The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1893-11-17

noiiow ana OF that dense pIacKness tnas
resists light. A sardonic fiippancy had
curled his upper lip to one side.
AS he languidly drew one hand from
the pocket Of the great, shaggy coat en-
veloping him like blanket, Tom no
ticed it was pale and forceless as the
hand Of delicate woman. the tips of
the fingers SIENNA brown from the use of
tobacco.
1--WE been looking for you. wanted
a word with YOU" he said, tone and
glance connoisseurlike. lis it true The
Worlds Way is your first play?"
''The first that has not died almost at
birth"
AS Tom spoke he felt the sensitive
pleasure all who first came in contact
with Delatole experienced in some de-
gree. The restful assurance of his man
ner, the flashes of his shrewd eyes, the
musical, drawing voice, were all insnu-
atingly attractive to Tom and filed him
with admiration. By comparison he felt
himself too brusque, too impetuous, al
most an artless savage.
"You interest me-" said Delatole. II
must have you tell me more of yourself
Unless I'm greatly mistaken, New York
won't be averse to hearing little about
you tomorrow. After the play, if you've
nothing better on hand, suppose you
come and sup with me-"
The act had commenced, and he scarce
ly paused to hear Toms murmured ac-
ceptance. 1t was foregone conclusion
that new author would not dream of
refusing Anthony Delatole.
When the curtain fell, the excited
audience rose and cheered. They want
ed the leading actors, the manager and
lastly the author. Virginia gave little
excited sob in her muff as she listened to
the hoarse, irregular cry. They wanted
Tom. Oh, to think of it! They were
calling for him as for victor. Her
heart throbbed exultantly under pres
sure of happy pain, and when he came,
an expectant hush awaiting his words;
when she heard his rich toned, familiar
voice across the footlights, a tear did fall
on the new pearl colored gloves.
AS he retreated amid more "bravos"
and hand clapping he sent her glow
ing glance, and she waved her hand to
him. 1t was worth having lived for that
moment.
He was waiting outside the theater,
but only to say he could not return with
her, and he introduced Delatole, who
stood by, his chin luxuriously buried in
great fur collar.
Before turning away he managed 10
say in low voice:
"Have l justified your belief in me,
Virginia? Tell me that"
"You need not ask. The public has
answered, but in case you have any
doubt let me tell you l wanted to hug the
audience Gu masse, and-just look at my
gloves"
He left her laughing and half looking
back, and she was glad-yes, glad-of
this chance that made him the guest of
brilliant man on this happy night. But
something cold fell upon her heart as in
crossing the street she turned her head
and saw Tom stridiEg away in the show
err of moonlight by his new friends side.
1t was a foolish, womanly apprehen-
sion without root or reason, such as, born
in the darkness, die in the morning.
Fight it as she would, however, it came
back and chung to her as the dampness
clings to the walls of % sunless room I'M
til every semblance of cheer died under
the depressing chill.
at will be different tomorrow" she
said, with heavy sigh, asshe fell asleep
that night.
To be continued.