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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1934-05-17, Page 2THURSDAY, MAY 17th, 1931 THE EXETER TIMES-ADVQCATE - SHINING PALACE by Christine Whiting Parmenter SYNOPSIS Nora, adopted daughter <u James Lambert, indulgent old gentlemen lias decided to marry Don Mason, who lacked stability. Nora’s mother ran away with a singer who later deserted her and on a deathbed wrote a leter to her husband James Lambert. He came and took her daughter Nora to his home. Now he is anxious to protect Nora from such a mar­ riage when Nora insists, he agrees to give Don a year’s trial in busi­ ness under his son, Ned Lambert, who like his father has a poor opinion of Don. Goaded by Ned, Don is trying desperately to be­ come a business man. Ned and Don had a final disagreement com­ ing to blows and Don left. He and Leonora were married immediate­ ly and left for a shack in Maine belonging to an artist friend of Don’s. THE STORY And after a moment’ silence tne boy burst out impulsively: his face flushing: “I say! I—I think that’s ripping of you, Mrs. Mason!” So in the chill, grey dawn, Nora lifting heavy eyelids, beheld that woman in the doorway. Her mouth was rouged into a cupid’s bow, her hair hung in untidy wisps about her face; and even in that surprising moment Nora saw, embedded in the flesh of one pudgy finger, a diamond that would have supported Don’s small family for a year or more. "You been up all night?” was her only greeting. ‘‘I saw your light burnin’ at two o'clock. Say, lady, you ain’t built for a job like this; and there ain’t a thing you can tell me about typhoid. I near died of it myself, and I’ve nursed three cases I'll look after your man now while you get a rest. Maybe if you lay down side o’ that kid he'll quit his yellin’. You go lay down.” Without one protest Nora drop­ ped like a log beside the baby. They slept for hours. It -was long past noon when she awoke. The woman had vanished, and, sitting beside Don’s bed was the young English boy. He said, as if it were the most natural thing on earth to have found such a woman guarding the sick man.” "She said to tell you that Mr. Mason had a nap; and she’ll be back at midnight to spell you for a while. The kiddie woke up once and she gave him some boiled milk. The doctor’s been, and thinks your hus­ band has turned the corner. I be­ lieve that’s everything. You look better, Mrs. (Mason; but I’ll drop in again this evening, if you don’t mind.” Nora felt sure during the next few days that the worst was over; but before her husband was on his feet again, the baby sickened as his father had. Don, a gaunt, hollow- eyed skeleton lit frightened Nora just to look at him), rose from his bed to help her with the nursing. In tho.-.e black days, watching their little son waste to a shadow, fight­ ing together for his very life, noth­ ing else mattered, not even an irate cable from the London editor de­ manding copy long overdue. It was a day when things had been very bad indeed that the young Englishman came in bearing a letter addressed to Leonora in the familiar handwriting of Constance Venable. After long, fretful hours the baby was asleep, and Don said softly: “Read it aloud, dear. Perhaps it will cheer us up a little.” Nora opened the letter glanced down the page page slowly, and then said: "Let’s wait, Don.” Her voice sounded strange, he noticed, very strange. And she was breathing hard. “What’s happened?” he question* cd, and would have grasped the missive had she not held it back. “It’s—it’s Ven, darling,” she told him, her voice trembling now. “Ven?” “Gone, Don. Drowned on their own beach off the island—a cramp probably. He—he was all alone.” She arose then, to put her arms about him. During those months at Capri Don’s friendship for Carl Venable had grown into something very Ho.-e, News of his death might have reached them through the As­ sociated Press (for Venable was an arti*t of no small distinction), hut it was weeks since they had seen a paper. For a long time, it seemed to Nora, Don sat there, his face pressed into her shoulder. Then he sair harshly: “Read the letter Nora, It can’t ho any worse than—this.” They read it with tears; yet both felt better after the reading. It was a Tong letter ,and toward the end Constance had written: “Try not to grieve too much, for that would, grieve Carl, wouldn’t it? He was the happiest human being I have ever known. After all, it's wonder­ ful thing to go out on the crest of life, leaving only on’s finest work as a memorial. He had dreaded the time, when his hand might falter—■ when that sure, clean stroke of the brush which marks his paintings, would become unsteady. And we had 20 beautiful years together, Nora; years when we lived lavishly—spent too lavishly some would think. But I don’t regret it, even though there is little left save some paintings, his life insurance and the villa at Cap­ ri. If that seems strange, recalling the prices Carl’s work has brought, remember the countless friends he was always helping; discouraged artists—boys needing an education —old folks who, save for him, would have ended their days in loneliness- and poverty. Money meant nothing to Carl except a means of doing things for others. And liis last gift, Nora, was a gift for you; It’s safe at the shack now—was to- have been a surprise when you came home, ‘because.’ he aisd, ‘it’ll be years before they save enough to buy one, and it’s a crime for Nora not to have one while she’s young!” —-A beautiful baby-grand piano, dear Nora. One of the finest. He was so happy about it—one of his last real happinesses . . .” Nora, paused. She could not read any further; nor -could Don speak. And then a voice come from the bed, a tired, weak little voice that many times during those days they had feared never to hear again: “IM’e wants—dinkwater—Mudder’ The rest seemed easy to Leonora compared with ail that had gone before. Yet the night when she found Don asleep over the weekly “Letters from Capetown.” his head dropped forward on the kitchen table that served as desk, one stHJ- tliin hand clutching a stub of pencil (“Too tired to use his typewriter poor boy!” she thought compassion­ ately), and discovered that instead of spending long days in the open as he’d lead her to believe, getting back strength lost in his illness, he had for weeks been going to Cape Town to help load freighters at the docks because it meant more money —immediate money, the girl wished for one bitter moment that they had never met. “Oh, Don, .what have I brought you to?” she cried: and he respond­ ed in an effort to console her: “To something better, I hope than the careless boy you married, Nora. We’ve been growing up, I suppose; and growing pains leave scars on some of us. -Give me time, Darling, and I’ll get back my old stride.” It still hurt Nora to think about that night. And the next morning! In Don’s absence a letter arrived from tlie London editor. Nora open­ ed it eagerly. According to her hus­ band’s -contract each artiede was to be paid for when received; and the “cupboard was bare,” or nearer bare than she liked to think about. But to her surprise no crisp blue cheque fell from the envelope. It contained, mereiy a letter and a manuscript. The editor was, it ap­ peared, courteously puzzled.' His 1 contributor’s work seemed to be : slipping—was surely not up to its I customary standard. The last few intaUments had seemed forced—as if he were writing under pressure, not for-tlie joy of narrating his ad­ ventures. They lacked utterly the charm of all his former work. For both their sakes he was returning the last “Letter from Cape Town.” For a long time Nora sat stricken staring at those words written in neat longhand. Under’ the circum­ stances it was not a disagreeable letter. It was merely cold. It made her think of a hypercritical parent reproving a careless child. It would hit Don like a blow between the eyes. After a while she drew the manu­ script from its envelope. For weeks Nora had been too worn and tired to peruse the articles her husband was sending out. Now, reading critically her heart sank still lower The editor was right. This wasn’t one of Don’s joyous narratives. It was the work of a harassed, half sick man driving himself on because the need of money was. imperative. Part of the thousand dollars James Lambert had tucked into her gold mesh bag had paid the charges at the nursing home in London. The rest long saved for an emergency) melted away during the months of sickness in South Africa. Dreading to run up bills Nora had paid the Cape Town doctor at every visit, not realizing that if the man poss­ essed a conscience he would doubt­ less have -deducted something from the sum total. There had been medi­ cines, too, expensive medicines; and nourishing food that cost real money. And now Don was burning the caudle nt both ends in a despar­ ate effort to provide for his loved ones, was failing to make good. She would not show him that letter. She could not. What Nora did was to sit down at the kitchen table and spread out the rejected manuscript and proceed to imbue it with the missing charm. And because she knew her husband’s style so well™because she had lis­ tened spellbound while he talked of his adventures, she did it -superbly. Her tired eyes lighted as she read it over knowing by instinct that her work would “get across.” And then she made the wisest move of all; wrote simply and honestly to the London editor (she had to check herself from beginning the letter, “Dear old life-preserver"!) .confess­ ing what she had done to this Cape Town Letter—telling him something of the unfortunate troubles which had descended on them—agreeing to watch over her husband’s work; speaking quite frankly of the rea­ son why they must return to England at the time planned, and at the end: “You will understand of -course why you must send no answer to this letter; but if in its present form you find the article available for publication kindly for­ ward a cheque to Mr, Mason as soon as possible. . .” “And never let any one persuade you,” she said months later when Don learned the truth, “that Eng- glisliman, for all their cold exterior haven’t the warmest hearts in the whole world-!” For just when her husband was beginning to worry about the missing cheque, a letter arrived bearing the familiar head­ ing. The editor, it seemed had learned of his contributor's- recent illness, regretted it deeply, and sug­ gested not trying to write till lie was quite himself. Enclosed was a cheque for -the last article (an es­ pecially good one), as well as for the three to follow, “on which, my dear fellow, you are at liberty to take your time.” And with kindest regards to Mrs. 'Mason, he remained very cordially indeed, . . , “But how in thunder,” asked Don, lifting puzzled eyes from this, wel­ come missive, “did the old’ boy learn that I’ve been sick? And why does he lug you in all of a sudden," “Well, don’t ask me!” responded Nora, so guilelessly that for the time being Don hadn’t a suspicion of her intrigue. After that things really did im­ prove. The tension lessened. Don did better work. The little son was growing rosy; and Nora, rested her­ self, admitted (although it went against the grain to do so!) the sur­ passing beauty oi£ the Cape Town Harbour—the grandeur of Table fountain rising majestically behind the city. Thus a ciay arrived when she braved the eyes of a scandalized community, and stopped at the home of a woman who, like a ministering angel, had appeared one chill, grey dawn to offer help. “Whoever sees me will be horri­ fied I suppose,” she said to Don, “but after all, why should that mat­ ter? I was at the breaking point when sh’e helped me out, you know. It wouldn’t be decent not to say good-bye to her.” “Of course it wouldn’t.” Don turn­ ed from locking a steamer trunk to add: “I’ll go with you dear.” But fate had other plans. Because of some error about their staterooms Don was -called away; and Nora went alone. “I just dropped in to say good­ bye.” Her hostess, obviously aston­ ished at the call was leading the way into a small, tidy living room. Nora had not expected it surprisng neatness. Then she saw that woman herself looked neater—more self- respecting, and continued: “We leave for home tomorrow; and I’ve never thanked you for all you did for us.” “You don’t need to, lady.” The voice sounded a .shade breathless. “It wasn’t—nothing, I-—” The wo­ man, seated across the little room, arose suddenly. “I heard you folks was pullin’ out to-morrow and. I got something for you—a—a sort of good-bye present, if you don’t mind. I was goin’ to carry it -over after dark.” Touched and a trifle puzzled Nora watched her open a bureau drawer and take out a small box tied with a bit of scarlet ribbon. "Will—will you promise me something?” she asked, her voice still shaken. “Why not?” said Nora. “Weren’t you a real friend in. time of need?” “Friend!” echoed the woman, a nervous, unsteady laugh escaping her, “Well, lady, it’s this I want: Promise you won’t open this box till you’re out at sea: and-—and that you won’t ever try to got it back to me, noways.” “That’s easy,” smiled Lenora, anxious to put the other at her ease “Why should I want to send it back?’’ {Continued next week) STEPHEN COUNCIL The Council -of the Town-ship of Stephen convened' in the T-owu Hall, on Monday, the 7th of May, 193 4, at 1 p.m. AU members were pres­ ent. The minutes of the regular meeting held- -on April 2nd and the special meeting held on April 17tli were read and adopted. The following communications were read: 1. Letter from the Agricultural Representative regarding a meeting of the Weed Inspectors to be held in Clinton on May 11th. 2. From the Chairman of the Community Athletic Field Commit­ tee asking for a grant to meet cur­ rent expenses. 3. From the Hydro Electric Pow­ er Commission regarding the reduc­ tion of the term of subsisting con­ tracts from twenty years to five years in certain cases. 4. From the Department of High­ ways stating that the Government subsidy on 1933 road expenditure and -superintendance amounting to $3127.13 has- bee allowed and that the Treasury Department would pay the same to the local Treasurer. 5. From the Legal Department of the Department of Highways that from and after noon on Wednesday the 4th of April, 193 4, that portion of the highway extending from Con­ cession 1 and 2 of the Township of Goderich southerly to the limit or between the Counties- of Huron and Lambton, is to be assumed as the King’s Higwhay to become and be vested in the Crown and under the control of the Department of High­ ways. Moved by Chester Mawhinney, se­ conded by Mr. Roy Katz: That By-law N-o. 484 to provide for a reduction of the term of sub­ sisting contracts for the- supply of electric service in the rural power district or districts of which the Township or any portion thereof forms a part, from twenty years to five years in certain cases, having being read three times, be passed and signed by the Reeve and Clerk and the Seal of the Corporation at- atta-ched thereto. Carried1. Moved by Mr. Edward Lamport, seconded by Mr. Roy Ratz: That a grant of twenty dollars- be made to the Crediton Community Field committee to meet current expenses. Carried. The 1933 Tax Roll was presented to the Council to which certificate is attached showing the Co Rector’s settlement with the Treasurer when the Collector paid over $2,707.22 and showd $609.77 taxes in arrears. It was moved by Mr. Alonzo Mc­ Cann, seconded by Mr. Chester Ma­ whinney: That the Roll be accepted and that the Tax Collector be paid $50 of his salary and $7.90) for postage. Carried. Moved by Mr. Roy Ratz, seconded by Mr. Edward Lamport: That the 1934 Assessment Rolli as filed by the Assessor he accepted and that he be paid his salary and that a Court of Revision f-or hear­ ing complaints against the Assess­ ment Roll be hold in the Town Hall, Crediton, on Saturday, the 26 th day of May, 1934, at 1 p.m. Carried. Moved by Mr. Alonzo McCann, se­ conded by Mr. Roy Ratz: That the following orders and pay sheets bo passed: Gordon Wilson, road 1, $1.60; G. Wilson, Road 1SB, $8.65; Gordon Wilson, Station Street $3.40; P. E. Dearing, road 2, $1i0.00; Sandford. White, road 3, $7.80; Lawrence Hill, road 4, $6.00; Clayton -Sims, read 5, $4.00; Lome Finkboiner, road 8, $0-8(5; Robert Gower, road 7, $2.35; Alphonse Hartman, road 10, $2.20; Jos. McKeever, road 11, $3.* 1 & AN HOUR! Instantly! Makes Ironing EASIER —• Cuts Ironing Time One-Third! Every woman owes it to herself to have one or these irons that ?avea her health, strength and gives her more leisure time. With a Coleman you can do your ironing better, easier, in % less time and at a cost of only an hour, The Coleman Lights Instantly . ,. heats quickly. Heat may be adjusted for light or heavy work. Sole plate is tapered just right for easy ironing under buttons, under pleats and along seams. The always hot point. . . gracefully tapered .. . slips easily into hard-to-get places. THE COLEMAN LAMP & STOVE CO., LTD. TORONTO, ONTARIO A$K YOUR DEALER OR19X) K3MMMMWBDI 60; ’Ben McCann, road 12, $12.0u; Isaiah Tetreau, road 14, $4.05; Mat­ thew-Sweitzer, road 15, $9.20; Wes­ ley Mellin, road 17 $9.90'; August­ us Latta, road 18, $5.30; Wellwooa Gill, road 19, $9,001; Roy Holt, road 20', $6.00; John Morrissey, road 22, $11.80; John Kl'umpp, road 27, $12.- 35; -George Eilber, super., salary $30.60; Albert Fahner road 6, $-6.- 20; Peter Eisenbach, road 2 6, $3 84.- 74; Herbert Young, grease for grad­ er, 95c.; James H, Patton, gravel $1.67; Ed. Walper, road 21, $10.47; Jacob Kellerman, r-oad 16, $9.23; Peter Eisenbach, gravel $5 6.0)2; to­ tal $638.51. C. B. Shuttleworth, Chemical Co., Ltd., medicine for Alma Williams $6.10; Hydro Electric Power Coin., hydro acct, re M. Brenner $13.23; Canadian Bank of Commerce, com­ mission on cheque $1.20; Treasurer of Ontario hall license 1934-5 $3.; Treas. Co. Huron, indigent patients F. Kenny $21.85, J. Polokie $21.85, total $43.70; Wm. Kleinstiver, sal­ ary as Assessor and postage $<86.12; F. W. Morlock, balance salary as Collector $50. and postage $7.90, total $57.90; United church league refund on hall rent $2.00; Treas. Community Athletic Field, grant $20.i0-0. Carried. { The Council adjourned ' to meet again in the Town Hall, Crediton, on 'May 2 6 th, 193 4, at 1 o’-clock p.m. Herbert K. Eilber, Twp. Clerk LOSES LITTLE SON A cablegram from China to rela­ tives in Toronto brought the sad news of the death of Homer, little son of Rev. and IMrs. Homer G. Brown, of Chengtu, West China. Rev and Mrs. Brown had just started the long journey for home on fur­ lough when their little son was taken ill with spinal, meningitis. Mr. Brwn was born near St. Marys and is well-known in that district. DANDRUFF rtf, CLEAN SmYOUR SCALP^ K-4L.. bY ' . ■ Rubbing in MINARD'S LJNimeNT Sales Agents: Harold F. Ritchie A Co., Limited, Toronto 78 WESTERN FARMERS’ MUTUAL WEATHER INSURANCE CO. OF WOODSTOCK THE LARGEST RESERVE BAL­ ANCE OF ANY CANADIAN MUT­ UAL COMPANY DOING BUSINESS OF THIS KIND IN ONTARIO Amount of Insurance at Risk on December 31st, 1932, $17,880,729 Total Cash in Bank and Bonds $213,720.02 Rates*—$4.(50 per $1,000 for 3 years B. F. KLOPP, ZURICH Agent, Also Dealer in Lightning Bods and all kinds of Fire insurance ©lie Exeter QJittWH-Aitoorair Established 1873 and 1887 Published every Thursday morning at Exeter, Ontario SUBSCRIPTION-—$2.00 per year In advance. RATE'S—Farm or Real Estate for sale 50c. each insertion for firat four insertions. 25c. each subse­ quent insertion. Miscellaneous ar­ ticles, To Rent, Wanted, Lost, or Found 10c. per line of six words. Reading notices 10c. per line. Card of Thanks 50c. Legal ad­ vertising 12 and 8c. per line. In Memoriam, with one verse 50c. extra verses 25c. each. Member of The Canadian Weekly Newspaper Association Professional Cards GLADMAN & STANBURY BARRISTERS, SOLICITORS, &o. Money to Loan, Investments Made Insurance Safe-deposit Vault for use of our Clients without charge EXETER and HENSALL CARLING & MORLEY BARRISTERS, SOLICITORS, LOANS, INVESTMENTS INSURANCE Office: Carling Block, Main Street, EXETER, ONT. At Lucan Monday and Thursday Dr. G. S. Atkinson, L.D.S.,D.D.S. DENTAL SURGEON Office opposite the New Post Offlca Main St., Exeter Telephones Office 34w House B4J Closed Wednesday Afternoons Dr. G. F. Roulston, L.D.S.,D.D.S, DENTIST Office: Carling Block EXETER, ONT, ’ Closed Wednesday Afternoons K. C. BANTING, B. A., M. D. Physician and Surgeon, Lucan, Ont Office in Centralia Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m. or by appointment Telephone the hotel in Centralia at any time. Phone Crediton 3 0r25 JOHN WARD CHIROPRACTIC, OSTEOPATHY, ELECTRO-THERAPY & ULTRA­ VIOLET TREATMENTS PHONE 70 MAIN ST., EXETER ARTHUR WEBER LICENSED AUCTIONEER For Huron and Middlesex FARM SALES A SPECIALTY PRICES REASONABLE SATISFACTION GUARANTEED Phone 57-13 Dashwood R. R. NO. 1, DASHWOOD FRANK TAYLOR LICENSED AUCTIONEER For Huron and Middlesex FARM SALES A SPECIALTY Prices Reasonable and Satisfaction Guaranteed EXETER P. O. or RING 188 US BORNE & HIBBERT MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY Head Office, Farquhar, Ont. President ANGUS, SINCLAIR Vice-Pres., SIMON DOW DIRECTORS SAM’L NORRIS J. T. ALLISON WM. H. COATE-S, FRANK McConnell AGENTS JOHN ESSERY, Centralia, Agent for Usborne and Biddulph ALVIN L. HARRIS, Munro, Agent for Fullarton and Logan THOMAS SCOTT, Cromarty, Agent for Hibbert B. W. F. BEAVERS Secretary-Treasurer Exeter, Ontario k GLADMAN & STANBURY Solicitors, Exeter At a certain college the male students are not permitted to visit the resident female boarders. One (lay a male student was -caught in the act of so doing and was brought before the president, who said; “Well, Mr. Jones, the penalty for the first offence is 50c.; for the second 75c,; for the third $1.00 and so on.” In solemn tones the trespasser asked: "I-Iow much would a season teket cost.”