San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1890-09-15

while | was in the act OF introducing
Carr to her; and before that lady's po-
likeness to Carr would allow her to turn
from him to expostulate Charles was on
his knees beside Ralph, wiping the Of
Tending stain.
"'Out, damned spot! or rather, series
of spots. What, Aurelia? you don't wish
it rubbed any more? Good. Twill turn
my attention to the Aubusson carpet.
Hal triumph! Here at least am sue
cessful. Aunt Mary, you have no con-
ception how useful your handkerchief is.
The amount of tea or dirt, or both, which
is leaving the carpet and taking refuge
in your little square of cambria will sur
prise you when you see it. Ahr'-rising
from his knees as l brought up Carr,
having by this time presented him to Sir
George. Very happy to see you, Mr..
Carr. Most kind of you to come. Eve
Ign, are you pouring out some tea for
Mr.. Carr? Nature requires support be-
fore last rehearsal. May l introduce
you to my cousin, Miss Derrick
After Carr had also been introduced
to Aurelia, who however, was still too
much absorbed in her tea gown to take
much notice of him, he seemed glad to
retreat to chair by Evelyn, who gave
him his tea and talked pleasantly to him.
He was very shy at first, but he soon got
used to us, and many were the curious
glances shot at him by the rest of the
party as tea went on There was to be
last rehearsal Immediately afterward,
so that he might take part in it, and
there was a general unacknowledged
anxiety on the part of all the actors as
to how he would bear that crucial test
ON which so much depended. l was be-
coming anxious myself, being in man.
ner responsible for him.
You're not nervous, are your" l said,
taking him aside when tea was over.
Only act half as well as you did on the
steamer and you will do capitally."
Yes, am nervous" he replied, with
a short, uneasy laugh. 1T is enough to
make fellow nervous to be set down
among lot of people whom he has never
seen befOre-to act principal part, too.
| had no idea it was going to be such a
grand affair or l would not have come.
l only did it to please you"
OF course knew that and tried to
reassure him, reminding him that the
audience would not be critical and how
grateful every one was to him for com
ing.
Tell me who some of the people are,
will YOU" he went on. "Who is that
tall man with the fair mustache? He is
looking at us now"
That is Charles, the eldest son." re-
piled; land the shorter one, with the
pleasant face, near the window, is Ralph,
his younger brother"
THAT is very good looking girl he is
talking to-" he remarked. Il did not
catch her name"
''Hush!" said. THAT is Miss Grant,
whom he is engaged to. They have just
had little tiff and are making it up.
He does talk to her good deal. have
noticed it myself. Such a sweet Great
ure!''
is she going to act"
Eyes" l replied They are going to
begin at once. You need not dress. 1t
is not a dress rehearsal"
II think | will go and get my boots
off, though" said Carr, Can you show
me where ann
II am afraid you are not in the house
at all, said. THE fact is-did not Sir
George tell your And then l explained.
For a moment his face fell, but it
cleared instantly, though not before /
had noticed it.
"You don't mind" said astonished
"You quite underestimate
"Of course, of Counsel" he interrupted.
alt is Ill right. | have cold, that La
all; and | have to sing next week. !
shall do very well. Pray don't sell your
friends l have a cold. am sure Sir
George is kindness itself, asi it might
make him uneasy to think was not in
his house"
The rehearsal now began, and in much
trepidation waited to see Carr come
on. The moment he appeared all anxiety
vanished; the other actors were reas-
sured and acted their best. A few pas
sages had to be repeated, few positions
altered, but it was obvious that Carr
could act, and act well, though curious
ly enough he looked less gentlemanliks
and well bred when acting with Charles
than he had done when he was the best
among very mixed set on the steamer.
lyon act beautifully, Mr.. CARR! said
Aurelia, when it was over. Doesn't he.
Ralph?'
Doesn't he?" replied Ralph, hot but
GOOD hnmnred az am SIRE Carr. we