Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-11-09
BY GEORGE EDGAR MONTGOMERY.
CONTINUED from yesterday

CONTINUED from yesterday
Walter was, after all, more of a man
than a lawyer, and unlike most lawyers,
he had susceptible heart. 1t is not as
tonishing, therefore, that after meeting
Miss Montvert a score of times. he Tell IN
love with her. 1t may appear odd that so
serious a young Knickerbocker should
have lost bis heart at first trial; but it IS
noteworthy that men under 30, who have
not cared for women, are easy victims to
that romantic, unreasoning passion which
loves its own blindness-that passion
which asks no questions and plunges head
long into wild. fascinating mystery.
Miss Montvert furnished an apartment
up town and lived there in modest luxury.
| She gave little reception now and then.
! to which several artists, actors and men
about town were invited. Walter became
one of her regular visitors. He dropped
i'm when he knew she would certainly be
at home. She was always glad to see him,
She admired him more than she ad-
mired other men, chiefly because nature
had made him gentleman. He was not
obliged to think of his manners; they
were part of him. His social promi
hence, his name. his famlly-these could
not be purchased. They were stamps OF
nobility.
Walter had made no direct proposal to
the Young actress He had been involun-
tarly frank and she could not help seeing
The drift OF his talk and manner. A eli
max was reached rather suddenly.
Celine had, when she married MIR. Gay
ar, retired from the stage-at least. for a
brief period. But she had been too long
upon the stage to forget its fascination.
She missed the footlights, the applause.
the artificial charm OF an actors life. She
wanted to do something, to be seen, to be
again the popular Miss Montvert.
1t was late one afternoon, about six
weeks after the verdict had been given.
Celne was leaning back in big arm
chair, with her feet upon a rolled deerskin.
There WAS closed book on her lap. Her
ewes were halt shut, and she was evident
| " lost in thought. Her maid startled her
by entering the room.
ut is Mr.. Cotter.' the maid said.
"Oh," Miss Montvert replied, tell him
to come here"
A short gentleman, with an intensely
practical countenance, entered the apart
merit This was Mr.. Cotter, the success
full manager of the Broadway Theater.
II am delighted to see you again" he
remarked as he sat down. 81 feared you
had given up the stage But your note
left the stage. Your vocation"
Eyes. know" she interrupted lightly
81 agree with you"
81 am glad you do.' he went on viva
clously. To be frank, always come tc
point-dop't /, dear Miss Celine? There
are lew actresses now that we can depend
on. Most OF them are stupid. that's hard
ly strong enough. But you--well, you al
ways were popular, and when you come
back to us your fortune will be made
mot to speak of your fortune, Mr.
Cotter"
Il don't encourage art for its own sake
altogether"
"You offer me an engagement then P'
Undoubtedly; and such an engage
ment Your own termsw
-Four hundred dollars a week P"
"Yes, willingly"
That's business-like."
II have brought contract"
For how long"
| 1.-TWO years-or five. if you wish"
Make it two. will sign it,"
Mr.. Cotter opened a thick portfolio,
drew from it formidable paper, and pre-
sented this to Celine. She scanned it
cautiously. and then, going to her desk
affixed her signature to it. Mr.. Cotter
scrawled his own name on it afterward
He took the paper, put it back into his
IN
Thank you; that's settled. Will you
be ready for the play?"
"Whenp"
"Within two weeks"
Certainly"
MIR. Cotter was radiant. He held out
his hand to Miss Montvert. "You are
very amiable," he said. "If my dealings
with the rest were as simple as my deal
ings with you, lite would be tolerably
comfortable. Good by. dear Miss Celine
i'm two weeks-au revoir."
Mr.. Cotter retired as Walter Northrup
crossed the threshold. The manager
scowled as he saved himself from running
into the Young fellow Then he looked up
and recognized Walter. "Ah, Mr..
Northrup," he said affably. Walter
stared at Mr.. Cotter. whom he had not
seen before. How do you dop" he in
quired politely and then passed into the
room.
Celine arose partially when she saw
Walter, who took her outstretched hand
and pressed il warmly. She noticed that
his face was pale. his manner constrained
and nervous. He seemed i'll. Her heart
throbbed little when she reflected that
this man-this man, with his brilliant for
tune ard proud name-loved her. A
thought flashed through her mind: why
should not accept this chance? | could
love him; we might be happy together.
I should be-" Her ewes sparkled for a
moment. and then another light stole into
them, with another thought bah! an
actress-a divorcee they would despise
me, and should sacrifice him"
WELL" she said to Walter with a
laugh, "what is the matter? Your face is
so solemn"
He hasitated before he answered. My
visit is--is-more definite than usual to-
day, Miss Montvert; in fact, am here
for purpose" A flush spread over his
face as he got these harmless words out
but he went on: II have wanted to tell
you something many days, but | have not
vet had the courage to speak"
Celine's gayety was rather forced at
this point.
Il hope YOU will listen to me-" be con-
tinued, in his earnest, simple manner.
Perhaps you have guessed the truth, But
I ,,,nst toll Cpu-r