The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1888-06-14

of perdition upon her in the darkness
of midnight almost caused her to shrinl
from her purpose, so base, so un
natural, SO inhuman, so unwomanisI
was it,
But she nerved herself, set her foo
untlinchingly upon the red-hot plough
share of je. lousy, and went forward t,
dig the grave of her own hopes arc
make shipwreck of her own heart
a new play was in rehearsal, one com
bining the strongest elements of passion
love and tragedy. To Helene Mon
taigne the leading lady part rightfully
belonged, and at another time she
would have been furious ut hint OF
its being taken from her.
Now she pleaded indisposition from
over-study, and begged Louise Balfour
to create it, and joyfully the request
was granted, gladly the necessary
preparations made. Such an oppor-
tunity she had long sighed for. She
would show the world and (what was
more) her lover how we'll she could
act in the highest role, and at least
wither some of the laurels upon the
brow of her rival.
Despite the plea of over brain-taxa-
ton, the tragedienne closely watched
every rehearsal, and perfecting of
effects, the selection of properties.
Had her own success depended upon
the production she could not have been
more interested-more enthusiastic.
81 almost envy the applause you will
receive" said Helene in a patronising
manner to Louise, as they passed to-
gether from the theatre one morning,
land | regret | cannot be present to
witness it,
Not present." was repeated in as
! tonishment, and the blue eyes flashed
, at the thought of her being unwilling
to witness her anticipated triumph.
mo; am going away for a few
days. My health absolutely demands
change, and l shall have no other
opportunity than while you hold the
boards"
Il regret it should be so," was re-
sponded untruthfully, and the listener
knew it as well us she.
''Yet you will manage to survive,
my DEAR" was caustically suggested.
Though the play is not the same, you
will have your Claude, and that will
compensate for much greater loss
than my poor humble self"
1.-The hateful jealous thingr was the
comment of Louise when left alone.
''She triumphs now," was that of
| Helene as she entered the house, closed
the blinds. and flung herself wearily up
on the bed. ''But who will in the end?
Oh, Heaven, that it was over! This
suspense is killing me. Were it to last
much longer | could not endure it.
Stay and see her all sunshine while nv
heart is black and desolate us night?
Stay and feel, as | should, every caress
showered upon her? Stay and see her
usurping the applause and love that
should be mine? Heaven help mel |
shall go mad with envy and jealousy.
But one scene could witness unstirred.
and that must not think of it-I
dare not think of it!'
1t became evident to all who knew
her that something serious was the
matter with Helene, but few surmised
the real causc-at least the beginning
of it; none the actuality of the secret
that was draining the life blood from
her veins.
In a brief time she had lost much of
her beautiful proportion; the olive of
her complexion bad become ashy; her
eyes sunken and burning with a strange
light.
Friends urged her immediate de-
parture; the management kindly gave
unlimited furlough; benefit the means
of travel.
Still she fingered until the day pre-
vious to the debut of Louise in a new
role, then bade all farewell
The extensive billing of the new play,
the whispered words of the engage
ment of the two leading actors, the
hints of costly scenery and startling
effects, caused the house to be crowded
until standing room only was a
painful reality to all who arrived late.
With wild delight the appearance of
Louise Balfour was hailed. A new
queen instantly leaps into favor if
young and beautiful, and she was both
Often as the majority of the audience
had seen her, they had never realized
it as much as then. To all the a.trac-
tions of dress were added the love-light
in her glorious blue eyes and the loving
smile upon her lips.
From the moment she stepped upon
the stage she received an ovation. Her
every word was listened to with eager
silence, every emotion depicted upon
her happy glowing face was reproduced
in the hearts of the audience. None of
her triumphs had been like this, and
could she but sustain herself to the end,
well might Helene Montague tremble
for her future supremacy.
The curtain rose upon the last act.
The grand effect of the evening was
coming, the final scene that would
thrill every heart and cause breathless
q
and not terrible reality.
Waiting for their cue the lovers stood
concealed from the excited mass in
front. There was no time for caresses,
none for heart utterances other than
could be expressed by the eyes.
A little later, as the climax of the
the hand of the jealous lover, and in
pleading woman to his feet, struck a
heavy blow upon the heart. She
screamed, reeled, fell at the footlights
before an audience convulsed with
horror at the fearful reality of the deed.
a tumult of applause. the Jealous hus-
band of the evening raised Louise, and
assisted her towards her dressing-room,
Dub II was W luC ntlt
with anxiety and trembling in every
limb.
'.My Godr' he exclaimed, "what
narrow escape! By the merest acci-
dent l saw that real dagger had been
given out in place of one the blade of
which shot back into the handle at the
touch of spring. Had l notinstantly
made the change it would have been
terrible tragedy indeed, and the stage
would have been drenched with the
blood of her you love-"
Who was to blame, none knew. 1t
was attibuted to one of the accidents
that ever occur, and soon forgotten by
those most interested.
Not so with woman far away. She
knew that her plan had failed, that her
stealing into the theatre and changing
the dagger had been to no avail, and
when, few years later. the sheaves of
her life were gathered by death, she
was humbly thankful that one of them
was not crimson by murder executed,
though attempted.