The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1888-11-22

scOh'' iii'V my ii't, TtslllHtu tllib
the report in regard TO the beauty i'll
the cast was not exaggerated
In one corner was little maiden in
robins egg blue satin, reading her
lines and devouring caramels with
equal earnestness, while near by fat
young dude made up as an old village
innkeeper with lady on each hand,
was struggling with a new step for the
march. Near the stairs young man
in a magnificent scarlet uniform was
rehcarsing his part 10 sweet little girl
robed IN black velvet and yellow satin,
while fitting from the dressing rooms
10 the stage was constant stream Of
excited, nervous, laughing amateurs,
looking for lost bouquet, q missing
glove or forgotten fan. A gorgeous,
beflowcrcd, antique gown, surnounted
by an artistic LACK bonnet, partly
concealed one of the graceful amateurs
who was lamcnting the non-arrIval Of
her bouquet Around her were grouped
several sympathetic dlrectolfe cos
tuned companions, whose attention
seemed about equally divided between
looking into her eyes and into my face,
for my popularity did not diminish.
was bright enough TO see all that
was going on, and j observed Brown
Lake skctching Miss Swansdown, who,
in sleeveless costume Of antique cut,
looked, if possible, moro charming
than over Mr. Roberts, who had been
50 often IL the studio, was also hover
ing around in evening dress, whth
was useful for contrast with the bright
costumes. IL seems to me he had i'm
proved his acquaintance with Miss
Swansdown very rapidly since their
first meeting in the studio. And fan
ried Lake didn't welcome him with
the old time cordially
Roberts lad rather an important
part TO play ia connection with Miss
Swansdown, and naturally she would
have considerable interest IN him 70?
the time being, al least
While Lake was drawing Miss
SwansdOWn. he was also carrying on
a lively conversation with Mss. Car
son, a charming, black eyed girl,
dressed in the village beauty style,
in which costume she was sufficiently
attractive TO fascinate any one-CX-
cepting, perhaps, some Of her own sex;
for I'm sure heard Miss SwanSdown
unfavorably criticise her becoming
attire.
Now, ] make no prctensc OF great
dcpth-Ill acknowledge I'm shallow,
most of my observations are on the
surface but still felt sure that it was
iealousy-yes, jealousy and pique-
that made Lake so attentive TO the
little black eyed Village beauty
whenever Roberts was near Miss
SwansdoVn.
Suddenly heard the ring Of a bell,
followed by a commanding voice; then
there was a grand rush-yes, every
one. dudes, officers, Directoire cos
TUNED gentlemen and maidcnG far,
rushed for the stage stairs-l-l who
had been 50 much sought after, so
coveted. 50 fondled, was as suddenly
dropped rs If ! had been last years
fashion. However, I'm always treated
this way-the moment there Is an eX-
element I'm forgotten, but | was
more than usually disappointed this
time. as ! had anticipated going into
the rear of the stage where ! could sec
the play. if Miss Swansdown had
only seen me, felt that would not
have been thus neglected.
Brown Lake himself lad never seen
the whole play, though he had re
hearsed parts Of 1t many times.
For % few moments there was q
ereat hustling of feet over my head,
and half suppressed, excited talking
then again the commanding voice,
next the ring Of q lcll the orchestra
opened fire, the curtain rolled UP and
the play began.
But my loneliness was not Of long
duration; down came Lake ] read
his face Il q glmcc-he was not ycl-
low; he was white, but 1t was Jcal-
Ousy.
Now. according to all The heroes in
stories. ne should have bit his lip till
drops of gore ran down his firm but
delicate Jaw :" ne should have clenchcd
his nails in his hands ill nothing but
his wrists were visible; he should have
paced the room like q man that was
very cngry at something, and, above
all. he should have talked aloud, then
should have learned the cause Of
it ell
But he did nothing OF the kind. He
simply walked to the fire, bit a lead
pencil into small pieces, then, his eyes
FALLING on me, he snatched me up, feel
ing sure Of meeting a friendly face.
| noticed his hand trembled rs, looking
me straight in the eye, | heard him
mutter. "Am / a fooll' The room
filed again as the curtain dropped on
the first act
Miss Swansdown and Lake were
soon deep lin an animated conversation.
/ heard his jealousy was caused by the
first scene in the play, when Roberts
is supposed TO meet Miss Swansdown
in q garden-a garden made resplend-
cnt by the shopwoIn verdure Of SIX
potted plants. q canvas back stone
wall and graceful card board vines.
Here the noble knight i'll a modern
dress suit kisses the hand Of the lovely
maiden, which part Miss Swansdown,
IN her artistic antique 0arb, filed with