Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-09-28

herring that youth and laughter and joy were
MS wares. He plunged through a spotlight
sign. A policeman chased him then .surren-
dered. An automobile just missed hitting the
fantastic figure and another driver threw on
his brakes as the clown swung onto his run
ming board
The automobile that carried Mary Bolton
had disappeared and the comedian had to ask
where the hospital was located
Gross the street. down two blocks" an
urchin directed him. What are you all dressed
up for?"
why va going to the hospital? To
get your funny-bone cut out?" another one
yelled at him, but he did not hear.
When John Mitchell reached the quiet vel
low brick hospital building his courage left him
very suddenly. He was tired and painting
silly old man who had run after a little golden
haired girl because once, long ago, he had been
too baShful to talk to another girl with yellow
sunlight in her hair He was ashamed to enter
the building. Maybe the nurses wouldn't let
him in, dressed as he was, he told himself
He entered the corridor and asked the nurse
for her room
you'll have to wait little while" she told
him In cool, firm voice that didn't match
the wonder of her eyes, "I'n call you when YOU
may see her.
He sat down hard bench and watched
the clock. He would find out what Mary need
ed he kept repeating silently and then he
would go away forever. He couldn't come to
the hospital, dressed like clown, to see her
and she must never see him as he was This
would be the end. She must carry memory
OF him as gay and tickle young gallant who
had strolled through Summer with her Then
mad panic sliced him. She might de
Maybe she was dead nowl Cold sweat mingled
with the sticky mixture on his face and mace
a more ridiculous caricature
When Mary was ready to receive him the
head nurse shook her head. THAT costume viii
make her fever rise she explained in brisk z
efficient manner. when you have made your
self presentable, you may go in"
She never saw me in anything else Tna'am
he pleaded.
The woman was firm. John Mitchell came
down the steps slowly and crossed the street
Mary wouldn't have to know, now, at lastl
Now he must be middle-aged forever. 1t had
been only tinsel, this dream he had cherished
and suddenly it seemed to him that it had
grown cheap and old and furnished AS tar
nlSned as the silver they used in the boarding
house tent. AS he neared the circus grounds
the music came to him, raucous and blaring
He hated the whole gaudy business The
music, the smell of hot peanuts and poncorn
and animal bodies; the girl in spangled tights
and paste brilliantS; the glamorouS life that was
built on -sawdust and music that didn't know
its rhythm. If it had Mary wouldn't have
fallen.
He put on his baggy blue suit and picked up
worn felt hat. Then he remembered To
comb his thinning hair, trying to cover the bare
pink spot in the center.
Glowing daysl" He laughed harshlv
Nothing to it, anyway but making a lot of
fools think they're having a good time I'm
through with it."
This time he was admitted to Marys room
as soon as he reached the hospital
MISS Bolton has a broken leg and a sprained
ankle She'll recover, of course Don't etav
long, please" nurse instructed him -.
He opened the door to which the nurse
pointed, and then would have left for the
ngure on the bed had soft gray hair, with q
remnant OF yellow threads shining here and
there and the face, relieved of any nake-hp.
was growing old
II beg your pardon madam" he stammeraa
4 was looking for Mary Bolton"
Mary Bolton? That's" The woman
turned so she could see him more clearly
'xou're-you're not John Mitchell?"
Yes, ma am" he answered patiently He /.
wished she would leave him alone so he could ~
nunt Tor Mary. Were you in a circus where
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