Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-09-13
CHAPTER XIV.
IN THE SICK ROOM.

CHAPTER XIV.
IN THE SICK ROOM.
Meanwhile, Bird had lain sleepless In
bed. She seemed dazed and was very weak.
The physician commanded absolute rest,
mental and physical.
"What is the trouble, DOCTOR" asked Kill
dare, the tears shining in his eyes.
ga tender-hearted gentleman" thought
the DOCTOR 81 am, of course, not familiar
with the constitution of the patient, but she
seems to be suffering from complete nervous
| collapse. Absolute rest for months would
probably restore to her system the needed
vigor. The need of short period of rest is
Imperative" The doctor said imperative
in a very serious way.
f'You fear?'
"The patient has consumptive tendency.
Her maid tells me hemorrhages are not en-
tirely unknown. EXertion, mental or ply
steal, might result most seriously, most seri-
ously!''
'tShe shall have every care, said Kildare
evidently deeply moved-very evidently.
GA tender-hearted gentleman" thought
the doctor.
Bird understood nothing She Law quiet,
her eyes sleepless, yet heavy, as one too
weary to see. If Kildare spoke to her she
smiled little wan smile, but took no
further note of his presence. She seemed
utterly tired out. About 6, Monday even
ing, her eyelids began to droop.
s'Let her alone, :" said the doctor. "Sleep
will do her much good. Watch her care
fully. will call about 10, unless sum-
moned before"
The maid settledherself behind the screen
to read by the shaded lamp.
"Guess that rig can stay where 1t is, she
thought, glancing at the white satin that
lay on the chair where Freda had placed it.
''She won't be into it unless it's for her
coffin
About o'clock tap came on the door.
The maid turned the latch softly.
"Mollie says you're often the te'ater,
spoke husky voice.
"Yes.''
s'Coom aup to the housekeeper's. She's
to her stepfather's funeral the night, and
Mollie's in charge. We're havin' spread
and bit O. stuff hot. Coon aup."
'I'm left watching my lady, returned
the maid obviously.
'Whose wild you?"
"I'm alone"
"oh shaw! Then ye can COON. Is she
quiet?"
"Asleep like baby"
"Ye'll be but minute"
and coming back, said:
'If it's no more than ten minutes you per-
suade me, I'll come"
Birds eyes opened She noted the shad-
ows thrown or the wall by the fringe of the
lamp shade As her mind cleared an unrest
seized her.
'eMarie p' she called, and began to gasp
She wondered at this and at the weakness
of her voice. The room was dark-it must
be late Yes-and Sunday evening-for-
No; not Sunday. The dress rehearsal hal
been Sunday. The dress-rehearsal-she
do it Observation-Disclosures All began to
come to her. She closed her white lips
firmly and lifted herself in bed The play
was going on and without her "Marie -
she called again. Then she gathered her
strength and slipped from the bed. She took
her watch from the bureau and carried it to
the lamp. Nine o'clock. Nine o'clock
Nine! Everyone had gone, the play was
nearly half over.
Things grew confused. She started about
helplessly. A gleam of pearl and satin
shone through shadows of the room. Her
ball dress! Freda had put it there. All,
good Freda, dear Freda! Freda had brought
her home in it. The ballroom scene would
to sob nervously. Listen! Listen! Keep
still! If she could get there in time Not
for the first-never mind the first! Just to
do that fall right. Bob would be pleased
and forgive her for all, and let her have the
part again.
She got into the dress somehow, and
combed out the tangles of her soft short
hair; then from her jewel case took neck
lace and band of brilliants for her fore
head. This last took some time to find
She opened several boxes among others the
one in which lay the piece of half-written,
half-printed paper. At sight of this sud-
den tears started, and she forgot everything
else. Then she thrust the paper in her
bosom, and clasped the band about her hair.
As she stepped across the room she noted
that her feet were bare. Freda had said
something about putting the slippers-Ah,
yes! She thrust her feet into the high
heeled satir things. Then she rang the bell.
GA carriage at once, please, for Miss
Elaine, and come and tell me when it is at
the door,"
The man stared. But there was no &C.
counting for the queer things these actor
folks do.
When he returned Bird started unsteadily
for the door, Her bare shoulders cleaned
in the dim light.
''Your wrap" said the man.
eyes, my wrap" returned Bird, afraid
within herself because she hardly under
stood and because she feared the man would
notice it. Then she added slowly: 'Be
good enough to open the closet, you will
find wrap there"
The man handed her long cloak She
drew it about her and stood looking pitt
fully at him.
''The carriage is ready" he said.
eyes," she answered and hurried into the
hall.
1t was no affair of his, thought the man
But she looked so white and queer! He
followed her to the elevator and helped her
into the carriage. Giving to the cabman the
order she spoke: s'The Elite Theater."
10 be Concluded 7teIt Sunday
THE EYE WILL DECEIVE. d