Weekly Trinity journal., 1873-09-13

next week. Oh, would like to have
such a triumph once 1t would be such
a pleasant way to say good-by to the
stage"
l could deny her nothing, my little sis.
ter; and though for me it was like go
ing into the torture-room of the Inquisi-
ton to enter the theater and see Count
Earnest on such familiar terms with
Dora, consented for the present to con-
ceal my good fortune from our friends,
and go on just the same as if nothing had
happened.
The eventful evening came at length.
The play was interspersed with ballet
dancing, and was to end with grand
transformation scene in which Ada and
Dora were to rise as sea nymphs, in a
shell-like car, from the waters of mimic
lake. 1t so happened that, just before
the last scene, l went into the room un-
derneath the stage, where the machinery
for raising the car was placed, impelled
by strange foreboding Of impending
misfortune, to assure myself that every
thing was in order and that no precau-
ton against accident had been neglected,
There | found the master machinist, n
dark and gloomy visaged man, standing
by the car, muttcring to himself in an
undertone. " Better she should die than
marry the count. He has bewitched her,
as he does all women. A little slit would
-,
"What are you muttering to your
self?" | asked, suddenly; "and what do
you mean by these mysterious words?"
He faced me rs if struck by an unex-
pected blow.
81 was only examining the machinery
to see that everything was right" he an
swered, sullenly and turned away.
| carefully examined the cords by
which the car was raised. Everything
appeared to be secure and in good order (;
and | went back to my place, trying to
laugh myself out of my apprehensions.
But though it was easy to argue that all
was right, and that my fears arose mere
ly from some ineXplcable disorder of
the brain, could not feel secure. | was
positive that some frightful misadyenture
would occur before the play was over
fort to maintain n calm exterior.
The play progressed. The curtain rose
upon the magnificent transformation scene
and the plaudits Of the audience grew tu-
multuous as the splendors unrolled be-
fore them. At length the car began to
rise slowly and majcstically, to low, sweet
strains of music. watched, with scarce
ly beating heart and bated breath, the
first appearance of the beautiful vision
for like vision it looked, rising and still
rising, the car resplendcnt with all the
tnsel which shone like gold and silver,
and diamonds. A sound MS of many tinkl-
ing fountains mingled with the strains
Of delicious music fairy LAND seemed
opening upon the sight, with arching
bowers and far-rcaching vistas, and myr-
lads Of elfn forms disporting on the
ground and in the air. For moment |
was fascinated, when Ada and Dora, in
all their beauty, rose above the lake,
their stately car seemingly lifted by in
visible hands. | forgot my apprehen
sions and once more breathcd freely.
Suddenly there was dreadful crash,
and wild cry filled the house. The car
had fallen. For an instant, felt rooted
to the spot where was standing, and
then recovering my senses, rushed for
ward to learn the worst. AS ! made my
way through the narrow passage under
the stage, | heard some one say in apity
ing tone: Poor thing, she will never
dance again?" Which was it? Ada?
Dora? fought my way through the
crowd of actors and attendants, and saw
my little Ada lying senseless in Dora's
arms. Throwing myself on my knees, l
took her cold hands in both of mine.
"My dear FRIEND" said Dora, who was
weeping silently, "she is not dead tho
dreadfully hurt. The surgeon will be
here directly. Compose yourself. She
is reviving !"
My little darling opened her eyes, with
a deep sigh, and looked about her with
bewildered gaze.
Hush, little one" said Dora, softly,
as she saw Ada was about to speak. "Lie
still and be patient till the surgeon comes" :"
The gentle sufferer closed her eyes, and
her little hands pressed mine with ten
der grasp. The surgeon was soon on the
spot. lie assured me that Ada had sus-
tanned no fatal injury, but it was doubt
full whether she would be able to walk
again. With ptcous cry, she fell back
in Dora's arms, and tainted dead away.
| had noticed no one but Ada and Dora,
but at this moment | was conscious
that the count was kneeling besides me,
and had clasped Dora's hand. Better
she than you, my love ~ he murmurcd.
Dora gave him a quick look Of reproof.
"This is no time for love-making," she
answered, Withdrawing her hand. "Havc
you no feelings for the poor girl lying
here, whose whole life must be ono of
misery and sorrowW
"What is this ballet girl to me?" an
swered the count, stung to the quick, and
for moment thrown of his guard. "Of
course, am sorry for her" he added the
next moment, "but-"
At this moment Ada opened her eyes
again, and faint blush struggled with
the paleness in her checks, as her gaze