The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1890-10-05

who was stolen Dy Der enemy, ana restored
at last, barefooted and in rags, to reappear
in the last scene dressed like young prin-
cess, proved herself natural actress
Lola grew fond of her; the child adored
Lola. The great actress lavished gifts
upon the little one, and would have adopt
ed her if the poor mother had assented.
The manager wondered at a woman's
fancies. as he often had before
'She adores that skinny little girl" he
said TO himself, "and turns her back on a
splendid fellow like the Texan. who wor-
ships her, and the fun of it is there is no
other man at the bottom of it-that, of
course, one understands Ali well, a
woman's beauty is feeting, and so is mon
ey in the hands Of an actress. Lola Ma
rina will be sorry for this some day"
Meanwhile all the little world wondered,
and the Texans infatuation was the talk
of the company.
None Of them knew, none of them
dreamed of the battle Lola fought with
herself No one guessed what lent passion
to her voice and made her eyes glow with
preternatural luster at times.
Lola had learned that a woman's pas
sionate love is far more difficult to over
come than a girls sweet fancies, and in
the struggle she often grew weak and
faint. She had determined to end it as
soon as possible, and the opportunity comes
at last.
She had come to a rehearsal, called be-
cause Of a change in one Of the roles, and
being early, sat alone reading magazine
she had brought with her
Suddenly a shadow fell upon the page.
She looked up. Lionel Delura stood be-
side her, his gaze fixed upon her face. She
lifted her eyebrows, gave him glance of
offended establishment, and resumed her
book
But this time he did not turn away as he
usually did when she awarded him such
tokens of displeasure. He quietly drew a
chair near hers, and bending forward said:
Miss Marina, have been endeavoring
for long time to get an opportunity of
speaking with you. You have not per
mitted me to do so. Now l have taken it
without leave. have something very i'm
portant to say"
There is no time for it, Mr.. Delura,"
Leila answered haughtily. AZ am busy;
my time is not my own. belong to my
manager"
That is certainly true" Lionel answer
ed, "but viii you not appoint an hour at
which TO receive me at your hotel? ! have
an explanation 20 offer which may alter
the opinion which you have formed of me,
and which am aware is unfavorable."
Il doubt it, Mr.. Delura," Lola replied.
Il do not form my opinions lightly, and
when formed they are lasting"
''In this case" he persisted, 81 am sure
you viii permit yourself to change your
mind"
She smiled and shook her head.
Il assure you that what have to say.
he began.
els something" she interrupted, which
/ do not wish to hear, Mr. Delura"
Suddenly Ere flashed in the Texans
eyes.
''What follythis is, Iolar' be said THAT
we, who ten years ago parted with kisses
or sat clasped in each others arms for
hours, should speak in formal words and
pretend TO forget the past is utterly alb
surd. You loved me down there in Texas
when you were II and 25 If l have suf-
fered tell you, woman, you have suffered.
too. For years | permitted pride to spoil
my life--for months after / understood
what folly had committed | searched
for you. / found you. Lola, you use me
very badly; but when you have listened to
me all that will be changed. The thing l
have to say will have weight with you"
The cali boys voice was heard. Lola
arose.
81 am summoned must go, Mr.. De-
Iura," she said.
But you viii accord me an interview"
be plead.
No" she answered.
Lola, my darling, l will have it!' he
Il wilN Do you hear? l must
DO justice TO myself, and you must"
Must again." Lola cried, all the more
holly because she longed to throw herself
into his arms and forgive him al the past.
Nerved 10y the knowledge OF her own weak |
ness Lola gave Delura glance into which |
She threw all the scCrn which her art !
placed at her command and passed him
swiftly.
Mr. Morgan" she said to the manager,
who was regarding the interview with |
much interest, though from u discreet dis |
-ance-''Mr. Morgan, j demand your pro- /
lection"
Dear me, Miss Marina" that gentle
man replied. Il had no idea you needed it." !
lie spoke in n Jesting way, anxious to /
impress the other members of the company /
hat joke was intended; but Lola was de- |
,ermined TO drive Delura away. With her |
heart beating wildly, her whole being re-
Voting from the task she had undertaken, |
be repeated the words.
Mr.. Delura has offended me. He is in /
'ulting, his presence here annoys me. All /
he ladies and gentlemen must know that /
am prosecuted every day by attentions TO /
which am utterly averse. Yet you en-,
this man 70 come here.
"He is my friend, maGame-my friend. /
md perfect gentleman" said the mana
ger. Il invited him behind the scenes. ] |
I'M proud Of his interest in my theatre.
ladies' are not usually averse TO such |
unable courtesy as Mr.. Delura shows TO
III the ladies Of my company, and must
Nd that believe that ladies who are IN
Usually charming and much sought after
become capricious. Yes, indeed, my dear
Miss Marina, very capriciOus, and just a
little overbearing."
"You may think what you please, Mr..
Morgan" said the star. Il am not at all
disturbed by your opinion OF me. Butyou
will either tell Mr. Delura 10 absent him
elf in future or I viii cancel my engage
nent. | an in serious earnest, and you
yill kindly remember that | am. That
nan must not come here again
A little cry of disappointment went up
rom the spot where the ladies had gath
red together Delura was a favorite with
hem. The men merely stared in astonish-
nent.