The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1890-07-20
CHAPTER II.

Tie circus was crowded and the audience was
easily pleased and very enthusiastic, the pla ce
TesOunded with tile clapping OF hands. 1t was
not very grand circus, The velvet aud gold and
Spl1Eles had seen better days; the clown was
not so young as he had been, but the good ma
Iured world received his time-hoBored Jokes with
applause. Elsie Condor was always popular
She bounded IN with her little circus rider court
esy, kissing the tips OF her fingers. One light
spung the broad saddle OF old SambO, the
gay horse, and away she went round the arena
up down, flying through the hoops, uttering lit
tie shtlil cries, all III exact time and with great
spirit, her great bush OF golden hair flying out all
round her. No wonder that when she stopped
slipped down oil Old SambO's back and cOurtesed
herself out they all apptauded madly.
And now the clown began tumbling about, fill
ing up the time joking endlessly-the moment
had arrived for the event of The night
In the state box, radiant 10 her pearls and
Snowy furs. Lucy BTandfeth sat, the bright flush
Of mingled excitement aud fear on her cheek.
Sir Maxwell Bede, with bis thin Ratchet face and
curtously Keen eyes, was stToSing his chin
thGugbtfully and waiting for the great interest
OF the whole performance.
Did he fancy there was some unWOnIed delay,
that tie clowns jokes were becoming exhausted
at all events the peoples feet were beginning
10 stamp impatlenily on the floor. and the clown
pretended that The lion was coming, and got up
q semblance OF terror Which made them all
laugh. There was tent in the OF the cir
in which The riders dressed, and here, dressed
IN his clOSe-htting tunie and sDangles, The lion
tanner sat. he was coughing, a low cough
which seemed TO rack him through and through.
he laid his hand his chest, lie drew deep
breaths the pain OF which brought thick beads
OF perspiraton on his brow, one nerveless hand
rested on his wifes shoulder Elsie knelt beside
him IN The sawdust, her golden hair pushed back,
her arms twlned around BIN. her great blue
eyes looking at him, full of the yearnIng anxiety
Of her passionate love. Tenderly she smoothed
back tie thick hair, damp and glued together,
from his brow.
:" MY darling, my darling, you cannot do Ill
Oh, heayeni must It go on like this?"
" Wait" he said, " wait, my breath is coming
back"
Ii was coming back; the paroxysm of coughing
was
. am better" he said He leaned his head
back against one OF the tent supports, his breath
ing became easier his eyes closed, he had look
OF great exhaustion.
Elsie rose to her feet and brought him a small
flask containing brandy, aud he swallowed IL
with great difficulty.
oeGslde rose UP Il roar OF mpatienee a storm
OF kissing and rafting on The ground.
- must CO." be said, rising TO his feet.
She threw her arms round him, she elung OF
him lovingly.
= The curtain was pushed aside, and the clown
came in.
=" can't keep it going any longer, old chan.
The governor has gone TO ask for silence, aud the
men began TO roll I'D tile cages. Don't take on
So dear" lie said 10 Elsie as a sharp shudder
. looks now. Here, Win," he added anxiousy.
81 borrowed Jenny's rouge. Give him touch.
See, Elsie, you understand these things better
tlan do; touch him up. Do you remember The
notice IA The Bessborough Journal; it said he
was as white as sheet, and the governor did
not like H."
otoop uOhuf my IiSlc
81 viii give you color, Now don't forget.
VIM VIII! keep your eye on Dion, lie is grow
ing fierce"
Il must CO." said VIII, his death-llke pallor
showing even through bis rouge.
blop!" exclaimed the clown, looking at bin
nAeay, STOP! you are not fit 10 go. Give over
tt,ohlsnl, aud ri go on and play the fool, and get
lhe governor to get you off''
no, no. lriend,' said VIII. "Nonsensei the
CdSSs aie on. GOod-by, sweet OYe.n
ne stopped and kissed her lightly. She put
~ bahas 70 stay him, he must not be siopIed
now. Inc moment had come He went ont
Elsie flung herself on her knees by the bencI.
she thrust her hands into her hair In wild aban.
Comment, twisting 1t round and round
" Heaven help US, child. what Is it?i, said the
Old clown. seating himself By her, Is it ALWAYS
like .Ihs?"
She nodded her whole brain was absorbed In
an agony OF listening. She could hear every far
oil soft football of her husbands feet us he
crossed into the arena.
The old clown bent down and spoke In whis-
per: Elsie ! has lie lost his nerve 2'
She turned her ashen face TO his and nodded
again, then returned 10 her absorbed fearful
listening.
Tie manager of the circus had. as usual paved
the way for Condops appearance. Ladies and
gentlemen: To you who have honored us by
your presence here tonight we appeal to ask OF
your Kindness great favor. The renowned
SignOT Gugllelmo C0rd0yfno will now 90 through
his unique performance IN The lions den. His
power over them Is such that be can go in, handle