The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1884-07-16
sLovE's TRAGEDY"

NtSl you uShE TeDll6u Atdflu6
Melford. pointing TO her black Grape
dress. that set off her graceful girlish
figure to perfection.
"But why need you wait for Mrs Grun-
dy? What are the opinions Of the world
to US? Hove you passionately and truly.
Do you think that your poor mother
would feel it a slight on her memory?
Believe me, dearest, that if it is willed
for our departed ones to see US poor
mortals on earth, she would smile her
sincere approval"
'.Do not press mel cannot, nay,
will not marry for twelve months;
must have one year, freedom. Do not
look so sad, dear Gerald" she pleaded
Coaxingly. What matters a short
year to US whose souls are united?"
you are cruel" he said bitterly.
do you contemplate how dear you are
to me, and the dark miserable life one
long dTeary year will be, raked with
fears and doubts which will torture my
soul till life will become a misery?
Has not your glass told you how lovely
you are, what temptations will be thrust
in your path, and the great strength
you will need to resist themp | only
crave to be your shield, your guard;
my love will mantle you with such
sweet safety and devotion, casting
naught but flowers for you to tread
your dainty feet upon"
A smile of great triumph lit up the
girls noble face as she noticed with de-
light her superb beauty in the small
glass on the mantleshelf, and thought
eXultingly:
''If l can bring this gifted man to my
feet, why should not play for higher
stake? He is my slave. Others shall
bow down, too, before. But l must be
wary"
Gerald Ayling, the great tragedian,
the darling of the hour, the pet of
the women, might be excused for
worshipping tho lovely siren, whose
face was as beautiful as an angels,
with its complexion of brilliant snow
and rose-bloom and her glorious bronze
hued hair waving back from her broad
forehead, eyes that meant danger to
the man who looked twice, a mouth
whose rich ripe lips were tantalising,
provoking-th it must be ad-
mitted, wee bit sensuous.
''You do not answer, Clarine."
Because ! was thinking" she said
softly. you love me, | know, then
humor my wishes now, and teach me |
to become an actress. Let me share |
your labors on the stage; it is the one
desire of my ife."
impossible! ask me anything on |
earth but that ~ he replied excitedly.
''Why impossible?" she persisted, |
pouting. You've said that possess
talent, and l feel sure under your low
ing tuition l should make success,
Besides, you tell me am beautiful, and
often say what a lack of pretty actresses
there are on the London stage. Come,
do not refuse the only favor have ever
claimed at your hands; this pleadingly.
Il would rather see you dead at my
feet than an actress" he groaned in
anguish of spirit at the wilful deter
mination of Clarine, whom he loved
with an overmastering passion. You
temptations that would assail you-its
false glitter and hollow mockery."
'FThen all is over between US, she
said frigidly. II will find another
tutor
''Do you mean you would give me
upP" he gasped.
Eyes, if you refuse me my request"
she answered firmly.
so be it them he said gravely.
81 will fit you for the profession if you
promise me to become my wife this
day twelve months-those are my con-
ditions"
Il accept Them" she said eagerly;
land now, dear Gerald, don't look so
demure, but give me one kiss, and
perhaps don't promise, mind''-this
with delicious coquetry-'I will reward
you by returning it and accompanying
you afterwards to the scene of your
triumphs; and the lovely siren put her
dainty rosebud lips very near his, in
such an irresistible way that the frown ,
cleared from her lovers brow as if
by magic as he pressed the warm |
luscious lips, not once but times in ,
Vulnerable. without being chidden by
Clarine, who was delighted at having
gained her point and the wish of her !
young frivolous life.
The lesson now began in earnest, and
she certainly became an apt scholar;
her defamation was perfect, and the
passion that lay dormant in her nature
came out to perfection in Shakspeare's !
grand conceptions, in which Gerald !
Aging intended bringing her out be-
fore The public to make her first eurtsy.
It was proud and yet sad moment
for Gerald when his pupil stood before :
him arrayed in the simple but beautiful
robes of Juliet; no satin with glimmer-
ing pearls, but some soft clinging ma Q
terial that draped her slender form
and chung to her rounded chiselled L
limbs ike the drapery on 3 great >
statue. .
A simple blush-rose entwined her
rich bronze tresses, that fell. over
her shoulders like a silken mantle.
''Oh, save my precious pearl, merci- :
full Heaven" he mnrmured. as she !
stood before him to be criticised
Shall do. Geralds" she asked ! I
saucily. a
Need you my poor praise?n he re-
piled sadly, taking in with jealousy the
witching grace and power of his divin-
ity; '.you will have plenty of worship :.
pers at your shrine. who win load you u !,
with empty nattery and baubles. You 5.
need not fear; your conquest win be =
this bitterly. as he turned &
away gloomy and wretched 9
Naughty unkind old bearfe she =
said wistfully; You are as jealous as 3
the veritable Moor we are rehearsing. =.
Cannot you see that want to make q Z
name and shine for your sakeps =
Jnlietss debut was hailed with storm :, y
Of rapturous applause, and Gerald and y
his lovely companion had 70 appear S
again and again before the curtain at g
he finish ,
One gentleman in the stage lower OF
box never took his eyes of the lovely "
Juliet; his gaze seemed xiTeted to the q
pot. and he murmured when the drop q
Ell: 50
How divine she IS, IS beautiful IS e
N angell She must be mine. win %
move Heaven aud earth TO possess this 9 9
queen Of hearts-yes, even Il make q
Ter my duchess. Il is not the first g
luke who has married an actress with e e
ar less excuse ca
The Duke Of Broughton was 4 man ne
lho would carry out any project with y y
nergy and perseverance when once -
Is interest vas aroused. and 10 sat
bout makinQ rigorous enquiries the q
ext m0rning concerning the history of -
ie debaI1nis and learnt her whole 81
ask also the engagement between e.
erz1d Aging and herself II
But the duke being Of an utterly sel- &
b nature. i n84eF altersd bis resolve. &
1t Hh6flsd bis desire only he more 50 81
Ii tie prize aHf4 from tho eminent s1
'tdf 81 fair means o. foul. Ill
81 here dia ron set that rH1y tE1te. al
C|6r'1e demanded Gerald 3
''I-[ 1s61Izef +. this morning With
1f $50 4''<E rETIe1..
q 10 H|'zIs 4 4 i tr'[z I1e@
zz'aa4 14E H1'|. MA 1@.