Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1891-10-27

returning home was 70 md the half nm
ished play which her father was writ
ing; and alone in her own apartment
she passed much time over 1t. She was
also from her home great deal, during
which time her father supposed her 10
be at labor in the tailoring establish
ment where she occasionally found en-
ployment.
But IL she became cheerful immedi-
ately after her first visit to the theatri-
cal lady, 10 was not long after before she
began to be disqualification sad. She
became very pale, and at the time the
conversation between herself and father,
described in the first part of this sketch,
took place, she looked as If she could
endure but little more, either of physi-
cal or mental exertion.
The father had observed the increas-
ing paleness of his child, and it had
caused him much grief. But he had
said nothing Of the matter, for he did
hot know how he was to remedy 1t. He
had been hopeful, but now had almost
give up in despair.
As evening approached poor Marie
grew still paler, but she spoke words of
hope and comfort to her father, and that
parent could not but look upon her in
admiration as well as pity.
The hour came when business called
her away. She pressed her marble cold
lips to her fathers brow. She held his
hand in her own for moment, and
tear drops fell upon it. Then she said:
"Father, the darkest time is just be-
fore the dawn. Cheer up. l will re-
turn in a few hours, and tomorrow we
will be richer than we are today"
The daughter left that wretched home.
But no sooner had she taken her depar-
ture than her father began to think of
her last words. They were strange.
What could they mean? What act did
Marie contemplated
At first suspicion swept across his
mind-vague-but gradually assuming
form. But as the thought pressed upon
his brain it began to madden him, and
for hours he tossed upon his bed Of pain,
calling for his child, praying for her
safe return.
Midnight came and passed, and still
Marie came not. Several times had the
old actor resolved to arise and go in
search Of her, but he had not strength to
do so, and as often would fall back upon
his pillow, groaning in the agony OF his
soul.
Daylight came and still Marie had not
arrived. But just as the sun began to
throw its golden rays over the city,
carriage was heard to drive up before the
actors house. He listened. He heard
football upon the stairs and he recogniz-
ed the footstep.
In a moment after Marie burst into
the room. She rushed to her fathers
side and, throwing her arms around him,
she wept.
The old man did the same; but he OBJ
served that Marie's dress was now of
rich material and, putting her away, he
contemplated ner for q moment with a
mournful expression. Then he said in
trembling voice: Marie, my only child;
your mother was noble Christian
woman. She would die before she would
knowingly commit wrong action. She
knows your struggles and temptations,
but will she approve of all your acts?'
"God and my sainted mother will
both approve them!" exclaimed the girl
in so earnest and deep n tone that it
really startled her father; and as she
spoke she fell upon her knees and raised
her hands TO Heaven.
IL believe you, Marie" said the father,
"and trust you will forgive Inc for har
boring suspicion for moment. But
tell me what has happened"
Il will, father. But you must promise
in advance to forgive Inc for all that /
have done without consulting YOU
81 promise you"
swell, then, will commence by read
ing an article in the morning paper,
which procured as came along"
"Does it refer to your affairsy'
"It explains all"
"Then let me hear it."
"Here is the extract, father:
"a DOUBLE TRIUNPH.-The new play pro-
| duced at the theater last night proved TO be
| one of the greatest successes OF the season. It's
name-"The Frozen HEARTS, sensational:
| the entire play abounds in beautiful passages
and startling situations"
"'The Frozen Heart" repeated the old
actor, "why, that is the title Of my un-
finished play!"
"Your play was completed by myself,
dear father, and it was your production
and my own which was brought out at
the theater last night, and with such un-
bounded success"
The old man was stricken speechless
for moment, and then the tears started
to his eyes. But it was only upon the
examination of the manuscript that he
could convince himself that such was
really the fact.