Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-09-08

ward to. but am glad your Francesca will be wurthily played; and, Tom, I am glad you are in love; think it improves you"
 'fIt is hopeless absolutely hopeless; she is cold as ice."
 "What, with that voice and those syesf Nonsense man."
 ''She is cold as ice," groaned poor Tom; everyone says so.'
 "Of course everyone says so you ought to be glad of that, for this is the one point on which what everyone says must from the na- | ture of things be false. Why, man, If she beamed on the whole world, then might be- lieve you"
 From which it will be gathered that had learned something from being in love.
 
 So sad did I consider Toms case that spoke to Claire about it when I saw her next"
 Claire" said, you have often heard me speak of Tom"
 Really, Jasper, you seldom speak of any body else. In fact am growing quite jealous of this friend"
 But really Tom is the best of fellows, and if I talk much of him it is because he is my only friend" You must see him, Claire, and you will be sure to like him. He is so cleverr'
 What is the name of this genius; mean the other name?'
 Why Loveday, of course-Thomas Love- day. Do you mean to say have never told you?"
 Never" said Claire, meditatively "Love- day, Thomas Loveday, is it 6 common name?'
 No, I should think not very common. Don't you like it?"
 "It-begins we'll"
 But what was going to say about Tom," continued, {" is this he has fallen in love; in fact, have never seen man so deeply in love-"
 "Ohp
 Any one else,' I corrected, flor of course was quite as bad; you understand that"
 ''We were talking of Thomas Loveday"
 ''Oh, yes, of Tom. We'll, Tom, you know, or perhaps you do not. At any rate, Tom has written n tragedy"
 All about love?'
 Well, not quite all, though there Is good deal in it, considering it was written when the author had no idea of what the passion was like But that is not the point. This tragedy is coming out ut the Coliseum in No vember Are you not well, Claire?"
 Yes, yes; go on. What has all this to do with Toms love?'
 II am coming to that. Tom of course has been attending the rehearsals lately Hs will not let me come until the piece is ready, for he is wonderfully nervous. I am to come and see it on the first night We'll, as was saying, Tom has been going to rehearsais and has fallen in love willingness with whom.'
 Claire was certainly getting very white.
 !" Are you sure you are well, Claire?" I asked, anxiously.
 ''Oh, yes; quito sure But tell me with whom; how should guess?'
 Why, with the leading actress; one Clar- issa Lambert, is it not?'
 'Clarissa-Lambert!
 Why, Claire, what is the matter? Are you faint?" For my love had turned deadly pale, and seemed as though she would faint in deed.
 We were in the old spot so often revisited, though the leaves were yellowing fast and the blackbird's note had long since ceased utterly. l placed my arm around her for support, but my darling unlocked it after d moment, struggled with her pallor and said
 No, no; I am better. It was little faint ness, but is passing of. Go and tell mo about Mir LOveday.'
 II am afraid I bored you. But that is all Do you know this Clarssa Lambert? Have you seen her?"
 Yes, have seen her."
 "I suppose she is very famous; at least Tom says so. He also says she is divine, but I expect from his description that she is of the usual stamp of Tragedy Queen, tall and loud, with big voice."
 Did he tell you that?"
 "No, of course Tom raves about her. But there is no accounting for what lover will say. But you have seen aer" I went on, "and tell me how far his description is true. I suppose she is much the same as other actresses, is she not?'
 "Jasper" said Clare, very gently, after a pause 'do you ever go to a theatre"
 "Very seldom; in fact, about twice only since have beon in London"
 Il suppose you were taught as boy to hate such things"
 "Woll," laughed, I do not expect Uncle Loveday would have approved of Toms choice, if that is what you mean. But that does not matter, fear, Tom swears that his case is hopeless. He worships from afar, and says that she is as cold us ice. In fact, he has never told his love, but lets concealment like That is not what meant. Do you-do you think all actors and actresses wicked2"
 "Of course not. Why should l."
 You are going to sec"
 '" Francesca ? Oh, yes, on the opening night"
 Then possibly we shall meet. Will you look out for me-
 ''Let me take you, Claire. Oh, am glad in deed! You will see Tom there, and, hope, be able to congratulate him on his triumph. So let me take you"
 She shook her head, No, mo-" "Why?"
 Because that is mpossible-really. Ishall see you there and you shall See me. Is not that enough?"
 If you say so, it must be, answered sadly. l "But-"
 "'But me no buts.'" she quoted. See it is getting late; we must be going" | Presently my love asked musingly-
 Jasper do you think that you could cease to love mel"
 Claire, how can yon ask it?"
 You are quite sure9 You remember what mother said?"
 Claire, love is strong as death. How does the text run Many waters cannot quench l love, neither can the floods drown it: If & man would give all the substance of his house | for love, it would utterly be contemned.' Claire, you must believe that!'
 Strong as death, she murmured. "Yes, I believe it. What lovely text that is2'
 The boat touched shore at Streatley, and we stepped out.
 Jasper" she said again at parting that | night <SVoll have no 6ol1ht no prain of