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The Exeter Times-Advocate, 1947-04-24, Page 8by Mary W. Brooks PBiAm^HEM Serial Story .•••■■ ■ '........ The story thus far; Agatha Le Clair©, wealthy Montreal divorcee, lias fallen in love with Hugh Mere dith, the fiancee of Enid Walters, a young newspaper woman. Enid does not suspect anything until, in New York to arrange for the pro duction. of her play, she sees Aga tha and Hugh on the street. She is still suffering from the shock when she arrives at the office of the producer, John Harkness. The lat ter is very sympathetic, but she does not disclose the cause of the shock. He gives her $1,000 advance royalties and invites her to the theater that evening. CHAPTER VJH Enid raised her head, sat up and leaned her head back in exhaus tion against the bed frame. The ef fort to think into the future was •too much for her. She felt faint, and realizing that it was a long time since breakfast and that Mr. Harkness knew better than she did —or at least was a very good nurse—she took up the telephone from the table at her side, and ordered a tray. While she waited, trying not to think, ‘her eyes wandered to a vision on a hanger on the back of her door. It was enough to make anyone smile, provided they — or she—had one spark of joy left in ; them. ; Had she? She pondered. ; For there against the door hung a shimmering creation of black and white, the white folded satin bodice ending in short sleeves edged with narrow black fur, the long black satin skirt sheathlike and grace ful in line. She had been lucky enough to buy this gown and its accompanying black satin wrap •trimmed with white fur for only $75. Now that she was coming into her* money—now that there was at last the chance of her play being put on, and perhaps even proving successful, how ironical it was to think how much nearer her mar riage to Hugh might have been un der other circumstances'. Provided she was successful, he might even have married her for her money. Was that what he loved in Agatha—the creature comforts that seemed his natural due? Or had tie found in Enid’s absence that lie and Agatha were supremely ■congenial? Or finally was there | some appeal in Agatha that she I could not offer? She would never fcnow. When her tea and toast came she was able to swallow them. 'She even ■began to hope at last that for Mr. Harkness’ sake she would stop ■worrying and prove a decent part ner for the evening. She knew she owed it to him, and she decided she owed it to herself. He was waiting with something like impatience when she joined ■him in the hotel parlor that eve ning, and his face lighted with a .good deal of interest as she came rather shyly up to him, a little con scious perhaps of her very new satin. He was formal at first, but evi dently found this attitude difficult Lo keep up, even with so new an acquaintance. “You have shopped to delightful purpose, I see. Or did you import <that interesting creation from Mon treal?” “No—I really was able to find it iu New York,” was her patriotic retort. “You shouldn’t be so tempt ing with your checks,” she added with a smile. “I.f black and white weren’t so much flie style, I should say you Looked like a fascinating young widow,” It hurt more than he knew, but she tried to be equal to it. “I am a widow,” she said unex pectedly. looking up into his face quite seriously. She saw that for a moment he was disconcerted and even, curious, but he too could stage a proper comeback. “Then you have no right to go around the world pretending you are a maiden lady. Widows slay far too many people as it is, and now you are doing it from ambush.” Then he helped her into his car, buf, to her surprise, instead of taking her to some quiet place his chauffeur drove them to a new hotel, one of the smartest of New York’s hostelries. Mr. Harkness THE TIMES-ADVOCATE, EXETER, ONTARIO, THURSDAY MORNING, APRIL 24th, 1947 ■ III, —1 ------ - ——- * , , ■ . . Doan's Kidney Pills Help Baek Ailments Backache is frequently caused by disorders of the kidneys. Conse quently, if you suffer from backache, Doan’s Kidney Rills may be helpful to you. Because of their Stimulat ing action on the kidneys and uri nary passages, Doan’s Kidney Pills assist in the elimination of wastes from the body. Safe, dependable and quick-acting, Doan’s Kidney Rills can be used by both young and old. Backache and rheumatic pains aS well as minor urinary and bladder ailments may be quickly relieved by this time- proven treatment. Sold at all drug Btores. She T. Milburn Co., Ltd.* Toronto, Ont. to you. Because of their stimulat- ges, Doan’s Kidney Pills was all apologies over her surprise. “I hope you don’t mind my going back on all I said,” he explained as he escorted her into the luxurious place, “but I thought you as a press woman might enjoy seeing all this luxury. And you might want to use this setting for your next play. Heaven help me as your producer if you do. All this has cost a few cool millions—I'm ashamed to be a New Yorker and not know the exact number, but I was always poor at statistics, Such things don’t intrigue me in connection with hotels—only with plays.” She laughed appreciatively and he went on: “What I do mean is that I don’t think it right to waste you in that pretty gown on too desert an air. How is that for a roundabout com pliment? Ah, here is the dining room. I know a quiet little table in the upper left hand corner which I think you’ll approve of.” “Do you and Mrs. Harkness come here sometimes?” Enid asked in nocently enough. He cocked an eye at her with such an amused smile that Enid could not help laughing. “Do you mean my mother? She lives on Long Island and can’t be bothered coming into the city more than once or twice a year. She is an old-fashioned lady who hates crowds. Or do you mean my wife? If so, I shall have to inform you that there is no Mrs. John Hark ness. As yet,” he added, with a wicked look of warning. She found that he could order a particularly good dinner, could treat a waiter as a gentleman should, and finally that he could talk so divertingly of stage folk, theater and public that she forgot all aibout herself and acquired something of an. appetite. The beautiful setting, the gay crowds of pretty or distinguished women, of dull or interesting looking men, diverted her, there was no denying it. But at times there seemed a strange unreality about it all. Was she aloof, a spectator—or one of the throng? Was it real—this dinner with a strange man?—or would she sud denly wake to find herself at Agatha’s table, sheltered, as usual, by Agatha’s kindness; sure, as ever, of Hugh's love and faith? In spite of the dull ache in her heart, she was able to yield to the tendei’ glamour of the play. Just once she realized that Mr. Hark ness was looking at hei' with ap proval, but whether it was because of her gown or because of her in terest in the play she could not decide. A little of both, she hoped. With another new acquaintance It would gown. He night might Sunday. But she thought not. She wanted to do a little writing, she said. In reality, she wanted to sleep most of the day if she could. She was very tired. On Monday morning she was to meet him again and the actors chosen for her play, to watch the first rehearsal, and give advice if necessary. Mr. Harkness wanted her to cdme back to New York two weeks later to see how things were going. The zest and joy had gone out of her play—but what of it? She must learn to make a game of it, and be grateful for what was com ing to her. Money and a little bit of fame, perhaps; or fame and a little bit of money. Perhaps—more likely still—neither. In any case she was grateful to Mr. Harkness, for all the risk was his. And she was grateful to him for what she told him had been a splen did evening. She ws even actress enough to throw a strong ring of sincerity into <her voice as.she said so, and was glad to see his kind blue eyes light up with pleasure at her thanks. When he left her at her hotel she almost flew to her room, threw off the smart new gown—'half mourning, she termed it—and climbed into bed as quickly as she could. She sighed deeply with ex haustion, and cried a little before she fell asleep, for she was very lonely. Monday night she told John Harkness good-by at the train. It was the end of a long, exciting day in his office, meeting the actors and actresses—famous people, some of them, like Arthur Benson, who was to take the lead—conferring with Mr. Harkness about suggested changes here and there, She had reveled in the way he had deferred to her*judgment. That a man virtually raised on a stage should consider her opinions of suf ficient importance even to be grant ed a hearing amazed and delighted her. She had sat with him in the little studio in the theater during the re hearsal. To hear her lines spoken In the throaty, delightfully accented voice of the eminent Mir. Benson was an amazing sensation-—some thing, Enid thought breathlessly, like seeing one’s son being decorat ed by the prime minister* And after the rehearsal, to see the curious re spect with which the actors said good-by to her as they left , . . if was exaltation. When they were finally at the train Harkness took her hand (on- ML .FY Ol ® LA MP S Granton W. L Elect Officers Legislation wap the theme of the Granton Women's Institute meeting at the home of Mrs. Carman Dann. Mrs. A. Chittick was in charge of the devotions and Mrs, Elmer Harl- ton was program convener. The topic on Citizenship was taken by Mrs. B, H. Hanson, and dealt with a citizen in the home, the conwnun- it and the nation. Readings were given by Mrs. Norman Riddell and Mrs. Elmer Harlton and Mrs. Clif ford Hartwick concluded the pro gram with a piano instrumental. Mrs. George Wilson conducted two contests wop by Mrs. T. Gunning and Mrs. Hartwick. The election of officers, con ducted by Mrs. a. Knox, past president, resulted as follows: Honorary president, Mrs. John Middleton; president, Mrs. George Wilson; vice-presidents, Mrs, C. Hartwick, Mrs. Beecher Hanson, Mrs. D, McNaughton; secretary treasurer, Miss Mabel McNaughton; assistant, Mrs. John Knox; district director, Mrs. A. Knox; directors, Mrs. James Dykes, Mrs. David Spence, Mrs. Norman Riddell, Mrs. Gasoline Lanterns Light Stage When Power Fails In keeping with true theatrical tradition that “the play tuust go on” students of Ailsa Craig School completed their presentation of an operetta in the Town Hall, Hensail, by the light of gasoline lanterns when an accident plunged the entire community into darkness. The play, sponsored by.the Chamber of Com merce and directed by S. G. Ren nie, Hensail, was half finished when the lighting failed. Hensail Roy Scouts also found it an opportunity to add to their “good deed’’ score. Using flash lights they directed patrons from the hall at the conclusion of the performance and assisted many to their homes along darkened streets, The power failure affected Exeter, Zurich, 'Lucan and Centralia. Certificates ISSUED for any amount.... for a term of five years.... guaranteed both as to principal and interest.... Interest cheques mailed to reach holders on due date, or, at holder’s option, may be allowed to accumulate at compound interest. An ideal investment for individuals, com panies; authorized by law for cemetery boards, executors and other trustees. THE STERLING TRUSTS CORPORATION Sterling Tower, Toronto probably have been only the seemed sorry to her, even do something for her on to say good- asked if he I Thomas Gunning; pianist, Mrs. C1. Hartwick; assistant, Mrs. D. Mc Naughton; sunshine, Mrs, John Forrest, and Mrs. Carman Dann; press, Mrs. Beecher Hanson; audi tors, Mrs. H- Coxon and Mrs. J. Knox. 36 years in Business FOR FAST RESULTS - TIMES-ADVOCATE WANT-ADS 1947 Should be the Greatest Year for SUGAR BEETS THE 1946 BEET CROP besides be- confused a growers Sugar Beet Returns Should Again Lead All Field Crops ■price WALLACEBURGCHATHAM Thus making the scale of beet prices the highest in history; Men be Harkness’ eyes were specu- he was staring at her as trying to remember some- Eiiid When ...$8,992.91 ...$8,616.42 ....$6,050.83 ...$5,227.94 Growers Last Year Received High .Returns Growers This Year Should Do Even Better per per per per $275.95 $272.99 $268.25 $268.32 for 62 fdr 40 for 26 for 23 because expect merely egotists he laughed. all women ” she HYDRO OFFICE W. C T. U. Elects M rs. E. Geiger The annual meeting Hensall-Exeter Union of the Wo men’s Christian Temperance Union was held in the United Church. Of ficers were elected and arrange ments made for the annual .conven tion. Mrs. R. A. Brook presided for the election which resulted as fol lows: Honorary president, Miss Jean Murray; president, Mrs. E. Geiger; vice-president, Mrs. W, Cook, .Ex eter; secretary, Miss A. Consit; assistant, Mrs. W. J. Pybus, Exeter; treasurer, Mrs. E. McQueen; evan gelistic, Mrs. R. A. Brook; assist ant, Mrs. Down; flower mission, Mrs. Maude Hedden and Mrs. C. D. Jinks; anti-narcotic, Mrs. W. C Pearce, Exeter. Mrs. E. Geiger offered her home for the May meeting. cased in a new powder-blue glove) and held it a long time. “Do you mind my saying I’m des- lierately proud of you?” he asked She looked at him quizzically. “Thank you,” she said. “But why should I mind?” He laughed then. “I suppose you won’t understand, and it just might sound insulting, but you can’t imagine how you’ve delighted me. I suppose I should have taken it for granted that you would be as wonderful as you are—after all, you did write that play. But—oh, I've seen too many playwrights. I guess. They all seem pretty jaundiced, smart-alecks, man or woman; not genuine.” “So because I'm stfll easily thrilled, I’m genuine?” Enid laugh ed. It seemed to her that his hands clasped hers a little tighter. “It isn’t that you’re youthful, Miss Wal ters,” he said. “I think it’s you’re so feminine, successful women to egotists—and I think all are neuter gender,” “But you’re so different! You’d at tract attention even if you couldn’t write a line. You—you’re, well, a perfectly charming girl ing a clever writer.” Enid smiled at him, little at his sincerity. “I can’t believe that who write are neuter gender, smiled. “No, of course you’re right,” he chuckled. “But I’ve seen so many that are that you’re a decided reve lation.” John lative; though thing. “I know what It is!” he ex claimed. “You’re like the heroine of your own play—you know, the absolute gem of a girl, sympathetic, generous, good-natured—the kind of girl who always inhabits novels but never seems to exist . . .” he smiled .quickly. “How does it feel to be dissected in public?” Enid laughed unrestrainedly. 'She felt deliciously warm, almost coquettish, and'slightly bewildered at feeling so. When the train was called John Harkness said good-by to her only reluctantly. “It will be an impa tient two weeks for me,” he assured •Iler, and Enid could only smile her gratitude. He seemed to know ex actly what she needed to regain her self-respect, the feeling of being something more than a mind capa ble of Writing plays. The feeling of being a woman once more. Her good-by was almost as re luctant as his, for it meant that She Would be once -more alone among her thoughts. And aS She handed the conductor her ticket at the car steps she could feel the warmth' of his adieu gradually dwindling away into a chill bitterness. Tomorrow she would be back again, id Mont real add in just a 'few days then She would have to face Hugh and Aga tha, relive the bitterness * of her first glimpse of them, strolling to gether on Broadway, What price success then? (Continued Next Week) Next Week; moment has dreaded comes at- last ____ Hugh visits her at her office in MontreaL BECAUSE SUGAR IS THE ONE CROP BOUND TO BE IN SHORT SUPPLY LOOK AT THESE RETURNS FROM PETER GILLIER, Harwich ........... ORVILLE PINSONNEAULT, Dover FRANK RUBLIK, Chatham Gore .... ALOIS VANBOVEN, Wallaceburg .... BERNARD CARTER, Chatham ...... JOE VANDAMME, Chatham ......... LAWRENCE KERR, Harwich ......... ROY JENNER, Harwich ................... • acre • acre acre acre acres acres acres acres The Ontario Government has again generously granted a subsidy of $112,500 to sugar beet growers. The Dominion Government raised price of sugar $1.00 per 100 pounds — in lieu of growers’ subsidy — all the benefit of this increase on beet sugar to go to beet The contracting season is short. The Company has only until April 25 to decide whether enough acreage has been secured to operate a factory in 1947 - - - So Sign Uo Now WITH YOUR FIELDMAN OR AT THE COMPANY OFFICES