Montgomery County sentinel., 1924-01-11
TIE SONG
BY MoLLIE MATHER
,eJcvoso1oye~e.evlOtJs ,~oSeIeIov6-6VeV60tI6,
90. 1923, Western Newspaper Union.)

(e. 1923, western Newspaper Union,)
A Ian drove slowly, his thoughtful
"A gaze bent as though in admira-
tion upon the passing scene. But 1t
was an absent gaze, for Alan was
troubled about Barry-Barry now
successful beyond belief in his chosen
profession, as an actor. Yet far from
happy in his heralded fame, Alan was
sure. There was trouble, undoubtedly,
In the handsome harrassed features.
Barry had not given his confidence;
Alan would have to think out the
problem. Across his thought came
memories of unfailing kindly deeds
during those college days,
The vine-covered pillars of broken
gateway attracted Alans attention. 1t
was a picturesque path that led-all
crimson and golden bordered trees
down long lane. No house was Wis
ible, but at the end of that glorltied
path must be an abode, perhaps IN
keeping with the neglected pillars Of
the gates. As Alan drove, a singing
voice came to him, faint, then clearer
and sweeter, as the singer made her
way toward the gates. 1t was mar
velous voice; Alan drew up aston
ished, to listen. An old-fashloned song
the singer chose-"Douglas, Douglas,
tender and true" He fancied a sob
In the Quivering notes, born, no doubt,
of mere sympathetic skill
Wad ye come back to me. Douglas,
Douglas, tender and true?
Alan leaped from the car in eager
curiosity to see wonder singer In
this isolated country. What could
have brought one of great gift to the
lonely house of the deserted lanef
He intended to make pretense Of seek
ing aid; his car, he would say, was
stalled on the wayslde-not necessary
to say that he himself had stalled
that car, with purpose.
He found her just inside the gate--a
small creature, with wlstful eyes and
a lovely face-a saddened face which
made Alan long instinctively to tempt
into the brightness Of smile. He had
Intended. to make his request for as
slstance instead Alan heard himself
saying truly, 81 stopped because !
heard you sing" d.
81 love to sing" she answered
simply, and waited.
"ro hear such voice in such an
unaccustomed spot is surprising"
Aim returned. Then suddenly he
leaned forward staring. at does not
seem at all possible that should find
the Incompatible Natalie here" he
said, "yet one who has heard Natalie
sing In publlc--who has seen her
could be mistaken in no other"
"I came" she said presently, ITO stoI
for n time In the old home that
knew In childhood, where lives nov
my childhood nurse. II was necessary
that | should have rest complete, Sc.
cluslon absolute. Natalie relies upon
the honor Of gentleman to keep her
secret. My lmpulslve song betrayed
my hiding place"
AiNu EuNt VI HtNitNs III NC
clasp of the small hand outstretched
to him and throughout the homeward
drive throughout his solitary dinner
afterward, the silvery tones Of the
famed Natalle's voice echoed:
Wad ye come back to me, Douglas,
Douglas. tender and true2
The tremulous break at the end OF
the song still caught at his heart
strings. When he called that evening
for n farewell word with Barry, the
motor met him exoitedly. Read this,
he cried, and thrust paper into
Alans hand.
Alan read at first perplexedly, then
in understanding
Recent public discussion Of pos
sible engagement between prominent
actor and movie star reveals secret
marriage Of same actor and we'll
known singer. This marriage, 1t Is
said took place last spring and was
to have been made public when Barry
Blain had completed the summer en-
gagement with his company. Mar
rlage now threatened to end Up sep
aratlon, while the actors bride re
mains hidden In her unknown re-
treat"
"Beastly papers" Douglas was say
ing hentedly. "They write up lot
OF stuff without foundation; Natalie
saw 1t, ran away and hid some place
where neither I nor my agents can
find her. II was her wish that the
marriage be kept secret until fall
when we might both retire from
public life to live in domestic happi-
ness. I've been about crazy over the
affair. n could see her for but n
moment I'm sure could make her
understand. She loves me-and she
is the one woman in my llfe-now or
ever"
Barry's voice broke the break re-
called to Alan the tremulOus ending
Of a song.
Barry" Alan said, 81 want you to
get into my car. ! am going to drive
you to nm old house In the country.
] am breaking a promise Of honor in
this, but n young woman walks about
the grounds Of her old nurses home,
and she sings, "Oh would you come
back 10 me, Douglas" as If she meant
It down to the ground"
And when later Alan had waited at
the broken pillars until the moon was
high In the sky, young woman came
to him there. The young woman
laughed softly.
"Dear friend Of my Douglgs," Nat.
allie said "come IN 10 wish us JOY"
Pretty Bad.
Mrs. Benham--Have you any bad