The Delta independent., 1888-03-27

girls we're like you, men would not
hesitate to marry. will see my friend
about you," he added, rising, land
shall run in about five every day and
give you few hints as to the manage
ment of your voice, etcP Elocution is
great matter in an actor or actress,
and when your part is cast, l will with
pleasure assist you in rendering 1t
naturally"
Il am ashamed to give you SO much
trouble" she said, extending her hand
to him, "but Paul will, 1 trust, live to
thank you for all you propose to do for
mo-"
ITO be of service to you will more
than repay me-" he returned chival-
rously. as he pressed the white fingers
with warmth.
Then he took his leave, and Ellie
returned to the darkened room with
lightened heart.
"Oh, if l can but keep our home,"
she murmured, and kissed the feverish
hand which wandered SO restlessly upon
the pretty coverlid of lace and silk
which her own deft fingers had made.
Mary Rainsford arrived. and became
more Cndn a SlSC6r 10 Ellle.
She was one of those useful, gentle
creatures who prove an oiled feather in
all the odd turns and awkward cranks
of life.
Her brother had taken her into their
confidence. and she had promised, as
he had required, that she would give
Paul no hint of his wife's exertions, but
leave her to select her own time and
Gov FOL HI; in ho f,,t,
Both Ellie and her Instructor believed
that if he could be made accidentally to
witness his wife's success, he would be
proud of it; and in his pride would
forget that he had ever expressed an
opinion against her attempting to be an
actress.
To say that Paul did not miss Ellie
during her absences from his room,
which now became frequent, would be
incorrect.
Greatly as he liked sweet Mary
Rainsford, his eyes would wander after
his wife's retreating form when she left
him, and something like q sigh would
break from his lips.
"Where has Ellie gomez Why does
Ellie leave mep" were the questions he
very often asked of his nurse.
And she would tell him that his wife
had many things TO do, and that she
needed rest; and he must remember
this, and not expect her to be always at
at his side; and with another sigh he
would turn away.
Cecil Rainsford was as good as his
word.
He obtained the engagement he had
spoken of for Ellie, and he came daily
at five o'clock to teach her, and found
her so apt pupil that he spoke to his
own stage manager in her favor, and
took hiIa to her house to talk to her,
and see for himself what she really
could do, and he was thoroughly satis-
fed.
When they were once more in the
street the manager grasped the actors
hand.
.Treasure-trover' he cried. "Mrs.
L LEstrange will carry the world with
her!'
"That is my belief" returned Cecil,
although L'Estrange seems to have
held a contrary opinion"
He was wrong. will run the risk
myself, and have her taught by the first
elocutionists. Her success shall be
complete. / will introduce her to the
public. We will have her in a new
piece at Christmas"
II have one of my own, which shall
be glad to bring to your notice." an
swered Rainsford, land the leading
lady's part would suit Mrs. L 'Estrange
down to the ground"
''Then let me see it, by all means"
He did see it, and was as much struck
by the play as he had been with Elfie's
powers, and it was decided that it should
be produced on Christmas Eve for the
first time, and that Mrs. L'Estrange
should act the powerful and impassioned
part of the heroine.
In the mean time, she fulfilled her
engagement at Kensington. and after
that Rainsford's manager paid her re-
taining-fee. and allowed her to appear
in public no more.
Once or twice Paul, who was decided
ly better, had asked Ellie how she was
managing to keep house on nothing,
and she had laughingly assured him
that she had little gold-nine of which
he knew nothing, and he was satisfied.
thinking that her parents had sent her
money, but did not wish to let him
know it, whereas she had scarcely told
them of her husbands illness.
She had always disliked letter-writing
and in her brief notes mad merely said
that Paul was unwell, for her parents
were travelling on account of her moth
er's weak state of health, and she had
no desire to frighten or worry them.
They did not even comprehend that
he was not still acting.
Had they been aware of the circum-
stances Of the case, Mr.. Ravenswood 8
affection for his child would have over
come other feelings, and she would not
have lacked for anything.
As it was, they did not know, and FL
fie had taken her own way to supply
the wants of herself and husband.
CHAPTER V.
A FATAL MISTAKE
As Paul grew stronger he used often