Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1873-09-26

to have such triumph once 1t would be such
pleasant way to say goodbye to the
stage"
could deny her nothing, my little sis
ter and though for me it was like going
into the torture room of the Inquisition to
enter the theatre and see Count Ernest on
such familiar terms With Dora consented
for the present to conceal my good fortune
from our friends, and 60 on just the same
as if nothing had happened.
The eventful evening came at length
The play was interspersed with ballet dane
ing. and was to end with grand transfer.
nation scene. in which Ada and Dora were
to rise as sea nymphs, in shell-like car,
from the waters Of mimic lake. It go
happened that just before the last scene |
went into the room underneath 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 pre-
caution against accident bad been neglect
ed There found the master machinist, a
dark and gloomy yisaged man, standing by
the car, mutteriog to himself in an under.
tone, s'Better she should die than marry
the count. He hiss bewitched her, as be
does all women. A little slit would
''What are you muttering to YOURSELF" 1
asked him, suddenly ''and what do you
mean by these mysterious words ~
He faced me as if struck by an unexpec-
ted blow
Il was only examining the machinery to
see that everything was all right" he an
swered sullenly, and turned away.
/ carefully examined the cords by which
the car was raised Every thing 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 from some iaexplicable dis
order Of the brain, I could not feel secure.
was positive that some frightful misadven-
ture would occur before the play was over ;
and every nerve was strained in the effort
to maintain calm exterior
The play progressed The curtain rose
upon the magnificent transformation scene,
and the plaudits of the audience grew more
tumultuous as the splendors unroled before
them. At length the car began to rise slowly
and majestically, to low sweet trains of music
I watched, with scarcely beating heart and
bated breath, the first appearance of the
beautiful vislnn-for like vision it looked
rising and still rising, the car Respondent
with all the tinsel, which shown like gold,
and silver and diamonds A sound as Of
many tinkling fountains mingled with the
strains of delicious music ; fairy land seem
ed opening upon the right, with arching
bowers and far-reaching vstas, and myriads
of elm forms disporting on the ground and
In he air. For moment was fascinated
when Ada and Dora, in all their beauty,
rose above the lake, their stately car seem.
ingly lifted by invisible hands l forgot
my apprehensons and once more breathed
freely.
Suddenly there was dreadful crash, and
wild cry filed the house. The car had
fallen. For an instant felt rooted to the
spot where was standing, and then recov-
ering my senses, rushed forward to learn
the worst. As made my way through the
narrow passage under the stage, | heard
some one say 10 plying tone "Poor
thing, she will never dance again p Which
was it ? Ada !? Dora ? l fought my way
through the crowd Of actors and attendants,
| and saw my little Ada lying senseless in
DORIS arms Throwing myself on my
knees L took her cold hand in both Of mine.
my dear FRIEND" said Dora, who was
weeping silently, ''she is not dead. though
dreadfully hurt. The surgeon will be here
directly. Compose yourself. She is revi
wing p'
| Ny little darling opened her eyes with a
deep sigh, and looked about with bewilder.
ed gaze.
.Hush, little one," said Dora, softly, as
she saw Ada was about to speak ''Lie still
and be patient until the surgeon comes.
The gentle sufferer closed her eyes, and
her little hand pressed mine with tender
! grasp. The surgeon was soon on the spot.
He assured me that Ada had sustained no
fatal injury, but it was doubtful whether she
would be able to walk again. With pite,
GUS cry she fell back in Doras arms, and
tainted dead away.
[ bad noticed no one but Ada and Dora,
but at this moment was conscious that the
count was kneeling beside me; and he clasp
ed Doras hand. BETTER she than you, my
love - he murmured.
Dora gave him quick look Of reproof =
''This is no time for love making" she an-
swell red, Withdrawing her hand. "Have you
no feeling for the poor girl lying here, whose
whole life must be one of misery and sor.
row -
''What is this ballet girl to me p an
swered the count, stung to the quick, and
for moment thrown off his guard. ''Oi
course, l 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 cheek as her gaze fell upon
the count. A beautiful smile played upon
her trembling lips. and she reached her
hand toward him.
"Oh, my love-" she said in low whis
per-a whisper which first sent the blood
mantlipg to Dora's face, and then left il
paler than snow-"you are near and L"
/ Something in the counts face stopped
her words
"The girl is wandering he said coolly
"she does not know what she is say
ing"
She had tainted again. $50, count,
said Dora, hastily. "Your presence is no
wanted here" Her manner was decided
and even imperious. and the count did not
venture to disobey but as he left he cas-
upon Ada look which caught the others
eye. and from the expression that came In
to her face kuew-knew even then, thai
he would never more hold place in bel
: heart.