The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1890-04-04
ing you thus would but inaame his pas

sion."
Helen Wardour could not refrain from
smiling a. this involuntary confession of
her beauty and power, as she rejoined:
"Do not fear. Your ladyship. though
unseen. shall be present at the interview.
Win you not trust me ?'
Lady lamar fixed her clear gray eyes
scrutinizingly upon the beautiful counte-
nance before her.
Yes, Jane Goodeve,"" she said, at last,
extending her hand. II will. trust you
to give me back my son."
go, then. Leave me to prepare"
Her ladyship moved away, entered the
dressing-room and closed the door. When
alone, the actress stood moment motion
less, her hands clasped, her arms dropped,
her head bent, her color gone. She pre-
sented sculptor's ideal Of speeches. SUI
fering.
"0h, heaven" she finally murmured, 4
never knew. how much had yielded to this
young mans mute but purs devotion until
now, when must lose it. His face haunts
me; | see his eyes of sad reproach, OF bor-
ror, of scorn-still it must be, it is the only
way. have promised, and" she con-
cluded, drawing herself erect, Jam too
proud not to perform"
Moving swiftly to the table, she pressed
the silver gong upon it; afterward she APP
preached the window.
Yes, he is there" she whispered. "Ste-
phanie," she continued aloud, as the maid
rouge, the blanc de perles; bring all, and
disguise me until not an atom of my natural
complexion remains; and too, lay the col
Ors on with force. Do not stare, girl, but
obey"
Il thought mademoiselle did not like
paint and cosmetics" remarked Stephanie,
COMPOUNDED.
Ma file, l hate them; but to-day no
ranting stage-queen nor Ogling opera-bouffe
princess must be more painted. We act
sometimes in sunlight as well as night, aud
have purpose"
The maid no longer hesitated, and speed
lily the clear, natural complexion had dis
appeared beneath fictitious one OF broad
white and red, with no softenlng tints.
NOW arrange my dress thus-my nair
thus-and now here is a letter; during the
interview about to take place bring ii 10 me
as though just arrived. l shall open 1t and
read it; then ask if the messenger waits my
reply, when answer that he will return for
1t in quarter OF an hour"
IeS, madamoiselle.
Now" THE actress paused, partly avert
| ed her face, and stood, one hand resting on
the table, the other pressed to her bosom
Now, Stephanle," she proceeded, "go to
the window and tell me if gentleman-a
| young gentleman-is standing at The Oppo-
site side of the street"
Eyes. mademolselle," replied the maid,
| obeying; "he is always there
The actress caught her breath quickly !;
| then, in a rapid but low tone, said:
go down TO him, Stephanie; say, II
| have noticed his constant atteRdance-that
1 would see him. ii he will favor me with
| an interview"
The maid stood aghast at such message,
so unlike her mistress.
Go, girl!' cried the actress, impatiently,
! stamping her foot Would you send me
! mad? COZ
Stephauie disappeared, and Helen War
| dour, with sob, dropping into a chair,
| bowed her face on her hands. NOiSeleSSlY
the dres5ing-room door opened, and Lady
| lamar looked forth. She had heard all
! she had seen ail-and now intended to
| speak but something In that Bonded figure
rendered her silent, and, retreating, she
partly closed the door.
AT the same moment steps were heard
| ascending the stairs The actress rose hur-
! riedly, examined her features in the glass.
| threw "wreathed smile" on her painted
| lips bold glance into her eyes, and cast
| herself in becoming attitude among the
| cushions OF q lounge.
The next moment Sir Arthur, Lady
| 1amar'S son, stood within the room. He
| was tall, with a slight, well-made figure
| which he carried with an easy grace. His
| features were manly, handsome and intel
lectual; his eyes large, earnest aud tender.
| de looked gentleman, also a scholar,
which latter raised him from class to an
| individuality. Entering, nat in hand, he
stood bowling low. with most latterlng
respect, before his divinity. As Helen
| Wardour's eyes rested upon him the blood
| flowed quickly from her heart to her brain !;
| peculiar sensation pervaded her being
Checking it by violent effort, with an in
yitlng smile she motioned her visitor to
| draw near.
Though nameless, yet not unknown p
| she exclaimed, extending her hand. Sure
devotion such as yours should not 60 I'M
rewarded. Therefore, why play guardian
in the street, Sir Launcelot, when your
| presence so much better adorns the bou-
| doir?"
He had fastened forward with beating
pulse, and touching the white fingers with
his trembling own, had raised them to his
| lips. Yet lie had started as one seized by a
| spasm as his gaze had rested upon the
| actress cOuntenance. She saw the start,
and knew the cause in the art she had
adopted to conceal her beauty. The pas
| Slonate lover had received the first cruel
revelation that the divinity he worshiped
was but earthly clay-that about her hung
| the faint of her profession.
There are some beings" he stammered,
! bowling, so favored by heaven, that it is a
| boon for others to be permitted to adore
even at distance"
And, Sir Launcelot, there are those
| whom one would keep at a distance" she
laughed; "but'-and she cast a languish-
ing glance from under her darkened lashes-
there are others whom we would desire to
"
this lounge is large enough for two. Do not
fear, you will not incOmmode me. There %
Gathering her dress to her, she motioned
him to her side, and Sir Authur much in
love, dellrlous IN her presence, yet be-
wlldered by StIange sense of some vague,
torturing Disappointment sat down. 81
saw you at the theater last night" she
smiled. Tell NE, what did you think of
my Hermione? l fancied fro N your ex-
preston you disagreed with my reading ?"
Could | possibly do SOP" he murmured,
gazing upon her. Is it also possible tn al
among so many admirers you condos cended
to recognize my presence"
Truly yes; your eyes are magn cts that
magnetic mine. would not resist them if
l could All, what a. lovely ringl l pray
you let me see it. do so adore jewelry
Diamonds and emeralds above all gems !'
She had Imprisoned his hand in hers as
she spoke, and with apparently childish
rapture was examining the ring he wore Oh
his little finger.
To he Continued