The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1877-12-15

stand each other. Whether or not
Harold White holds the place in my
heart which. he once did concerns me,
and me only. The honor you have
done me, Mr.. Blanchard--call it by
what tender name you please-I de-
spise. Mr.. Blanchard, | know you!"
"Stop, Miss Westbrookr' he ex-
claimed, making one step forward, and
barring her way to the door, "and
hearken to me. You have thrown
the gage. Very well, accept it. 1t
was | who drove Harold White from
Singlebridge. All, you can be i'm
pressed, | see. 1t is who can compel
your consent to my demands. Now,
Miss Westbrook, k1aOW naer'
Her face was very white as she swept
proudly past the West Indian; but it
was not the whiteness of fear. They
measured swords with their eyes-how
clear and searching hers were!-and
parted.
Next day Fanny Westbrook was miss
ing from Singlebridge.
For twelve months Silas Westbrook
had been daughterless. Fanny was
sought for far and near, but without
avail. Augustus had, to quote the
idiomatic expression of that congenial
companion already referred to, "gone
clear to the bad" OF all his former
chums, Blanchard was the sole pos
SCISSOR of II knowledge of the young
scapegrace's whereabouts. As for the
West Indian, he seemed to have en-
tirely relinquished all intention of re-
turning to Jamaica. However, we
must for the present leave Singlebridge
and make our way to the Theater ROYAL,
Easthampton. The house is crowded
by the admirers of the leading lady,
whose benefit night it is.
Old Fussyton, the stage-doorkeeper,
Is at this moment in state of mind
bordering on despair. He dare not for
the life of him leave his post; and he
has just learned that stranger has sue
ceeded in reaching the stage under the
convey of an audacious super. If that
should come to the knowledge of Mr..
Somerset Beauchamp, the manager, he
Fussyton) will to Il certainty be dis
missed on the spot.
Take note to Miss Harebell, sir?
Could not do it. It's against orders,
SIR
The speaker is the call-boy. His
tempter is Mr.. Blanchard.
Every well, sir, I'll risk it. If you
are an old friend | suppose it will be all
right"
Induced to commit a breach of disci-
pline by the bestowal of rather potent
bride, the call-boy disappears behind
pile of scenery, and is presently heard
in alteration with Miss .Harebelrs
dresser.
"What do you want? Miss Harebell
is not a beginner She is not on until
the second scene"
Il know that, Mrs. Cummins.
want to speak to you. Open the door"
Blanchard heard no more. A whis-
pered conversation between the leading
lady's dresser and the call-boy was i'm
mediately succeeded by the reappear-
ance of that precocious youth, who
said: Miss Harebell will meet YOU
after the performance, at her hotel, the
George. She has apartments there.
All you have to do is to send in your
name. And now, sir, do clear out of
this. How you got in | don't know. If
MIR. Bowshang was to stag you, wouldn't
there be a shine, neither!'
Meantime his note had produced
startling effect on Miss Harebell. 1t
ran thus:
cat last | find you. In Miss Hare
bell | have recognized Fanny West
brook. At the peril of those nearest
and dearest to you, see me tonight. l
am desperate"
Cummins," gasped she, clock that
door. You did it for the best to get rid
of him. 1t is always convenient to de-
cline receiving visitor at ones hotel;
but | will see him. Finish my hair and
then find Mr.. Beauchamp. l would
speak with him before | 90 on
Blanchard had again curiously under
valued the strength of his lovely oppo-
nent.
She saw the manager and exchanged
with him few whispered words. He
grasped her hand warmly by way of
emphasizing his chivalric intentions in
her cause.
holiISC IuC utlN, HlOlC UHtu lWclNt
months previously, that Miss Westbrook
had merged her identity in that of the
now talented actress, Miss Harebell,
Fanny had played many parts both off
and on the stage. On this particular
night she excelled herself. The APP
plause of her crowds of admirers was
what would have been termed in stage
parlance "terrifc.' Such was the
electric force of her acting, it carried
all before it. Was she playing up de-
family to Blanchard? Perhaps.
On the conclusion of the play, she,
laden with bouquets, retired to her
dressing-room, and in n few minutes
had resumed, with the aid of attentive
Mrs. Cummins, the attire of ordinary
life.
In the space of a very few minutes
Miss Harebell' was proceeding I'M
noticed, save by group of her youth
full idolators who surrounded the pit
door, under the convoy of Mr.. Beau
champ, to her apartments at the
George.
Before ascending the staircase which
led to her rooms she informed the
maid-servant that probably a gentleman
would call upon her. If he did, she
was to show him up, after having
privately informed Mr.. Beauchamp,
who would wait for the news in the bar
DarlOr of her visitor : arrival