Motion Picture Story Magazine (Aug 1911-Jan 1912)

56 TEE MOTION PICTURE STORY MAGAZINE had made, vanished. Without a word, he caught her in his arms, tenderly, passionately. Three weeks later — three weeks of golden sunshine and song they had been — Jack received a brief letter that sent him, stumbling, for miles across the rough country, while he fought out his battle. The note ran : My Son: Helen is over her pique, and has set the wedding day. Come home at once. Your Loving Father. He tried to persuade himself that he was undecided, that he would put the matter squarely up to Juanita, even when he started to keep the appointment he had with the girl, tho he knew in his inmost heart that he would go, and hated himself for the knowledge. Because he was ashamed of the part he intended to play, he told her brutally; but beyond a single gasp, she gave no sign of her pain, and bravely said good-by. The next day Jack was gone. Because the heart of a woman is a secret place, and its workings hidden from the curious eye, one may not know what it was that finally drove Juanita from her miserable home, for conditions were no worse and no better than before. Nor may one know whether it was chance, or a mad hope, that turned her wandering steps to the streets of San Antonio ; but a week after Jack's return to the city, men listened with delight to her songs, and showered her with small silver. In the handsome Gray home, Helen, in her bridal dress and veil, was turning slowly, for her father's inspection, when John Mason and Jack were shown in. Despite the proximity of the wedding, the principals were evidently not overenthusiastic, and not until Gray had laughingly suggested it did Jack bestow a cold kiss, that was as coldly received. " Better leave them alone, dont you think?" Mason suggested, and the two fathers left the room. The young couple fell into a somewhat bored conversation. Presently, in the middle of a word, Jack fell silent, listening intently. "What is it?" Helen demanded, impatiently. "Br — nothing. It couldn't have been anything," Jack responded, absently, and again took up the conversation. A moment later he again listened, and made as tho to rise. "What is the matter with you, Jack?" the girl angrily demanded, and caught his hand. From the street came the plaintive sweetness of an old Spanish love song. 1 ' Let me go ! " Jack exclaimed, and, rudely freeing his hand, sprang to the window. After a single glance he hurried toward the door. "Stop! Come back!" Helen ordered, but he passed out without heeding her. Stepping to the window, the angry girl looked into the street, and, at sight of the dusky beauty of Juanita, flushed angrily, her teeth closing with a determined snap. "Juanita!" Jack exclaimed, as he reached her side, and at his tone a great gladness flooded her heart. John Mason had observed his son's rush from the house, and now appeared at the door, seeking an explanation. Jack led Juanita forward. "I wish to bring this young lady in," he said, and there was a new ring in his voice that caused his father to open his eyes. 1 ' Ah, I am sure Mr. Gray will have no objection, if it is necessary, or desirable," he said. " It is both necessary and desirable, and will be to the best interests and happiness of all," Jack responded, and they entered the house together. They found Mr. Gray with Helen. The latter turned scornful and angry eyes upon Juanita. "Why this honor?" she asked, coldly. "It is an "honor!" Jack retorted, angrily; then, with an effort, spoke more coolly. In vivid words he pictured Juanita 's miserable home, and the life of crime and grime amid which she had lived, unsmirched. Briefly, but forcefully, he told how