professional appear
ance and the office girl and stenographer
combined, bowed, and asked sweetly, "Can
l be of any service to you MADAME"
"I should like to speak to Mr.. DePomp
for a moment Is he in?"
"Yes,-but he is engaged just now. Have
you an appointment"
"No have none, but"
The Office girl interrupted, ~ shall be
glad to present your name to him, and ask
if he will see you. I'm sure that he will"
Thank you," replied Justice as she
held out her simple card.
The girl took the card, glanced at it
for moment, and smiled, while her large
black eyes shone with sudden interest
"Justice True" said the girl, beaming at
the caller. "What pretty name; and
how romantic Ah-er-I beg pardon Miss
True. l meant no offense, just-somehow
the name appealed to me. Forgive me,
please" concluded the stenographer, very
much embarrassed at her breach of eti-
quette.
Miss True laughed ht-heartedly and
replied "There is nothing to forgive,
Miss"
"Watson," supplied the girl.
Miss True smiled cordially, and con-
tinued-"I am sure that I appreciate the
compliment, for compliment it really is.
To me, my name seems commonplace
enough so I am glad that you like it, and
hope that I may be worthy of your COM
pliment, Miss Watson"
The stenographer moved a chair near
an outside window, and bade Justice "be
seated please" then entered door
marked private" to return moment
later saying, as she seated herself at her
ypewriter-"Mr. DePomp will see you in
fifteen minutes if you can wait"
"Thank you'll am quite at leisure un-
til lunch time, Miss Watson"
Miss True's cordiality drew the girls
interest to her again. Suddenly she re-
membered,-this is the strange lady who
SO mysteriously seemed to spring up from
nowhere at the very time that the bronze
statue of Justice vanished from the court
house tower,-and she surveyed Justice
closely as she sat gazing out of the win
dow. ITO be continued