The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1888-06-23
ASISTER'S SACRIFICE.
by GUINEVERE..

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Well, dearie, you're home at last, and
there's no need to ask II things went smooth.
ly, for know what that bright face and
0onny smile means. But you must be tired
take off your bonnet and sit down here al
once"
All the while she was talking, Mrs. Dean
bustle'l about the cezy room arranging heI
mistress luncheon, and now she came and
took the pretty straw bonnet and cashmere
shawl from her companions hand and
pushed her gently toward the table.
"Oh, you are always so thoughtful, said
Violet Bengarde, with sweet smile.
well, am hungry; We had long rehear.
sal, and it is now two hours past noon.
But am quite elated-my Hermone will
be quite success, Mrs. Dean, and Mr..
Lacy has promised to give me the principal
role in the next production. If | make a
hit my future is assured"
And the young actress clasped her hands
and raised her blue eyes rapturously.
She was very pretty, with certain charm
that was not dependent upon the pure tints
OF her face nor small, regular features; il
was charm OF expression, and plaiuer
woman with Violet Bengarde's mobile lips
and changeful eyes would still be very beau
tiful and attractive.
She was twenty-four, perhaps; but her
slender figure retained its girish propor.
tions. and her waving chestnut hair coiled
low in the neck, and simple style of dress
lent her youthful appearance.
She finished her luncheon and looked al
the clock with an anxious eye.
almost time for Nella," she said.
"Tha is why | am so happy, dear Mrs.
Dean. This meeting after months of alb
sence is worth more to me than dozen
successes upon the stage"
Dear, dear, how she does love her sis
ter, to be sure" thought Mrs Dean.
Though don't know what she'll do with
her here, wild miss just from boarding
school Perhaps she'll take up the stage,
too"
But Violet had her own plans regarding
both her sister and herself of which the
other woman never dreamed.
Yes, she was very glad of her public sue
cess very glad; but it did not matter SO
much now, for within year she would
leave the profession and settle down in her
own home.
"A sober, staid matron," she thought,
lauShlngly. but what a model couple lie
Roy and | will be!-and Nella shall make
her home with us, All! sheltered by his
love, shall never regret that i sacrificed
my chance OF becoming popular actress
devoted wife will be the role, then; and
If succeed, what more could askP''
In this strain her thoughts went on as
she donned pretty costume of fawn-
colored cloth, and pinned bunch of yio-
let's on her breast.
Fifteen minutes later, she was whirling
over the streets IN coupe that halted be-
fore the Central Depot, where Violet
sprung out and hastened to the waiting
room.
She knew the train had arrived; without
doubt Nella was growing impatient; but Ia
her great surprise her sister was not
TO be found.
In vain she looked at every group and
in every corner-no sparkling face smiled
at her, no saucy voice called out greet.
ing; and after questioning the officials, she
returned to her coupe and was drivine
home.
There were tears of disappointment III
her blue eyes; her face looked serious, fol
she feared some calamity had befallen heI
idol; but on the threshold of her little par.
lor she stood transfixed
The door was partly opened, and there,
in the centre of the room, sat a radiant
figure in heliotrope, with a broad hal
pushed back from the smiling face, and
pretty, jeweled hands shaping bouquet Of
Perle roses.
Before her, in an attitude of earnestness
sat doubly handsome man, LIE Roy Serle
Why was 1t that a sharp pang rent the
heart of the actress as she watched? Why
did a dark cloud seem to fall upon the sun
of her joy?
"NellaW she said reproachfullY.
The little figure sprung up, and the mex
instant the sisters were in each other
arms.
"Now, don't scold," said Nella plain
lively, while she put on an irresistible lool
of pleading. 81 was so tired waiting Their
in that stuffy room! thought could fnC
you, but I-got lost. Yes, did, and Mr.
Serle found mo-didn't you?'
And she cast a flashing glance at tn
young man. Violet looked at her longingl
oh. how beautiful she had grown!
Her features we're not unlike her sister S
and, while she lacked Viole's chief charn
she was much lovelier.
Her eyes were dark as the heart Of
pansy. What matter that the expression
were only those of gay, fun-loYing dispc
sitionp
HeI mouth was small aud perfect, mean