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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1944-02-24, Page 7THE T1MES-ADVOCATE, EXETER ONTARIO, THURSDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 24, 1944 •tt NEW SERIAL STORY.......... LADY BETTE by JOHN CAPITQE the story so far The story thus far: Bette Vare was left $200,000 in the will of an eccentric aunt, provided she would live for two years as the ward of the Parker family and learn the socia) graces, Mrs. Parker will also receive $200,0Oh’ at the end Of the two years. The will further states that if Bette marries within * that time, she and Mrs. Parker will re­ ceive the money immediately, Mr. Parker’s business needs money, He asks his son, Bob, to propose to Bette, but she refuses. She has fall­ en- in love with Michael Kane, Clare Parker's fiance. Clare sets the date for her marriage to Michael, CHAPTER VI The Parker mansion was ablaze With lights and filled with the sound of gay music and still gayer voices, Piloted first by Mrs. Parker and later by Bob, Bette had met a great many of the people present, but their names were a her mind, All but one, at that was the girl who with Verne Mallory. Stella Brooks! Bette jumble in least, ana had come liked the name and had loved the girl in­ stantly, just as Michael had proph­ esied that day at luncheon. Per­ haps because of his prophesy, she thought with a secret smile. Bette and Bob were dancing and he was murmuring in her ear. V'lt’s a good thing these people don’t know that this is the Parker’s fare­ well party. Some of them wouldn’t be so gay and so friendly.” Bette patted his arm gently. “Be­ ing poor isn't so bad as you to think Bob. I’ve been very and I managed to live through it.” She .was smiling up at him. ,‘Your people will get $200,000 when I get mine and that is a lot of money.” He assured her earnestly, “I’m not thinking of myself. It’s my mother and father, and even Clare, though I understand that she and Mike are to be married soon. If so, she won’t be affected by our ill fortune. But it’s going to pretty'“near kill Dad.” Bette looked away from him, closing her eyes. She did wish peo­ ple would quit telling her thai. Michael and Clare were soon to be married. It made her angry, and that anger puzzed her—or did it any longer? She shook her head. NO, the reason was clear in her mind now, painfully clear. "Your father is a good business man, Bob,” she said in a moment. “He will find some way out of his troubles.” She grinned at him. “If not, then it will be up to Mr. Robert Parker to retrieve the family for­ tunes.” His grin was a rather feeble an­ swer to hers. “I shouldn’t have mentioned such a doleful subject tonight,” he apologized. “Are you enjoying the party?” “Very much!” she -cried gayly. She saw the girl Stella .Brooks dan" cing with Verne Mallory near by. “I love her, Bob!” He looked about the room* in mock perplexity. “Her or him— and where?” Stella Brooks, silly—the girl who came with Verne Mallory,” she ex­ plained. Bob Stella,” person at her. “Is know?” “It’S no secret,” Bob answered. “In fact Stella Brooks seems to have no secrets of any kind. Not enough for her own good, I sometimes think. She is madly in love with Verne Mallory.” Bette looked again at Stella and Verne. Something in the girl’s up­ turned face corroborated Bob’s statement. Mallory Was looking down at Stella, and it seemed to Bette that his eyes held a certain unwilling affection, As if—Bette had an inspriation—-he wanted to love her, but didn’t dare! A little later, during an inter­ mission, Bette went to the sunroom, which adjoined the drawing room seem poor, nodded. “Everybody loves he said, “except the one who should.” He grinned “Is that clear?” it something I shouldn’t Bette asked. and which had been converted Into a powder den for the ladies. She* found Stella Brooks there, exhibiting a length of silk-clad leg, and speaking harshly of garters Which broke at inopportune times. Bette rendered first aid, and Stella hugged her gratefully, “I’ve been wanting to talk with you,” Stella told her, grinning wick­ edly, “It isn’t often that I find an unprejudiced ear into which4’to pour the latest gossip,” She glared at Bette. “What do you think of this Richville gang, anyhow?” Bette was both amused and star­ tled by the sudden question. "I’ve been here only two weeks,” she explained. “I don’t suppose I’m entitled tp an opinion yet.” “Don’t bother to have one,” Stella grinned. “I have enough of such things for both of us, And some of the opinion I cherish prove con­ clusively that I’m not at all times a lady,” “You take my breath away," Bette told her, “Isn’t Clare Parker the damned­ est cat you’ever saw?” Stella asked her abruptly, and when Bette was silent the girl grinned wickedly again. “Your lips said nothing, dear child, but that gorgeous face of yours yelled ‘Yes ’ ” Bette said firmly: “I’d rather not talk about the Parkers, Stella. Aft­ er all, I’m a sort -of guest of theirs.” “Nonsense.” Stella “Everyone knows they 20 0 grand for looking Clare Parker would cut throat for 200 cents. She’d cut mine for nothing.” It was impossible to withstand that delicious grin, and Bette found herself grinning, too. “You sound awfully Bette said. Stella nodded complacently. “I want to sound like that. It’s my one and only weapon.” Her eyes were suddenly tragic. “At heart I’m a shuddering sentimentalist.” Bette told her: “A certain blond young man tells me that everyone loves you, Stella. Are you guilty as -charged?” “Or did he say ‘everyone except a certain man’?” Stella asked, her eyes sharp on Bette’s face. She grinned again. “You really must learn to conceal your thoughts, dar­ ling. This world will treat you badly unless you do.” Bette looked at her curiously. She saw dark shining hair fram­ ing a face that was warm and vital, though not exactly beautiful. The mouth was a shade too generous for that, but it was impossible to look long at tlie mouth the dark, sparkling strikingly beautiful. Bette understood on Verne Mallory's have been looking at Stella’s and the temptation to love her have been well-nigh irresistible. Stella said, “I’m in love with Verne Mallory. Everyone else knows it, so you might as well.” Grief, like a shadow, passed over her face again, hundred —which fools.” Bette eyes again, she said simply. “Verne has idiotic money,” snapped, are getting after you. your pretty hard.” eyes. now face. because of They were that He look must eyes, must yourself. . s one of the few are really worth the effort," Bette shut her eyes for a meat, She loved, but feared, girl with the beautiful, but probing eyes, Stella kissed her, then scowled at her. “I’m your friend,” she de­ clared, “which makes it tough on certain blondes whose insidious machinations seem to be working so well at present.” wickedly again, me, darling—and She led the way ing. Samuel Parker standing in a corner of ing-room watching the dancers. Mr. ■Parker saw Bob approach Bette, watched them dance off. His wife’s eyes followed his. “Has Bob said anything to you yet, Vera?” he asked. Her sad eyes went to his face, “No;, he hasn’t said anything,” She i sighed. “I do hope, Sam, that you can find some other way. I don’t want my children to marry with­ out love.” His laugh was scornful. “Any­ thing is better than poverty,” he pronounced. “Clare is marrying a wealthy young man, and I believe they love each other.” His eyes evaded hers. She sighed again. “I do hope so. Sam, I couldn’t bear to think she was marrying without love.” “I’ll speak to Bob again,” he said impatiently. “If he and Bette mai- ry, it will give us enough money to pull through Dancing with “ ’ ~ Michael across with Clare. Their glances lips curved in a •smile she sober. Bob’s voice was gently teasing: "Wish you’d save those smiles for me, Bette.” His glance followed hers. “Better not let Clare catch you smiling at Mike,” he advised, “or you’ll have her in your hair.” A familiar voice came to Bette, then she was in the arms of Verne Mallory. He guided her skilfully across the floor. “You look very beautiful tonight, Miss Vare,” he said. Bette smiled up at him. She was rather proud of the dress she had chosen for this dance. It was of misty black net, slashed with sil­ ver, fashioned of tier upon tier of ruffles in the back. Her mirror had informed her that the frock became her, but it was nie'e to have mas­ culine approval. “It’s the dress,” she said, and added, smiling, “When you get the bill for it you will understand why it is pretty.” He surrendered her presently to a dark young man who smelled of cocktails and announced quite loudly that she was the loveliest girl he had ever seen. And defied name. When couldn’t, he She grinned “Take a tip from pet qn our side!” back to the danc- and his wife were the draw- Bob, Bette saw the room dancing touched, and his friendly smile. The gave in return was rather ■then she was grinning “The fools are betting a to one that I won’t get him proves that they are- looked at the “I believe girl’s lovely you, Stella,” ideas about Stella continued .gravely; her face darkened, “and he has the average man’s weakness for slinky blondes,” She grinned, but weakly, this time. “YOU know, I think there should be a law against platinum blondes—drat 'em!” Bette's heart applauded the thought, but she remained silent. Her relations with Clare were too strained as it was. Putting her re­ sentment into words might easily make matters worse. Stella regarded her musingly. “Michael Kane is a pretty swell person,” she said idly; then shook her head reprovingly. “You really should wear a mask, darling.” She hugged Bette suddenly. "If you have fallen in love with Mike Kane, you have reason to he proud of To Those Convalescing After Severe Illness After many severe illnesses or serious operations the patient is very often left in an extfOmely Weak, nervous, run-down condition. To all those convalescents who heed some kind of a tohic to stimulate and build up the weakened system, We would recommend Milburn’s Health and them back to health—-happiness again. Nerve Pills to assist -These pills help stipply elements necessary to assist the convalescent in bringing pack bodily* strength and vigour. Price 50 c a box, 65 pills, at all drug counters. look for our registered trade mark a “Bed Heart*’ on the package. She escaped from a young who insisted on dancing again went into the front hallway, wag having a nice time and troubled about only one thing; chael Kane hadn't She wondered if something tp him, made him hesitate friendship. She stared at the library across the hallway and her were very bleak, She knew she could never have his love, but his friendship softened the made it bearable. Tears stung her eyes as crossed the hallway on hurried She swung the door open, stumbled into the room—-then shrank back, horrified. Across the dimly Clare Parker stood, the arms of Verne lips were together kiss. Then they were apart, and Bette was conscious of Clare’s eyes, stab­ bing her with hatred. danced with Clare had Something to continue mau and She was : ML her. said that their door eyes that pain, she feet, lighted library held tightly in Mallory. Then- in a lingering (To Be Continued) and was exemplary pursuit of duty he pursuit of duty he young life January Memorial Service at Brinsley Church The spacious Brinsley United church was filled to overflowing Sunday last, occasioned by a mem­ orial service honoring the sacrifice of the late Pilot -Officer John Walter Hawkey of the R.C.A.F. John Walter Hawkey, son of Mrs. James Dixon, of Brinsley, was born in Parkhill, June 2, 1920 receiving his Public and High School train­ ing there. Upon joining the R.C.A.F. he was sent to Manning Pool, Tor­ onto, for his initial training, later completing his training at St. Hubert Air School. Quebec. A little less than a year ago he crossed the ocean to England, giving the very finest type of service of life. In the of lift. In the surrendered his 26th of this year, the news occasion­ ing much distress of spirit to his mother in particular and the church community in general. Indicative of the high esteem in which John was held was the over­ flow congregation ’ with representa­ tives from .London, Lucan, Crediton, Parkhill, Shipka, Dashwood, Grand Bend and Exeter. A relatively large representation of Airport personnel from the Cent­ ralia station was in ^attendance, a response to Mrs. Dixon foi- the very fine practical interest that she has and is evidencing in the welfare of the girls away from home. The Minister of the Church, the Rev. Lawrence H. Turner B.A., was in charge of the service, rendering a sacred solo entitled, “There is No Timalin, Airport, speaker faith in he whispered, My friends call her to remember his she admitted she grinned -oWlishly. “Don’t tell on me,” “but it’s Jeremiah, me Jerry. They don’t know my real name is Jeremiah. Please don’t, tell anybody.” Bette assured him gravely that she would never, never tell a soul —and then another young man claimed her. During the next hou», she danced with a succession of young men in evening dress,. most of whom announced their willing ness to take her places and show her things. Clare was dancing with Michael, and had been most of the evening. She had been evading her duties as hostess—and purposely so. “She had caught the brief smile Michael had exchanged with had tightened a nothing about Michael close to “Just think, darling,” she whis' pered presently. “Three more weeks will slip by. and then we will be married.” “Do you realize how much have changed lately, Clare? asked quietly. ■ “Changed?” Her voice Was zled. “I don’t understand-—” “YoU have changed,” he declared ruefully. * Bette* and lief lips little. She had said’ it, but she kept her side. yon he puz- seriously, and laughed “There was a time, Clare, when I doubted your love. very coolly,” Clare raised eyes ly languorous. “Why, darling”— gently reproving-—^ er doubted my love!” Michael felt himself slipping Into the depths of those eyes < . , Later in the evening Bette "dis­ covered that She was tired and that , Imr slippers had apparently sLr-xik. Death,” with the Rev. chaplain at the Centralia giving the address. The stressed the importance of the regim that dared to believe that there -can not be death to a spirit or personality which surrenders it­ self in the pursuance -of truth, good­ ness and decency. Long years might normally have been expected and experienced by this young life, yet John was prepared to forfeit it if in the process a better world would ensue. We must make that better world certain, said Mr, Timalin, if their 'sacrifices are not to be in vain. The note of valid optimism was stressed much to the strengthening of sorrow-laden spirits and tear- stained cheeks. The Minister of -the Church ob­ served that it was positively fright­ ening to him when the expectation of those who had gone forth at the behest of duty called for the preser­ vation of the sanctity of the home hearth and the church altar, the retention of the wholesomeness and sweetness of community life, of political life, of national life were reposed in us by them. They must not be disappointed when they re­ turn but rather that 'their eyes might be greeted with that which would be commensurate with their sacrifices. Let us be worthy of their high expectations. The Minister observed that a gold cross in miniature would reside be­ side the name of the departed in the Honor Roll indicative of the Cross of Christ standing sentinel over him, nay more than this the Christ Himself residing with the spirit of this young airman The names of all who have gone forth were read after which the Minister, in prayer, com­ mended them and theirs to fatherly dispensation of God. LAW. Sharpe accompanied Rev. Lawrence IT. Turner in rendering of the solo, “There is Death,” while Mrs. Jas. Trevethick and Mrs. L. Craven rendered an ap­ propriate duet with Mrs. Thomas Leo, the pianist of the church, siding. To Mrs. Jas. Dixon and all near relatives the prayer of Minister and People ascend to Great White Throne May the God of all guide and stay> “Leave We now iiluupxng, ’ the the the No You that treated me Were voice-her 'Surely you soft- was nev- pre­ the the the in their behalf, truth be their Thy servant ph? A blizzard howls vdown from the North. Trees crash. Wires go down. And while we huddle by the fire the Bell line crews are out—fighting their way through drifts in modern service trucks equipped with tools, power and material for repairing the havoc. Our preventive maintenance program is designed to prevent trouble before it develops. But when it does strike, these '/shock troops ” go after it fast. They know the nation’s work and safety depend on prompt, dependable telephone communication. They take quiet pride in keeping it that way . . . come what may. Se&vice ® Buy War Savings Stamps and Certificates Regularly. a Bell Telephone Employees 1943 4,579 7,336 11,915 Absent on War Service — 2,200 Male .. Female 1939 4,703 5,008 9,711 J. F. ROLFE, Manager. County|Home Committee The County Home Committee of the County Council meeting on Wed­ nesday authorized the matron, Mrs. Jacobs, and her son Erwin to em­ ploy a man to do general worlk around the home and the farm. A committee was appointed to purchase a commercial washing machine and drier. Mrs. Jacobs was authorized to secure prices and other information on a large mix-master, and to Pro­ cure a full dinner set. It was decided also to purchase a new vacuum cleaner, and to have all the pipes in the building cover­ ed with asbestos. Mr. Jacobs was requested to get information regarding a potato sprayer. The meeting was held at the County Home, The members pres­ ent were: W. J. Baker, chairman; B. W. Tuckey, D. L. Weir, J. F. Inglis, A. McCann and Warden Fred Watson. MRS. ARTHUR GL AN VILLE Mrs. Arthur Glanville, well-known resident of Usborne Township, died at her home on Tuesday, February 15, in her 62nd year. She was formerly Clara Neeb, born in New Dundee and has resided in Usborne for the past 20 years. She was a member of the Lutheran Church. Dashwood. Surviving are her hus­ band; four daughters, Mrs, Thos. Coward, oh St. Marys; Mt’S. Orville Cooper, of Cromarty; Mrs. John Miller, of Seaforth; Beulah, at home; three sons, Wilbert, of Staffa; Charles and Melvin, at home; five brothers, Henry Neeb, Zurich; Alex Neeb, of Dashwood; Louis Neeb, of Freeport, Mich.; William and John Neeb, Clarks­ ville, Mich. Private funeral service was held at the residence on Fri­ day at 2 p.m. with burial in Ekoter Cemetery, CROMARTY Miss Betty McKellar spent the Week-end in Seaforth With friends. MiSs Bernice McKellar who is Staying with Mrs. Roy Smale, Hen­ sail, was home foi- the week-end. Harry Drake, R.C.A.F., visited at John Scott's on Sunday. Mrs. Frank Scott and "baby son, arrived home last week from Strat­ ford Hospital. Congratulations are due. An enjoyable time was had by all who attended the social evening at Roy and Mrs. McCulloch’s last Wednesday. Elmer Henderson whose home is at Wawanese, Man., and now sta­ tioned at R.C.A.F. Toronto, visited his cousins, Alex and Mrs. Mac- Laren. Last respects were paid to Mrs. Arthur Glanville, Lumley, who was buried last Friday. Sympathy is ex­ fended to the family from this com­ munity. WINCHELSEA Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Yule and Billie, of Science Hill, visited on Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. John France. Mr, and Mrs. Alf. Collier and Grace, of Kirkton. visited on Sun­ day with Mr, and Mrs. H. Bailey. ML and Mrs. Roy Brock and Shirley, of Kirktoil, visited bn Sun­ day with Mr, and Mrs. Frank Brock. Master Bobbie Glenn has returned home after spending the past Week with his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Sherwood Brock. Mr. and Mrs. George Bailey visit­ ed on Sunday at the home of Mr, Chas. Delbridge. jMtr. and Mrs, Lewis Fletcher, of Kirkton, spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Walker KerslakO. Mrs. Clarence Prance and Norman, of Exeter, spent a few days the past ■week ?w,u Mie, Juhii Men, 30,40,50! Want Normal Pep, Vim, Vigor? Try Ostrex Tonic Tablets. Contains tonics, stimu­lants, Iron, vitamin Bj,calcium, phosphorus:ahis to normal pep, vim. vigor, vitality after 30, 40, or 50. Introductory size only 35c. It not delighted with results of first package, maker refunds price. At all druggists. Start taking Oatrex Tablets todsij «tsa Prance.. Master Alvin Boyd, of Kirkton. visited on Saturday with Master Billie Gilfillan. We are sorry to report that Mr. Lloyd Hern was rushed to Victoria Hospital on Saturday for an opera­ tion for appendicitis. We hope for a speedy recovery. First Sailor (on convoy duty): “Did you ever see so much water in all youf life?” Second. Sailor (a veteran); "You haven’t seen nothin’. That’s only the top.”