St. Landry democrat., 1888-04-07


cred from his precious instrument. did
he really catch glimpse of Flora
standing in the wings watching him?
He was not sure, but could almost
have swore it was she, and that she
was holding a fragile lace handkerchief
to her eyes. But that was to shield
them from the lights, doubtless. Any
way, he was conscious of feeling
dreadfully miserable, so miserable as
to entirely disregard the applause and
demands for a repetition that were
showered upon him.
He dived down beneath the stage,
folded his instrument tenderly away in
its case, lighted cigar and strolled
out into the street. Unconsciously
| his course took him round to the
front of the theater, and, almost before
he realized where he was, he found
himself face to face with q group OF
young men. all dressed in the height
of fashion and loudly discussing the
merits of the play. In the foremost of
the group he recognized the youth,
who-weIl, as Albert. He was hand
some young fellow with asuperb figure
that was set off to perfection by his
evening dress and light overcoat. Otto
was in the act of turning modify away
when words fell upon his ears that
caused him to pause in something like
| horror.
1t was Albert who was speaking
speaking in light, careless terms of the
girl who believed him brave and gen.
tie and true. He was confessing to his
admiration for her, but in q manner
that made poor Otto's blood boil.
Again was he about to turn away,
when
"But Albert" persisted one of the
sprucely -attired group, 'what the devil
would your wife say? You havn't been
married six months, you rascal"
Dear boy, don't ask conundrums SO
early in the evening"" drawled the
other, ''one tires
''But Otto could listen no further.
There was terrible singing sound in
his ears, and wild impulse in him to
strangle the villain who had SC
basely deceived his honest little
friend. A glance of direct hate
he bestowed ON him, and then,
still unobserved and muttering some
thing between his teeth that sounded
like swat, you young, handsome
devil, and seer' he hurried back again
to his place, reaching it barely in time
to escape the censure of the orchestra
leader, whose baton was already poised
as he sank into his seat.
For the rest of the performance he
played as though q fury possessed him.
More than once the leader looked al
him in surprise, but not anger; for his
| work was true and correct as ever, but
there was fire and passion in it un.
usual, even for Otto. At last, at last
the curtain descended, with Flora
forming the central figure of the final
tableau and looking bewitchingly love.
ly in her filmy white and gold draper.
les. Then Otto snatched his hat and
coat broke from his companions and
hurried out of the rear entrance into
the narrow alley-way bohind the thea
ter. A drizzling rain was falling, but
he shrunk into dark corner of door.
way opposite and waited.
The muscles of his face grew tense
and rigid as neat coupe, with glitter.
ing panels and brilliant trappings
drove up to the stage door. In another
instant Albert stood upon the narrow
curb in the rain, waiting.
How slowly the moments passed.
Would she never come? All, the door
opened and forth she tripped, holding
her skirts out of the mud and uttering an
impatient little exclamation as she felt
the raindrops upon her face. Grace
fully. and with Difference Albert hand
ed her into the carriage.
His own foot was on the step when q
hand was laid lightly on his shoulder,
and. turning, he saw tall man Of
slight but elegant build, carrying q
violin case in his hand. The intruder
simply said ''waitr' in calm. quiet
tone, and then addressed himself to
the occupant of the carriage. Toe
much a;tonished for moment to re.
sent the intrusion, the younger man
could only look on and listen in amaze.
ment.
! Little one," said Otto, earnestly
and tenderly, taking trembling little
hand in his own, 'by thy friendship
to me, and by the duty thou owest to
thy conscience and to thy God, I charge
thee leave this mans company now
and forever. I, myself, will see thee
safe to thy home.
In Flora's face there was amaze
ment and sorrow. but no anger. ''Why,
Otto" she began; but the young man
behind them had recovered from his
surprise and advanced hastily, great
anger cleaning from his handsome
eyes. 'sOut Of my way. You, " he cried.
roughly, and then, perceiving by the
proud way in which the intruder drew
himself up that he was addressing a
| gentleman, he added passionately:
by what right, sir, do you dare to in
terfere here?''
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