The National tribune., 1882-01-07

brighter than a bridal VEIL"
The Doctor did not at once answer his young
friends rhapsody. His eyes, in which there was
a strange CLEAN, as of a triumph, were fixed on
Theodore. "Yes," he said, slowly, after few
moments pause. Il think that would do 1t
would be her first appearance to our little pub
lie, but there must be other pictures. Will you
try and get up the thing for me, Miss Elem"
Certainly" she answered, @ if Mamma does
not mind"
The Doctor went away satisfied On that day
he was starting for his Christmas journey.
The thirtieth of December came round in due
course The Doctor had not yet returned to his
house. and no one had heard of him. Then came
letter for Lady Montague which made her eyes
dance with pleasure; but she told no one of its
contents. That singular man, the Doctor, had
begged her to keep her own counsel
Every one at Hillbury was busy meanwhile in
costume-makng consulting, rehearsing. few
of the best-looking young people in the neigh
borhood had been gathered together, and poems
plays, and celebrated works of fiction had been
consulted for striking situations With some
difficulty Ellen had succeeded in making Theo-
dora understand what was required of her; but
encounter, so far as her guest was concerned. So
soon as Theodore discovered that she was desired
to dress in particular way, and throw herself
into particular position, she proved graceful,
clever, and supple, that Ellen was convinced she
had in some period of her former life practiced
the mimetic art. She was to pose as Cthonia
before the sacrifice in Swinburnes "Erechtheus"
Ellen arranged that Theodora's should be the
last representation, and no one was to see her
until the moment when, according to the Doctors
programme, she was to burst in all her beauty
and grace upon their little world.
This last day but one of the old year found DR..
Griffith in London. He was seated in a private
sitting room of one of the large hotels with a
single companion-a young and very handsome
man, dark-eyed, fine-featured, his face bronzed
with exposure to wind and weather. The two
were deep in talk. The Doctor appeared to be
exposulating. He looked hot and anxious.
"You will not play me false at the last mo-
ment" he said; "say this is whim of mine.'
people have no business to have whims," the
young man replied fretfully. Pardon me, Doc
tor. You have been a good friend to me-
ought to be more patient But the idea of re-
the face-is horrible"
Il do not ask you to settle down, was the
calm rejoinder. II ask you to see your mother,
to do your old friends honor; after that go away
again as soon as you like"
The young man sighed impatiently. Il vowed
l would never 60 into the world again. am
not fit for society. | am fool-a brute-a man
who does not recognize perfection when he meets
it." Then breaking off suddenly, Doctor" he
cried out, do you think | shall ever be able to
forgive MYSELF"
Il think you are morbid, my dear boy; fright
fully morbid"
There came very boyish expression into the
face Of the young man. perhaps you will not
believe it, he said; but it is true. When she
told NE her profession the thought of my mother
made me hesitate. She has the old fashioned
ideas, you know. She thinks actors and actresses
Of necessity wicked
"I thought as much" said the Doctor: land |
this is partly what has kept you from home all
these months. You were unjust to your mother |
Sir Henry. If she had known the lady as you |
lid
Il am afraid her prejudices are uncomfortable; |
however, as you say, did not give her the chance |
md now it is too late.'
You ought to think of the living" said the
Doctor you have been unjust to your mother
you owe her reparation. I should tell you that |
have written to her. She has consented to pre-
ide tomorrow. | said l would try and bring
Jou back with me-"
Then that settles it," said the young man,
With the air of one who rejoices in being freed
rom the burden of deciding.
The two left London on the following morning,
md reached DR.. Grifith's house about an hour
before his guests were expected.
The party from Hillbury were there already
The Doctor shut up Sir Henry in the library,
nd went to the drawing-room.
Lady Montague was there alone The young
aides were in an inner room preparing for the
,arts they were to take later
The Doctor led Lady Montague to the door of
lis study. Zone moment" he said, pausing on
he Threshold as favor to me do not let Miss
Glen know her brother is here until the theat-
icals are over. 1t might excite her, you know"
Yes, yes" said the mother. tremulously In
mother moment she was alone with her son. No
ooner had the young man seen his mothers face
han he was ashamed of his own Injustice, while
S for her, in less than moment his long silence,
lis apparent indifference, the mystery of his In
oherent letters, was forgotten. It was enough
or her that she saw her darling-that he was
trong, well, and beautiful as ever and that he
lad not forgotten to love her.
They spent an hour together, then the Doctor
ooking radiant and excited, much like benevo-