Song and Chorus

Every Body's Girl

She's roaming here and there
Her home is every where,
For only when roaming is she free,
She belongs to every one
Impartial like the sun,
Unlike the little busy, busy bee.

Chorus

She's everybody's girl,
She's to every man a pearl
A sweetheart to them all under the sun,
She's in love with every man,
In this great big perfect plan
For to her all men are one, just one.

She smiles on this one, that one,
In earnest, sometimes fun,
A Nobleman, a peasant, or a King
It matters not to her,
For she knows what will occur
Every smile will many with it bring.

And while she flits and flutters,
From palaces to gutters
She smiles for just what smiles will bring,
In no one place she'll tarry

Least she'll be asked to marry.
It's only safe to smile when on the wing.

Now there's nothing left to do
But to smile her way on through,
And watch what in each smile is shown
And some day, some how, she'll meet,
With a smile that will compete
Then forever be her smile on him alone.

Luilleiker

Holy City Calif.

# I Should Worry

I should fret and stew and worry
Till my brain is in a flurry,
Because this world is upside down
I should cry from morn till night,
Or enter in the fight
For supremacy of who should wear the crown.

## Chorus

Crown's are only made for kings
And position ever brings,
The jeweled crown to the deserving head
Then why wear a frown today,
When a crown is on the way
Think it over, for I've been said.

I should worry about health
Position, fame or wealth,
When destiny has shaped all plans for me
I should worry and grow old,
Or seek troubles, yet untold
When I live within a land that's free.

After all's been said and done
We are cared for everyone,
By that something, man has never seen
Not one move have we e're made,
That could make a heart a spade
For we're in the mighty hands of Law.

Lucille Riger

Holy City Calif.

Feb.26- 1931

Trapped.

He hugged her, kissed and squeezed her,
He dissaranged her hair
He went into convolutions,
Acted like a grizzly bear
Then murmurred to her sweetheart,
I without you cannot do
You I'll always love and cherish,
And to you I'll ere' be true.

Chorus

Love, Love, they call that love
What a disgrace to love's plane,
The thing they call love is madness
A condition, purely insane.
Repeat. two last lines.

The next night he met another
And told her, the self same thing,
That his love was the purest and greatest
When the robins nest in spring.
Not strange to say she believed him
For romance was to her agraet world,
And today she is weaping and moaning
For shame has on her been hurled.

Another he met and another
Told each one how he would be true,
Until one day the tables were turned
And he met his true waterloo.

She had met others not unlike him
To deceit this girl had been wised,
So she sat her trap and caught the beast
And Say, you'd be surprised.

Lucille Riker

Holy City Calif

Feb, 26-1931.

# My Oklahoma Home

Tonight my mind goes roaming
As I sit here in the gloaming
Thinking of my Oklahoma home;
She's the dearest and the best
When put right to the test
She's calling "Come no longer roam."

## Chorus:

Oklahoma how I love you
I'll to you be ever true;
You are the state where I was born;
Now I'll hasten home my dear
As I send a kiss of cheer
For without me you are sad, forlorn.

California I must say Goodbye -
I'm going to my home - that's why
I long to scent the blooming sage
And to see the cowboys ride;
On the range I'll soon abide
For I've turned a homeward page.

Written by Lucille Riker.

Presented to
Father William E. Riker
Holy City, Calif.

(Copyright applied for)

The Journey's End.

Song and chorus by Lucille Riker, Holy City.

The way is dreary, the journey long,
I am foot sore and weary today
In search of a land that is peaceful
And a home wherein I may stay.

Chorus:

Peace, peace, peace of the soul,
To a land of peace I am bound -
About me is dire disappointments,
But peace of the soul I have found.

Each day as I travel my journey alone,
On my path that is sacred to me,
I whisper a silent prayer of the soul,
What I'll soon reach the land of the free.

I also welcome the end of the trail,
Of the path all masters have trod,
For there on the shore of this heavenly earth,
I may in peace walk with my God.

September 1, 1930

# Pals

Words by Lucille Riker, Holy City, Calif.
Song.

Pals we were in beginning,
Pals we will be in the end;
Pals when fortune smiled on us,
Pals when not one sue to spend.

## Chorus:

Pals - pals - real pals we are now,
Pals in the end we will be -
Let me pal with my old pal,
Who is big hearted and free.

Pals when we were but sweethearts,
We were pals when husband and wife,
Pals when we faced reverses,
So pals we will be on through life.

Pals when wild storms were raging,
True pals through sunshine and rain -
Pals when real joy over-whelmed us,
And the best of pals when it pain.

At last lifes great drama is over,
All differences now we pass by,
The past to us now forgotten,
But the true pal's spirit can't die.

July - 1930.

Live and Let Live.

Song and chorus by Lucille Riker
Holy City, Calif.

Allow the one before you to live,

It is then alone you may live -

The divine plan is based on this scheme
Of give and take, live and let live.

Chorus:

Live - live - live and let live,

That is the law of the land,

Make up your mind to live and let live,

Wake up and take a new stand.

Then don't be a quitter, nor be selfish

For the Lord doth give and doth take,

Be a good loser if you would win,

If you lose, don't crab for law's sake.

Should they ask for your coat offer your cloak,

Fear not - but to them freely give -

And when the last farthing you've given,

The debt in full you've payed to live.

Sept. 1930

Face to Face with God.

Song and words by Lucille Riker, Holy City.

I have wandered about in God's garden,
Have enjoyed the sunshine and air -
Have revelled in its gorgeous beauty,
Partaken of its fruits so rare.

I have tasted of the sweet and the bitter,
Have shared with the good and the bad -
Have seen both the right and the wrong side,
I've been happy and I've been sad.

I have praised and I have condemned, too, too
in both sin and evil did walk;
This have I done for one purpose
To with God in his garden walk.

Then one day when tired of well doing
I heard God's voice from within,
And he whispered so sweet and so gentle,
Saying, "Child I forgive thee of sin."

Resist not the true path of evil
For 'twill lead to the land of the good -
The keynote to heaven is condemn not
When you think 'twould be just if you should.

Then though I see all mankind as one -
Made in God's image and likeness,
The highest and least, father and son.

Divinity will then be your master,
And divine love possess you forsooth,
You will walk in the light that is final,
And be shown the true Naked Truth.

That all flesh in the phenomenon of God
Regardless of sex - color - race,
Then let your eye humanity scan,
Look and see God face to face.

Sept. 1930

MOTHER, BE A MAN

The day is waning, the sun is casting its gorgeous hues of
many colors on the horizon, reflecting directly upon the beautiful
mansion of the late Sir Robert Edwards of Southern California, a retired
cotton king. The Edwards family consists of three in number, Sir Robert
Edwards, Lady Edwards and their son Percy. Sir Robert, a stern, practi-
cal, matter-of-fact man with a nature to be progressive, spends several
years in psychological research, ever ready to grasp a new idea. He
was reared in England and at the age of 21 leaves his titled family,
comes to America and marries the present Lady Edwards who for many years
was considered the belle of Society. Her queenly figure and winsome
smile wins her overwhelming attention wherever she goes. Percy Edwards
in appearance is quite feminine and dreamy in nature. The Edwards home
is always open to friends, and the Edwards' are quite popular among
their own set. Like many other millionaires' only sons, Percy has many
friends of a worthless type who are attracted to him through his pocket-
book, while Lady Edwards acts as a mother over them.

Sir Robert cares nothing for society, which places a barrier
between him and his wife. Conscious of his negligence toward his wife,
Sir Robert allows himself to be exceptionally broadminded, and encour-
ages her to keep up to her standard of popularity in society and "behappy"
is his motto. It is not unusual for Sir Robert to refrain from attending
formal events, balls, dinners, etc. leaving Percy and his mother to go
alone. In later years, Sir Robert turns away from society altogether,
even in his own home festivities, and devotes his time to study. He
spends hours in meditation trying to solve the problem of what the
true purpose of life really is, for his life from the beginning has
been a

-1-

sea of disappointments. Percy, not unlike many other young chaps of
his caliber, becomes infatuated with a frivolous married woman, much
older than himself. His lady fair loves so many beautiful things her
husband is unable to furnish her with, and naturally she finds great
favor in Percy through his liberal bankroll, on which he has no mercy
when in the company of his fair admirer. They carry their little affair
on to such an extent that all eyes are glued upon them and they become
the general topic among their set. No one thing ever lasts, and natur-
ally Percy's little affair eventually reaches a climax when the
jealous husband of his new found hope decides there is not room for
both him and Percy in America, and gives Percy fair warning to this
effect. On receiving this news, there is great excitement in the
Edwards home, and for the first time does Sir Robert get on his dignity
and threatens to disinherit his son. He is calmed, however, by Lady
Edwards who proposes that she and Percy pack at once and go to Europe.
Lady Edwards always gets her way; the servants are called together and
at once make arrangements for the journey. They land in Paris where
they secure a quiet place in the outskirts of the city, and there they
try living the simple life entirely away from society, but this does
not last long. Unrest soon possesses them and they long for life,
as they term it. At first thought of society in gay Paris, they are
entranced and delighted, but on second consideration of the outcome,
they decide it good policy to live a life of freedom, and no longer
be tied to formalities of society. A beautiful villa overlooking the
Seine River is their choice, and there with their servants, two in
number, live a life of ease and freedom. Percy and his mother are more
like pupils to one another than mothre and son; both being pleasure seekers

-2-

they have no trouble to get along harmoniously together. They attend
many of the gay festivities and visit all of the notorious cabarets,
where they meet many acquaintances of their kind. Percy's experience
with his lady friend in America has proven to him a valuable lesson, and
he decides the safest plan is to be courteous to all, and love none. He
dresses swagger and has plenty of money, therefore is free to associate
with the prettiest and most fascinating of the gay throng. Lady Edwards
has her likes and dislikes, as all pampered society women have and not
having the best of material to choose from, finally selects a distin-
guished looking gentleman with a long title and a slim pocketbook, one
Count Charles Angelique de Pierre. He is so attentive and gracious, so
graceful in his mannerism, something that no American man, especially
her husband has ever shown her, which pleases her ladyship much. They
succeed in meeting at their favorite haunt each evening in a certain
cafe where freedom to chat and dance predominates, and wine flows free-
ly - usually at Lady Edwards' expense. As time goes on, Count Charles
Angelique de Pierre asks the permission to call at the Edwards home,
which is granted, and there he is treated with all the hospitality his
distinguished title demands. After a few visits to the Edwards home
he is very contented to pass his evenings in a social game of Whist
with Lady Edwards, while Percy seeks the bright lights of Paree until
the wee hours of the morning. Now they brush aside all thoughts as to
what someone may think or say as to their manner of living, for as
the story goes, "Love is blind", and in gay Paree people are always too
busy having a good time to be bothered about what their next door
neighbor might think. So they live on and on in their new world, almost
forgetting Sir Robert and their elegant home back in dear old California.

-3-

Lady Edwards has as usual, her checking account and she lavishly spends it at the same time upholds her son Percy in doing likewise. Accidents will happen in the best of families, therefore there was nothing made over the catastrophe which suddenly befalls the honorable Count when he divulges his financial embarrassment to Lady Edwards. The Count naturally has to blush a few times before he can muster up courage to delicately lay his circumstances before Lady Edwards; then asks her if it will be convenient for her to advance him $50,000 until he can find his way out of this stupid financial predicament. Of course he intends to repay her with good interest, and offers to give her his note to this effect but Lady Edwards considers it an insult to accept a note especially from a titled gentleman. After having procured the loan, Count Charles Angelique de Pierre finds it inconvenient to keep his appointment at the Edwards home on several occasions, and Lady Edwards begins to sense a lack of interest on his part, which naturally causes a spirit of unrest to be upon her. On one occasion when the Count fails to keep his appointment, Lady Edwards calls a cab and goes to their favorite cafe in hopes that she may find Percy and his party, and to her great surprise finds her noble Count lavishly spending her money on a conspicuously dressed young woman; they are drinking the choicest of wines and apparently enjoying each other's company. Lady Edwards notes a marked difference in the Count's attitude towards this strange woman and that which he extends her - a deeper interest, one of affection and straightforwardness. For the first time in Lady Edwards' proud life does she feel the pangs and sting of one who has been duped or deceived. Immediately her American dignity arises in its fullness and she appears several inches

-4-

higher in stature. Her first impression is to approach the Count and rebuke him for his dishonesty, but on second thought her pride overcomes her and she asks the waiter to seat her in an unobserved place as she wishes to remain quiet and listen to the music. She sits at her lone table sipping her wine when her past life looms up before her, and for the first time in her frivolous life she sees herself in the true light and can plainly see that she has been since a child, selfish, obstinate and bent on having her own way in everything. Then she sees another mental picture, a man sitting alone in deep meditation with a sad look upon his countenance, and it is that of Sir Robert back in America.
She immediately springs to her feet and hurriedly leaves the place unseen by any save the keoneyed waiter, and the butler at the door who calls a cab, assists her comfortably inside, then closes the door with a sarcastic and knowing grin. On arriving at the Edwards' apartment, she quietly enters in hopes that the servants will not see her; then throws herself helplessly upon a luxurious divan and there she sobs hysterically while she silently fights against that dual woman within self; she sees what a foolish woman she has been, while the pangs of regret and disgrace brought upon herself and husband sink deep into her consciousness, and here she first fights the battle within her own mind until completely exhausted, then falls asleep. Lady Edwards is awakened in the early morning by Percy fondly laying his hand on her forehead as he exclaims: "Mother Dear, what has happened?" She opens her eyes with a startling glare, and then on seeing Percy, her face softens; she smiles sweetly upon him, for there has been a marked change come over her during her sleep - one of softness and sweetness. As Percy stands gazing intently in her face, he remarks: "Mother, I have just had a dream of you and

-5-

Papa," and you looked beautiful, not unlike an angel; but poor papa -
there was something strange about him; it appeared that there was
another woman there. By this time, Lady Edwards succeeds in collecting
her senses and last night's drama appears before her, then she contin-
ues: "Come sit down my son, I have something to tell you." She tells
him how she has awaited the coming of the Count and after a reasonable
time has elapsed, how she goes to the cafe and finds the Count with
the strange woman and how she leaves the cafe unseen by anyone save
the waiter and butler. She admits to Percy her infatuations with the
Count and of her leaning him $50,000, after which his interests in her
soon vanished. As she talks, something new seems to possess her, and
her face is radiant as she reaches over, kisses Percy's forehead and
then remarks: "Well son, we have both been very foolish and we have
both been fooled; let us together forget our foolish past, for we still
have one another to live for. I was ever ready and willing to forgive
your shortcomings and aid you to forget them, and now comes your chance
to reciprocate. Percy can you forgive your mother or her many mistakes,
and still love and respect as you did before she became a victim of a
title, less a man?" Percy gently takes his mother in his arms and
fondles her as if he were her father; he smooths her hair and hums a
lullaby to drown her sobs. Then with a spirit of reassurance and the
air of a Master, Percy remarks: "Smile up little mother, all is well
that ends well; you shall always be my perfect mother. Come dear, we
must divulge everything to father, he is so big and noble, I am sure
he will forgive you as he did me and we will all live happy together
again some day. Percy rings for the maid and she proceeds to prepare

-6-

principles." Percy takes another step toward the now crestfallen
Count and is on the verge of cuffing him when the door suddenly opens
and Sir Robert enters. His attention is immediately attracted to the
two men who are ready to strike each other. Sir Robert rushes between
them and exclaims: "Halt, men! What does all this mean?" On sight
of Sir Robert Percy immediately changes his attitude and expression: he
grasps his father by both hands with a manly grip, one his father
has never felt in him before, as he exclaims: "Well Dad, it sure seems
good to have you with us. Sir Robert advances toward Lady Edwards
with outstretched arms without uttering one word. She throws herself
into Sir Robert's strong arms and cries as if her proud heart would
break. Sir Robert sees there is an explanation necessary and leads
Lady Edwards to a divan where he gently and quietly seats her. At
this he retraces his steps in the direction of the two men as he casts
a questioning glance toward the now delapitated looking Count; then in
a low tone exclaims to Percy: "Well Son, tell your dad all about it;
who is this stranger and what was the argument between you as I entered
the room?" At this the Count backs slowly in the direction of the door,
but Percy springs before him like a young lion exclaiming: "You'll
stay right here Mr. Count and face the music, at the same moment
grabbing him by the coat sleeve and pulling him directly in front of
Sir Robert. Then in a commanding tone exclaims: "Now Sir, you tell
this American gentleman, my father and Lady Edwards' husband, how
you have betrayed my mother's confidence and treacherously secured
$50,000 from her. At this, the Count shrinks back, trembling as if
suddenly taken with chills and fever. Sir Robert steps directly in
front of the Count and without saying a word, looks him straight in

-8-

the eye, then moves back a few steps again, closely scanning him from
head to foot and then in a tone that carries a tinge of sarcasm, remarks:
"Well, you look almost like a human being, but your actions resemble
that of a yellow dog and I have a great mind to treat you as one,
However, I will give you a chance to prove your manhood. Return that
$50,000 check to Lady Edwards and then depart, never to cross my thresh-
old again until you can prove to my satisfaction that you are a real
man instead of a cad. The Count nervously fumbles for his notebook,
and after finding it, takes from it a number of new bank bills and
casually advances towards Lady Edwards with drifting eyes and trembling
hand. He holds the bills in reach of Lady Edwards as he feebly and
cowardly remarks: "This Madam is all I have left; forgive me and some
day I will pay the debt in full." He nervously lays the bills on the
divan by her side then walks directly in front of Sir Robert, makes
a low gesture and silently leaves the room. Sir Robert and Percy ex-
change silent glances, both seemingly at a loss as to what to say or
do. As the door closes back of the Count, Lady Edwards springs from
the divan, rushes directly before Sir Robert, then falls upon her knees.
With head bowed low and tears streaming down her once haughty face,
she begs his forgiveness. Sir Robert gently lays one hand upon her
head and assists her to arise with the other. On arising she endeavors
to explain, but Sir Robert beckons her to be quiet, then continues: "From
now on, my dear, for your own good I shall play my loyal part as head
of the Edwards household, instead of acting as a mere convenience to
you. Then turning to Percy he continues: "And you young man, now that
you are a man in age, you must prove to be one by your actions. I refuse
to tolerate a mollycoddle in the Edwards home any longer."

-9-

home." "Come", Sir Robert exclaims, "both of you be seated, I am
going to give you your first lesson and orders: The many years of
suffering I have encountered during your frivolous experiences (I mean
both of you) I have had my eyes pried open and I can plainly see that
I am to blame for having tolerated such nonsense and disobedience in
my home. I sat quietly by and allowed both of you to dictate to me as
well as judge me. From this moment hence, I shall not be guilty of
neglecting my duty as a mouthpiece in my home. This last episode has
been the ultimate means of my final decision to take this stand. My
many years of study in research has made clear to me that nothing
happens by mistake, but that everything is governed by predestination.
My judgment and decisions must be foremost at all times and my will
must be respected by those who profess me, for the good of all concerned.
This day I shall turn a new and clean page, and the old shall
be blotted out of my life forever. I hold no enmity, revenge nor
hatred for any person, and I go forth a new man and free. Whatever I
do in the future, is the will of God, as in the past what you did was
also God's will, though I could not then see it in this light."

Dinner is served, after which the Edwards family takes a ride out
through the beautiful park, and that evening, out in the bright lights
of gay Paree, Sir Robert assumes an attitude much different than of
the past. He is aggressive and takes an interest in things now that in
the past were a bore to him. Lady Edwards and Percy meekly join in his
festivities - at intervals exchanging glances, as if wondering what
Sir Robert would do next. As if being directed by an unseen hand,
Sir Robert selects all of the main places of life and gaiety and apparently
is highly entertained. They stop at a place for refreshments, a

-10-

place that is very familiar to both Lady Edwards and Percy, it being
that self-same place where Lady Edwards' first met the Count; however,
their attitude does not reveal this fact. Comfortably seated at a
table in full view of the stage, Sir Robert orders a bottle of sparkling
Burgundy to be served, when suddenly soft melodious strains of music
gradually fill the room. After a few seconds there appears from between
the curtains, slowly opening, a creature beautiful to gaze upon, with
the grace of a fawn and a face radiant like an angel. Draped about her
are many yards of filmy gauze-like material; she daintily and cleverly
swings it high in space, causing it to appear like the filmy wings of
an angel. All eyes are fastened upon her as she gracefully plays with
the gauze. The audience is spellbound, and to Lady Edwards' surprise
Sir Robert is intensely interested in the strange beauty. Lady Edwards
touches his arm lightly and remarks: "Well dear, what do you think
of her?" Without once taking his eyes off from the strange, beautiful
and mystifying creature, Sir Robert answers in the same breath:
"Wonderful". For the first time in Lady Edwards' life does it dawn
upon her that Sir Edwards is really infatuated with the strange beauty.
The atmosphere of the rotunda is now a complete upheaval of joy and
interest. Presently the dancing beauty decends a stairway strewn with
roses of various hues; when at the bottom of the stairway she pauses,
picks up a beautiful LaFrance rose, places the stem between her pearly
teeth, then glides gracefully about the large and elaborately decorated
room. She pauses first before one table and then another; now and then
throwing a kiss to someone of her favor, and finally on nearing the
Edwards party, her eyes meet with those of Sir Robert. She quickly
takes the rose from between her teeth and gracefully throws it in the
direction of Sir Robert. The rose strikes him on the forehead

-11-

and falls upon the floor. Sir Robert first bows ascent to the danger,
then picks up the rose, kisses it and offers it to Lady Edwards with a
victorious smile on his countenance. On seeing the strange look upon
Lady Edwards' face, Sir Robert leans toward her and in a low tone
remarks: "Never mind my dear, you shall always be my beautiful American
Rose." At this remark Lady Edwards smiles and graciously accepts the
rose, as her society training has taught her to be a good actress, es-
pecially in company. The wee hours in the morning find the Edwards
family safely in their own quarters, and for the first time, speechless.
Lady Edwards meditates on the way her husband's interest has apparently
been shifted from her to the mysterious dancer, one who in the past
would have been disgusting to Sir Robert, yet now is as if held in a
spell of some kind, unable to say a word. Percy within himself is truly
alarmed by his father's actions. The trio retires in silence, each one
to his respective chamber. After a long and tiresome fight with nervous
inner arguments and dreams, Percy falls asleep and in his dreams sees
his mother in great sorrow, and his father living a frivolous life in the
gay underworld. On awakening he is completely shattered, the result of
the uncanny dream of his parents, and he walks nervously to and fro in
his room; then after careful meditation he finally decides to say
nothing about his dream and keep a keen eye on his father. This morning
Lady Edwards does not appear at the breakfast table as usual, and Percy
takes advantage of the opportunity and confidently warns his father
against the treachery of the dancing beauty with whom his father has
so suddenly and strangely become fascinated. "Without hesitation Sir
Robert quickly gives Percy to understand that he, (Sir Robert) is past
twenty and needs no one's advice as to the way he should live his life.
My righteousness, declares Sir Robert in all time to come shall predom-

-12-

inate in my household. I need no dictator or advisor. On seeing it useles
useful to argue with Sir Robert, Percy quickly remarks: "All right Dad,
you win; your will shall be respected." Evening comes and the Edwards
family again finds themselves in the same cabaret where they had dined
the previous evening, and as usual the place is filled with pleasure
seekers, especially the kind who seek a place to entertain the other
fellow's wife, or the other woman's husband. At the usual hour the
dancing beauty appears on the stage and this time instead of resembling
an angel in costume, she features a graceful serpent and meets with great
applause. Her costume is a bright green satin, heavily decorated with
opaloscent shades of fishscale beads with a long trail tapering to a sharp
point. The head dress is closely and neatly fitted to cover every trace
of hair; it is jeweled with various colors of red, green, yellow, brown
and black, depicting the exact resemblance of a serpent's head. Her
figure, tall and graceful, apparently is moulded into this gruesome
costume, as she moves about in it as natural looking as the real serpent
of the forest. Her dance harmonizes with her costume, mainly graceful
gestures and movements. She lives in her dance and the gruesome world
that she now mentally inhabits, when suddenly she quietly descends the
broad stairway leading into the cafe, designed for her dance. The stair
way is draped with elegant rich velvet, golden in color with either side
of the stairway decorated with moss and wild flowers. She leans forward,
head protruding some distance from her body, with graceful movements like
that of a serpent, slowly advancing first toward one side of the stairway
and then the other. All eyes are intently fastened upon the beautiful
yet dangerous looking creature, charmed as it were and helpless. When
the last step is reached the music breaks forthanow. She gracefully

-13-

stoops, winds her long pointed trail about her arm and does a serpentine
dance before each table as she daringly smiles upon each gentleman of
her choice, occasionally throwing a kiss. On approaching the Edwards
table she speaks in a loud jovial yet modulated tone: "To the man who
dares dance with the serpent, I shall bestow upon him a sweet kiss and
in this kiss lies the hidden secret of the serpent's charm." Her words
sound weird and gastly, especially to those who are inclined to be super-
stitious. Absolute silence prevails throughout the place; then suddenly
as if directed by some superhuman power, Sir Robert rises from his table,
bows calmly to Lady Edwards and the next instant finds himself looking
directly into the eyes of the beautiful green serpent. The orchestra
starts a slow dreamy waltz and the serpent sways gracefully in the arms
of Sir Robert, occasionally resting her head on his shoulder as they
dreamily glide along, apparently lost in a new and strange world of their
own. Sir Robert feels her warm breath against his cheek and becomes as
one innoculated by some intoxicating spirits, then whispers to her:
"Last night I was inspired by an angel, tonight I am charmed by a serpent;
now for a kiss and then the secret of the serpent's charm. At this she
kisses Sir Robert on the lips and then in a jovial yet jeering manner
remarks in a tone that all can hear: "Now you have the sting of the
serpent upon you and when thoroughly innoculated with her poison you will
realize her charm." From the beginning of the dance Lady Edwards and
Percy have never once taken their eyes off from Sir Robert and this weird
beautiful creature who apparently has cast some mystic spell over and
upon Sir Robert. Horrified, humiliated and angered all combined, Lady
Edwards rises from the table and starts toward the lobby, while
Percy silently follows her.

-14-

Morning finds Lady Edwards and Percy at home alone; after a short conversation they decide it is high time to rescue Sir Robert from the charm of the serpent, otherwise both their name and fortune will be wrecked. Something must be done at once; but they know not what course to pursue. Percy assumes for the first time, the true spirit of real manhood and good judgment. Lady Edwards on the verge of nervous prostration hysterically threatens to divorce Sir Robert; in the next breath she threatens revenge upon the serpent who so cleverly has alienated her husband's affections. She nervously walks from one end of the living room to the other and finally pauses before a large mirror, then throws up her hands in horror. For the first time in her selfish life does she fully realize the traces that cruel time has left upon her once youthful and beautiful countenance. Suddenly an imaginary face of the serpent stares at her from the mirror, then hisses those words in her ear: "You are growing old"- "You are no longer beautiful". She stares at this horrible spectacle in the mirror and then staggering falls into a chair. Percy who has been engaged in deep meditation glances up in time to see his mother collapse. He springs quickly, raises her to her feet and clasps her in his arms, at the same moment remarking: "What on earth has come over you, mother dear"? After a few seconds, Lady Edwards is again conscious, and exclaims: "Percy, you do not understand my predicament! I am not as young as I was one day, my youth is departing and my charms with it; what am I to do? What can I do? Feature for one moment, my husband and your father, in the clutches of that awful creature who has both youth and charms! Something must be done or I shall go mad, mad, mad, mad!" Lady Edwards clutches at her throat, unable to breathe naturally, while her sobs attract the servants on the scene. Percy

-15-

beckons the maid to take Lady Edwards in charge, who leads her gently to her chambers and finally persuades her to lie down and rest. Percy remains quiet for an instant, then hurriedly calls a cab. One half hour later finds him in the gay cafe where they had spent the evening before. He calls a waiter, crushes a liberal bank note in his hand, then confidentially asks him where he can locate the apartments of the beautiful dancer. On arriving at the serpent's apartments, Percy assumes the attitude of one of her many admirers, boldly ascending the stairway and rings the door bell. The door is opened by a maid; he immediately presses a sovereign in her hand, saying "Her ladyship awaits me" and the maid ushers him to the door of the drawing room. Percy pushes aside the elegant hangings, and there before his eyes is his father, Sir Robert reclining on a luxurious divan, robed in a rich scarlet smoking coat, the serpent fondly hovering over him caressing his locks; now and then kissing him. Percy stands immovable for a few seconds, unable to speak. On gaining poise he braces himself, advances a few steps, then in a commanding tone remarks: "Father, I have come to take you home. Leave this treacherous woman; she is sure enough the serpent and her sting is deadly poison." At this, Sir Robert arises, gives Percy a look of disgust, at the same time remarks: "How dare you intrude in my affairs?" "You and your mother have lived an indolent life in luxury and enjoyed the kind of pleasure that appealed to you, now I shall live my life, seek my choice of company and take pleasure in any way I decide is right for me. You are a man as much so as I am; go home to your mother and care for her, work for her, protect her and be a comfort to her in time of need. You owe it to her; I owe her nothing. Your mother has failed to please me and she cannot walk my path in grace; she cannot adjust her mind to my righteousness at present; there is a vast and wide gulf

-16-

between us. Go carry out my instructions and when I grow tired of being entertained in this manner, I will again return home and see if I can be appreciated by both your mother and yourself." Percy's first impression is to call an officer and have his father removed from the serpent's apartments by physical force, but on further consideration turns away without saying another word.

Percy finds his mother nervously walking to and fro on the veranda, and greets her with a kiss. Later on he takes her for a drive in the part, with his arm fondly about her he sweetly whispers in her ear -"Cheer up little mother, I am going to be a real man, then I can be a lover and companion to you. You have been a kind and loving mother to me, though possibly not always for my own good; you stood by me in time of need with the forgiving spirit and the true mother's love.

Where you fell short with your love, you could not treat Dad as you treated me when the real test came before you. My eyes have been opened to all women. You mother dear, are more than a woman to me, you are a real queen to me, and some day you are going to prove this to father - then we will all be happy. "That is all very nice my dear"

Lady Edwards remarks, "But how about your father? are we to sit quietly by and allow that creature to make a fool of him and rob us of our good name and fortune? She is the kind that will rob him of his very soul and in the end cast him aside." As if just awakened from a dream, Percy remarks: "Mother, I have an idea. As a last resort, I am going to suffer it to be so that you may humble yourself to the serpent in order to save father. You go and beg of her to be merciful and release your husband. I have been to her apartments and talked with my father; he is unmovable and heartless. The serpent has him completely under her spell and he even ordered me from her apartments." After a moment's

-17-

hesitation, Lady Edwards consents to Percy's plan; instead of calling
at the serpent's apartments, they arrange with the waiter to have an
interview with the serpent in her dressing room at the cafe, all un-
known to the serpent. Lady Edwards is quickly ushered through the stage
entrance and directed to the serpent's dressing room. She does not wait
to be announced, but quietly turns the knob of the serpent's dressing
room door, and there the two rivals meet face to face. The serpent
is dressed in flesh-colored silk tights; her lines are girlish and graceful
and her skin like alabaster. For a moment Lady Edwards stands speech-
less, scanning the serpent from head to foot, silently marvelling at her
great beauty of face and figure. The serpent drops her jeweled brush upon
the dressing table and advances a step forward, then in a sarcastic tone,
after first scanning Lady Edwards critically, remarks: "Well, what has
brought you here? I suppose you think I have your husband hidden back
of the scenes some place." Lady Edwards slowly moves toward the serpent
and with outstretched arms and pleading face remarks: "I have come to
appeal to you as woman to woman. I beg of you to release my husband
from the spell you have succeeded in casting upon him. Have a heart
woman, and picture yourself for one moment in my position; a woman of
my age with a grown-up son. My husband is old enough to be your father,
why break up my home and rob me of my life's work and companion when the
world is full of bright and handsome young men. I know you do not care
for my husband, it is only his money you seek, his life is but a toy
in your hands; release him this day and I will pay you in gold and in
full." The serpent turns upon Lady Edwards with a vicious glare and
remarks: "I do not need your money, I have access to your husband's bank
book, besides I take great pleasure in making a fool of him, as there
is no fool like an old one. I am entertained and supported by many

-18-

foolish men of his type, those with a name and a fortune; why should I allow the tears and grief of a woman who has already lived her life to interfere with my future success and comfort." The serpent continues: "You have lost your physical charms and see old age staring you in the face; if you were young and beautiful, you would not worry about your husband, why should I worry about him, why should I worry about you - about anything? I have a lover, young and handsome, he is in the same business I am in; he plays with the affections of foolish women who are willing to pay for love and admiration, those who have a husband with a name and a fortune back of it. The world is full of foolish people" the serpent remarks - "foolish wives and foolish husbands; the serpent is wise, treacherous and unmerciful. Go seek ye wisdom and find a new way by which to charm your husband; I am living my life and fulfilling my duty and as long as my youthful charms and foolish men last, I shall continue to be gay and happy." with heavy heart and tear-stained eyes Lady Edwards fairly staggers to the stage entrance. Percy hurriedly comes to meet her and gently assists her inside the cab where he fondly holds her in his strong arms, begging of her to remain quiet and rest. Tea is served to Lady Edwards and Percy takes a glass of wine, after which Lady Edwards relates her experience with the serpent, followed with the declaration: "Percy it is a hopeless case; that woman has a caloused heart. She is only playing with your father's sympathy that she may rob him of his fortune and weaken his character. Percy draws his mother closer to him and kisses her cheek and remarks: "Never mind, mother, we will not give up; where there is life there is hope. Leave it to your big son to fathom the problem. Come dear, it is time for you to retire - I wish to be alone for awhile to meditate. In meditation there is peace, and in peace all good things come to us."

-19-

Lady Edwards quietly arises, kisses Percy on the forehead and enters her lonely chambers. Percy lights a cigarette and as the smoke ascends, a large ring appears in the smoke; he watches it intently, and all of a sudden it comes to him that the ring is a sign of oneness of good, and in that thought he falls asleep. He dreams he is kneeling before a noted Master who possesses the power to reveal all mysteries and unveil all secrets. He falls at the Master's feet and says: "Pray tell me my good Master, what must I do to bring happiness into our home again? Great sorrow hovers over us; my mother mourns the loss of my father's affections; some fascinating gay woman has charmed him and cast a spell over him. The Master places his hand gently upon Percy's head and in a commanding tone says: "Young man, arise, you earnestly and unselfishly seek the Truth; it shall be given you. Go home and tell your mother that outer beauty and charms, even youth is but skin deep and temporal. Real beauty, sweetness, eternal charms and the true spirit of youth still remains hidden within. The woman who has apparently charmed your father and that charm is fleeting, false and material, Your father's true love and admiration for your mother remains yet to be expressed; he is not himself at present, but instead is a victim of circumstances. Tell your mother there is always redemption for any woman regardless of her material age or her outward appearance, providing she can resurrect her inner beauty and sweetness, and is clever enough to apply it. The woman who has lost her outward charms and beauty must become in thought like the one she wishes to charm and entertain; this is accomplished by accepting his righteousness and forgetting her own. Woman and man always were one principle, but few there are who realize this truth, until after all material interests and charms for one another have departed. Your Mother has the power to charm your father eternally, where he will have a greater interest in her than ever in the past, and demonstrate a love

for her that cannot be put asunder if she can but live completely in
his ways, decisions and righteousness. Let her praise him whatever
he decides upon to do and he will turn his back upon all other women
who cannot demonstrate this final understanding and love. This is
the Master's key to success, happiness, freedom and contentment.

Arise ye and go home, great joy awaits your mother, peace untold shall
possess your father; and you shall become a Master of understanding,

for you are an earnest seeker." Percy awakens with a start, and on
opening his eyes sees his mother standing before him. "Our breakfast
awaits us Dear, she exclaims, and your father has not yet returned."

Percy places his hand upon his forehead for a minute as if trying to
collect his senses, then suddenly his dream looms up before him in
its fullness, and he remarks, "Mother, I have something to tell you;

I had a very strange and interesting dream concerning you and father.

I am sure I have found the secret by which we can save father from
that awful woman, and it's all up to you mother, to do the work. I am
going to be your inspiration and love you in a way you have never been
loved, that you may have sufficient strength to carry out the plan.

The Grand Master I saw and talked with in my dream told me exactly
what you must do to regain my father's love, or rather awaken a new
and pure love within him. The woman who temporarily has his interest
and love, the Master says is only a fake interest and love; he also
says the love that you in the past had for father, and the so-called
love father had for you, was only a substitute to be used for a
certain time, in place of real love that awaits both of you; so be of
good cheer - all's well that ends well. Lady Edwards interrupts him
by saying: "Percy dear, this is only a dream; I would to God that it
were true - what on earth are we to do?" Percy raises his hand in

-21-

an authoritative way and says: "Now my dear, listen to me: I feel sure I am not mistaken; something tells me I am right, so let us try it out; we have all to gain, we have already lost all that we believed to be dear to us. Let us take a chance on recovering our loss. Here is the keynote. Mother, you must become a man, or rather be like father in thought, righteousness and hobbies. Allow him to have his own way and your great part is to praise and uphold him in all of his decisions. If you can do this gracefully, you are sure to charm him, and he will unfailingly turn his back upon all other women for you. You must forget the idea that you are a woman and cease trying to be and act like a woman. The Master says you and all women are men in disguise, you have only been playing the part of a woman. You must become angelic, sweet, loving, kind, forgiving and do the things that a mere woman, so-called, cannot do; then you are greater than all of the women of the world. When you and father were married, you accepted his name and what he could do for you in a material way. Now is the time to allow him to do for you in a spiritual way. You and father never were united in thought, purpose and righteousness. When you can charm him through your inner sweetness and beauty, it is then you will prove you are him and truly married. When father returns, you must meet him with the same welcome smile as of yore. Find no fault with him nor criticise him in any way. Say nothing about the episode in the cafe last evening, neither speak unkindly or disrespectfully concerning the serpent. Come, now let us enjoy our breakfast and live in the thought of the bright future." The main topic of conversation while at the breakfast table was that of the great beauty and wonders of Paris, and Percy concludes the conversation by remarking: "And after all, there is no place like home, God's country, California; some day we will all be back home, happy in our Home Sweet Home. A day elapsed, then another

-22-

and another. Percy acts as the comforter, ever pointing to the optimistic side of the situation, and assures his mother that time regulates all things, besides it is a sure healing balm for a broken heart. Percy is about to speak further when suddenly the door opens and in walks Sir Robert, assuming an air of independence. He looks first at Lady Edwards, then at Percy, wondering how they are going to meet him. Percy assists his mother to her feet at the same time squeezes her hand as a cue to get her sweetness working. Lady Edwards greets Sir Robert with a sweet kiss and a big hug, while Percy in a good natured tone remarks -"Come dad, dinner is served. Sir Robert turns and offers Lady Edwards his arm, and once again the Edwards family assumes their regular routine at the dinner table. Percy watches his mother intently and occasionally gives her the wink to keep up the good work. Sir Robert's face indicates contentment, yet somewhat skeptical as to whether or not this new heavenly condition is real. They chat about things in general. Sir Robert never takes his eyes off from Lady Edwards, as if trying to read her innermost thoughts. Lady Edwards' face shows no traces of sorrow or revenge, but to his surprise, just the contrary: sweet, kind and queenly. They retire to the drawing room and Percy leaves his father and mother alone. My dear, Sir Robert remarks to Lady Edwards, I have never seen you so beautiful and charming in all your life, what has come over you? I feel as though I do not want to leave you for one minute. Have you not missed me dear?" Lady Edwards looks up and smiles sweetly: "Why of course I have missed my grand and noble husband, but true love cannot be selfish. You crave youth and beauty and I have neither to offer." Sir Robert drops his head for an instant, then looks long and intently into Lady Edwards' face. He gently presses her face in both hands and reverently kisses her forehead, at the same moment remarks: "My dear and most perfect one,

-23-

my Queen, you are this minute far more beautiful to me than all of the
so-called beautiful women of the world. As to youth, I never saw you
so apparently youthful, for you are innocent in thought and that is the
real spirit of youth. I see in you this minute what I have always longed
to see, my ideal of womanhood, a real helpmate and comforter. That
creatore I have spent a few days with was only a beautiful toy - some-
thing to amuse and entertain me, while I was miserable and lonesome;
I might say a rattle toy to awaken me from my slumbers, and now the toy
no longer pleases or amuses me and I cast it aside. If men could only
find in their wives that inner sweetness and innocence that every man
craves, they could never leave their wives and homes; but of course they
too must first make themselves worthy of this real love and sweetness.
Now that I have paid the price and found in you that great love I crave,
let us bury the past and start life over again. Let us look upon this day
as our real wedding day; married in thought and understanding and let the
remainder of our life be one continual day of sunshine and peace. The
honeymoon belongs to the night. We have something greater to look forward
to, my sweet queen." Percy returns and finds his father and mother still
sitting where he had left them. He senses a look of contentment and peace
upon his father's countenance, his mother beaming and radiant. As Percy
advances toward them, Sir Robert beeks for him to be seated, then remarks
"Percy, your mother and I got married all over again, and no one was present
to tie the knot but God." Percy remarks: "So much the better; now I will
speak for God and bless you both in his name. What God hath really
joined together, no man, woman nor serpent has the power to put asunder,
for what God hath joined together through righteous understanding, are
and always were one. You and mother always were one, but it took the

-24-

serpent and the worthless count to bring about the awakening of your oneness and completeness." The reconciliation of Sir Robert and Lady Edwards has brought new life to the servants; they move about like children on Christmas morning, with a spirit of goodwill for all, even the sun apparently shines brighter, and all nature appears most beautiful. Several days elapse and Sir Robert shows no desire to leave his wife and home for one minute. Paris and her strange curious beauty holds no charms for him now, for at last he has found peace of mind. A special dinner is served in the Edwards home that evening in honor of the reunion, and the very walls of the home echo the silent joy and goodwill that is radiated from the trio. Sir Robert and Percy stop to enjoy a smoke while Lady Edwards strolls out on the front veranda. She trips daintily along like a young bride, light-hearted and happy; now and then stopping to kiss a beautiful rose as if trying to tell them of her inner joy, for they too appear more beautiful to her than ever before. Suddenly her attention is drawn to a cab hurrying in her direction, and to her great surprise it stops directly in front of the Edwards home. The cab door is immediately thrust open and a striking looking young lady ascends the stairs of the Edwards apartments. Lady Edwards watches the stranger intently and on close observation recognizes the serpent. She glares at Lady Edwards for a second, then remarks: "Yes, it is the serpent. Your husband did not keep his appointment with me, is why I am here." At this remark, Lady Edwards throws the door open, gracefully steps back and motions the serpent to enter. The serpent brushes aside all formalities, and wastes no time in reaching the drawing room where Sir Robert and Percy are engaged in smoking and chatting. Both men look up as they hear

-25-

someone enter the room, and to their surprise, the serpent stands before them. With a sneering and sarcastic hiss in her speech, she remarks: "Well, Sir Robert, since you failed to keep your promise and appointment with me, I have come to you. I have bills that must be met, and it is up to you my dear, since you so graciously accepted my hospitalities and kept other admirers away; now I am giving you a chance to show your great generosity and honesty. You Americans all prove to be alike when in Paris - big boobs and babies; you are easily taken in and in the end you all run home to your wives." The serpent continues: "I care nothing for you, it is money I want, so pay me well, then go seek sympathy from your wife. The man of my choice is young, tall and handsome with a burning love." Percy springs to his feet and advance toward the woman, remarking: "Fiend! Are you not satisfied with what you have already done, or do you seek to devour the very life of those who have befriended you?" At this Sir Robert arises and motions Percy to remain quiet, then in a masterful tone remarks: "Yes, I admit I have been foolish, and I also have sought refuge in my wife, but not through fear. I am no coward, neither am I any longer a boob; my eyes at last have been opened and I give you credit for the operation. I left my wife and went with you because she could not mentally please me, you temporarily pleased me with your outer beauty and youth. Now again my wife pleases me, and you hold no charm or interest for me. I left you because I was tired of your make-believe love and concealed treachery. I was temporarily entertained immensely by you, but that was all; you did not nor could you succeed in eternally satisfying my inner craving for real sweetness, queenliness and an atmosphere of purity and peace. I came home expecting it to be my last call, and to my great surprise, found most peaceful and heavenly conditions, and

-26-

Lady Edwards a real queen. At this, Sir Robert points in the direction of his wife who stands a few feet away with face beaming like an angel. "Behold in her a real queen, an angel, sweetness, innocence and the spirit of real youth. Her beauty and grace excels that of all of the so-called beautiful roses of France, and the whole wide world." At this, he beckons Lady Edwards to come forward, he meets her and fondly taking her by the hand leads her directly in front of the serpent; then looking at the serpent in a criticising manner remarks: "Behold in Lady Edwards, my sweet American Rose, the queen of all roses." Then changes the tone of his voice as he continues to address the serpent: "The kiss I bought of you in the Cafe de Paris that night proved to be an expensive one - I have paid for it a thousand times, but I am an American and true Americans are not hard losers, even though the likes of you may call us boobs and babes. The sting that kiss carried with it has left me and returned to its giver. You no longer hold power to charm me, for no longer can you feel or deceive me. Your beauty, so-called, and your youth is surface only and will soon depart from you. The first night I gazed upon your face and figure, I was fascinated and charmed and then you threw a fragrant rose in my face that carried with it an atmosphere of heaven, angels and delicate perfume. I was enraptured, amazed, entranced; I feasted of its sweetness as a starving man would feast of food, then I offered the rose to Lady Edwards; she accepted it in grace, something you could not have done. She proved then to be the beautiful flower, though incoxicated with your atmosphere, I could not at that time see Lady Edwards' real beauty. The next night you appeared as the wise serpent, and you

-27-

played your part well. I admit I was stung the moment I kissed your
lips and at that same moment my veins became inoculated with your
poison, which I am now the embodiment of. I am immune forevermore
from the poisonous sting of the serpent, and henceforth I shall use
all of my power to protect all men from becoming a victim of treacher-
ous women like you. The secret of how to hold power over the serpent
I shall give to mankind and man shall no longer be at the mercy of
the serpent. I have paid the last farthing and behold my reward,
a converted woman!" as he draws Lady Edwards close to his breast in
fond embrace. "My wife is my Garden of Eden, my heaven, for in her
mind does my thoughts dwell, and now to make the story of the Garden
of Eden and heaven on earth complete, the serpent must be cast out of
heaven. You have dared to play the part of the serpent and must now
play it to the bitter end. No longer is there a place in my heart
and memory for your false love and treachery, of which I forever cast
from me. Go seek your level and dwell among your own kind." The
once gay serpent now stands speechless and spellbound as if under some
strange hypnotic power; she tries to speak, but her voice fails her
and she clutches at her throat as if in great torture. Finally she
succeeds in gaining her poise, and then without uttering a word,
casts one last look of enmity and jealousy in the direction of the
Edwards' who are still in fond embrace, then turns quickly on her
heel and takes her departure.

That night there is a lack of interest in the Cafe de Paris.
The favored and notorious dancer who had long since been the main
attraction and entertainer of every strange guest, does not appear
her real self, causing much comment, and not in her favor. That

-23-

strange and mysterious power she once possessed is apparently absent and her mind appears to be in a world foreign to her dance. She does not express the same commanding smile, while her movements and gestures are void of that former grace. Even her most ardent admirers offer her no applause, and there is a lull throughout the entire once gay cafe. The manager calls at the serpent's dressing room directly after the performance and informs her if she cannot produce the desired interest among his guests, he will be compelled to look for a new dancer and entertainer.

"My guests" he continues. "want life, click and chickness." The last blow came so suddenly and unexpectedly it was more than the serpent could stand, and upon her return to her elegantly furnished apartment, she throws herself upon a gorgeous divan to give vent to a flood of violent sobs. Mammoth tears roll down her cheeks, and while in the midst of her great grief, the door opens and her handsome lover stands before her.

"Why the tears?" he asks in a sarcastic and critical tone, "And where is the cheeky" If your charms are not sufficient to hold that old fish, how do you ever expect to hold a young handsome chap like me? I want the money, and with it, the big smile; your tears and sobs do not entertain me. I can find plenty of foolish women with money and husbands who have lost all youthful charms and willing to pay me well for love."

At this he lights a highly perfumed cigarette, helps himself to a glass of wine, then leaves the serpent's apartments without further comment. The serpent tries to collect her reasoning faculties, but the more she tries to think, the more confused she becomes. She finally falls asleep and dreams she is in some foreign country and among people she has never seen before. The following night at the usual hour the serpent appears in her most attractive attire, that of a peafowl, and despite

-29-

her forced smile and efforts to please the audience, she receives very
little applause. Due to the lack of response from the audience, the
serpent becomes so disheartened that she does not appear in the cafe
after her dance as is her usual custom, but instead retires to her
dressing room and hurriedly prepares to leave the place. She is again
met by the manager with a look of disgust upon his face, as he hands her
a check in full for her services. "I am sorry miss", he remarks, "but I
must look for someone who can entertain my guests; you have lost out
completely in this place; no doubt you may find favors in a less exclusive
place. My patrons demand one who can cleverly captivate."

Heavenly bliss reigns within the Edwards household; all interest
for outside pleasures have vanished along with the charms of gay Paris.
One morning while at the breakfast table, Percy relates his dream of the
night before: "We were all back in our old California home, Percy remarks,
"and you mother and father were extremely happy, but as to myself, I saw
a vast field before me and in the distance a thick forest, the meaning
of which I am at present unable to fathom." "Well, all dreams, so the
story goes, come true some day" remarks Sir Robert. "now what do you say,
mother, about making Percy's dream come true? He has been dreaming all
of his life and this is the best dream he ever had; in fact the only one
worth consideration according to my judgment." Lady Edwards smiles
sweetly and remarks: "I sanction the motion; we will make Percy's dream
come true and what do you say about starting at once? Three days later
finds the Edwards family comfortably situated on board the great white
steamer, enroute to American shores. The Edwards family retire to their
state rooms early, but somehow Percy is restless and after smoking
several cigarettes and glancing over the daily paper, he decides to take
a stroll out on the deck. The moon is shining in its fullness; now and

-30-

then Percy sees a lone person sauntering about the deck. He not unlike the others, starts on a slow promenade about the deck and on passing a secluded yet conspicuous spot, he notices a lone woman wrapped in a steamer blanket, apparently in deep meditation. Percy's curiosity is somewhat aroused on seeing a woman on deck at that hour of the night, unaccompanied, and keeps walking in her direction until he is directly before her. She hears footsteps approaching and looks up just in time for Percy to see her face clearly and behold it is the serpent.

Surprise, disgust and excitement, all mingled together, take possession of Percy. He stops directly in front of her and without any formal ceremonies bluntly remarks: "In the name of God, woman will you tell me what brought you on board this ship? I suppose you have some cunning scheme you are trying to work on my father again. I shall at once report you to the captain of this ship and have you shadowed until we land." At this, the serpent raised her hand, then in a calm and modulated tone remarks: "Now listen please! be reasonable, and I will tell you all. I did not know that you or your parents were on board this ship. In the sight of God, I am innocent regarding this. I am on my way to America not as an entertainer of foolish men and frivolous women, but quite the contrary. I am going to spend the remainder of my days doing for the poor and the sick. My only hope is to be able to keep my mind and my hands occupied in doing for the needy and worthy. My one desire is to aid in the upbuilding of man, as in the past my interests were in pulling him downward. Say nothing about my presence on board this ship to your father and mother and I will promise you they shall never see my face. They have paid in full for their present happiness - let them enjoy it". I have yet to make myself worthy of real happiness." Before Percy could

-31-

collect his mind or say another word, the serpent suddenly arises and walks hurriedly away. Percy does not move but stands silently and as rigid and motionless as the chair the serpent has just vacated. Presently he drops languid and helpless as it were, into that selfsame chair and there he sits as in a stupor. At last he falls asleep and knows nothing more until he is awakened by the porter who is cleaning the deck. For a moment he seems bewildered, then suddenly his memory is retraced to his conversation with the serpent. He looks at his watch and finds he has barely time to dress and join Sir Robert and Lady Edwards at breakfast. Percy meets his father and mother with his usual smile and they chat contentedly as their breakfast is being served. Percy does not make mention of the serpent to his father or mother, fearing it might disturb their peace of mind; however, he keeps close observation on all sides for the serpent. That night he strolls out again on the deck, but the serpent is no place to be seen.

On arriving at the Edwards mansion in southern California, Lady Edwards trips into the home like a girl of sixteen. The servants all greet her with a welcome smile and the home at once assumes an atmosphere of life and happiness. Dinner is served at the usual hour and after dinner the Edwards family retires to the drawing room. Lady Edwards gently lays her queenly hand on Sir Robert's shoulder as she softly and sweetly remarks: "You'll remember, dear, our home has in the past been open to pleasure seekers, and it was not your inspiration, but mine. You unselfishly suffered it to be so, to satisfy my selfish desire for that kind of life and gaiety. This time it is your comfort and peace of mind to be considered. I have no wants, they have all been gratified, while my one and only desire is to please you. Society to me

-32-

is a thing of the past and my old associates who live but for selfish
pleasures have no place in my memory and our home." At this Sir Robert
fondly remarks: "Now you are my sweet full-blown American beauty. Since
you no longer have worldly desires, we will throw open the door of the
famous Edwards mansion to the meek and the lowly, to those who seek
peace and the true path of life, and you my dear, shall be the great
example and teacher, the master woman to point the way to Queenhood,
angelhood and fairyland." Lady Edwards turns her face toward Sir Robert,
her eyes glistening with tears of joy, then drying her eyes quickly,
smilingly answers, yes, my Lord and you shall be my God and ruler in our
new heaven here on earth. The following day Lady Edwards appears in a
simple modest attire, different than she had ever worn, though strange
to say, it harmonizes perfectly with her present mental attitude, and
the new world in which she is now living. On seeing her, Sir Robert
comes to meet her and after giving her a welcome kiss, remarks: "You are
becoming more and more beautiful every day. Why you even look more
charming and fascinating than ever in this simple little frock."

Lady Edwards smiles and blushing slightly remarks: "Yes, dear, the more
I become like my handsome husband in thought and righteousness, the
more beautiful I will become. In the past I was Lady Edwards in name
only; today I am Lady Edwards in thought. I trust ever long to be
Lady Edwards in reality, then I will be eternally beautiful. Some day
I hope to be worthy to dress exactly as you, my Lord, for my highest
ambition is to be like you in every way. I long only to please you,
where in the past I foolishly though unconsciously dressed to please
all men." Sir Robert gently lays his hand upon her head as if to bless
her, then remarks: "My dear little Queen, your willingness and innocence
have set you free to dress according to your pleasure, you are me and

-33-

I am you. I have no power now to deny you anything. Syould it be your pleasure to dress as I do, your wish is already granted. So now my sweet Rose, as a reward for your unselfishness, I grant you the privilege and honor to design our costumes. I am sure with your good taste and judgment combined, our costumes will harmonize with our present unfoldment and position in life. Suddenly the portiers are pushed aside and Percy stands before them, with a smile of assurance and contentment upon his countenance. Sir Robert and Lady Edwards both arise to greet him, for they have never before seen him look so masterful and kingly. Without giving them a chance to utter one word, Percy slaps them both in his strong arms and holds them closely together, then remarks: "Don't forget I am the one who helped God tie the final knot, and now I have come to bestow upon you my Godly blessings which shall remain with and upon you forever. My first great duty was to pay the debt I owed you both. Now that you are safely landed on the shore of peace, I am happy to be about my next duty I owe mankind and since I have found the path, I must point to them the perfect way. One cannot be selfish with his happiness or understanding; he must let his light shine and feed those who hunger and thirst for righteousness sake. I shall go out on the highways and byways among the meek and the lowly - among those whom the world hateth and among those who despiseth one another. I shall enter into the plases of the gay underworld and tell them the sweet message of the pure in heart. I shall seek to console the miserable and wretched back of the prison bars; I shall tell them of the path unto salvation, freedom and mastery. I shall seek to tell all who have never heard the sweet story of salvation, peace and life everlasting. Every creature, no matter how lowly - they too have a soul, and it is my humble duty to

-34-

awaken that soul with the sweet glad tidings of love for one another.
I shall leave for a time as much as I would love to remain with you,
but duty calls and I shall obey the call. After I have fulfilled my
duty with mankind and the world, I shall again return to my own and
prepare myself to become perfect as God is perfect. At present I am
God's humble servant and mankind is my God. Percy fondly embraces his
mother, then turning to his father grasps both hands in his, looks
earnestly into his eyes as he remarks: "Father, I am going out into
the world to prove I am a real man and from this moment you may consider
me your brother. Sir Robert squeezes Percy's hands tightly, then in a
tone that touches the heartstrings of father and son, Sir Robert
exclaims: "My dear brother!" while Lady Edwards plays her part in
grace by saying "A-men".

-35-