Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1924-01-11
A RADIO DECISION
BY MRS. ADELAIDE 3. KEMP

/ Cr<~eS~T<eessfssle-fssssS 10
g, 1914 BY Mcclure Newspaper syndicate.I
CELIA stepped from the limousine
and, followed by her tall escort.
entered the main doorway OF the
broadcnstlng quarters. Only a few
months before she had been rs un-
known to anyone outside her own
home town as violet by messy
stone" Now, when she tucked her
beloved violin under her chin. she
knew she YVES giving joy to friends
who numbered into the thousands. cas-
they reached the top floor she glanced
quickly at her companion. His ex-
preston was glum and there was a
heavy frown on his forehead which he
made no effort to hide.
You needn't walt for me. Robert. II
II is going to make you late for the
show" she said in low tone as they
went down the corridor.
Il don't mind being late" he an
swercd quickly. "only hate to see you
dragging up here two or three nights a
week when there Is no need OF it"
Celia made no answer as she opened
the odlce door. She wen, over to the
desk and received large batch Of
mail. Since her radio debut she had
received many wonderful letters.
pleasant notes of appreciation from
all sorts and conditions Of people
One handwriting in particular she had
found herself looking .forward to each
week, ever since the first letter had
come, six months before. In which
Sydney Armstrong had made himself
known from lumber camp In Mich.
lgen rs one Of her most apprecatiVe
listeners. To-Day his letter had come,
and lnrge package with it--his pic.
ture. she knew. At his request She
had sent hers the week before. There
was no time to read It now. so She
placed everything in her folio and
opening heavy-padded door marked
"Studio-Sllence." went into the next
room.
1t was several hours later that they
sat In a restaurant down town Cella's
lovely, spirltuelIe face looked very
beautiful with the glow Of the pink.
shaded candles upon IT. Roberi
watched her with admiring eyes.
A"Cella," he said suddenly, "whs
wont you make up your mindl Moth.
er is going to Italy in a couple Of
weeks and I have told her we will q
with her" Celia looked at him witt
startled eyes. See" he continued. in
a low tone. 81 bought yol this today.
He opened small leather case and
displayed magnificent diamond.
"Oh. Robert" said Celia. distress on
her face, what made you do lti
told you couldn't. love my work
tso much to give il up"
Look here" said Robert, quickly
as he dropped the. leather case back
In his pocket. Il don't believe It is
your work. You've something else OF
your mind ami il makes You feel un
certain. Wen leave 1t until Friday
night. I'll meet you outside the plant
II it's yes wen go to Italy. If it's
the other thing III so with mother
anyway"
In the quietness of her room Celia
curled Up in the sleepy-hollow chair
and took the package Of mail from
her folio. She took out the Michigan
letter and the large fat parcel and
rnfastened the wrapRings of the let
ter. Yes. he looked just as she had
known he -broad-sh1uldered
and altogether splendid Then she
opene1 the letter Instead Of the usu
al friendly words Of greeting she read
the following:
''Dear little Radio Swectheart-All
these mcnths that you have been send
ing your sweet piessages through space
liave you not felt the love was re
turning to you through the same routei
Here in these lonely woods you have
brought 10 me memories-memories Of
my mother playing In the twilight
when was q mere lad. And as time
has passed | have had dreams, won
derful ones; the vision OF you sharing
life with me here In my bungalow.
am sending you small snapshot of It.
"You cannot see the beautiful lake
il faces nor the tall 'murmurlng hem
locks that surround It. The living
room is lined with books and my
mothers piano stands in the corner.
II you play her favorite 'Traumerie'
next Friday night | shall know II is
an answer to my love and shall leave
the next day to stay East until you
are ready 10 return with me. OF all
your vast audience on that night you
can be sure the most eager to listen
In will be-
SYDNEY ARMSTRONG"
Celia rested the photograph and the
small picture against the bowl of mag
nifirent orchids Robert had given her
and studied them thoughtfully.
As she entered the studio on Friday
night the strained stiffness Of the room
affected Celia as It had never done be
fore. At the entrance downstairs she
had hurriedly passed Roberts waiting
automobile unnOtieed. Now she felt
nervous chill as she sat waiting her
turn. The draperles of soft violet. the
thick velvet carpet and the subdued
lights made very lovely room. There
were no windows and the walls were
sound-proOf. 1t seemed to her for the
fisi time in her radio experience that
size was in the presence Of some won