The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1893-12-16

and an uncommonly fine company 1t
was, too--was drowned in Lake
Poncthnrtrain, while on fishing ex-
eursion. was at my wits end to re-
place the young man--an actor OF
splendid ability-and was almost ready
20 despair. Time was flying, and the
date upon which the Varieties was ex-
pccted to open would soon arrive, and
something must be done.
One morning, while lifting alone in
my Office, a young man made his appear
snce. and requested an interview. He
was about thirty years of age, and one
of the most perfectly handsome men it
has ever been my fortune to meet;
added to great personal beauty, he
possessed a graceful figure and pleas
ing address. His name was Edgar
Harding, and he had called to apply
for the position made vacant by the
death of my leading man.
was favorably impressed. lie
evinced talent Of high order which
/ soon proved by an impromptu re-
hearsal. My terms suited him: the
result of the interview was his en-
gagement.
The leading lady of the company
was Miss Helen Gray--a dark-eyed.
swcet-voiced girl-a great favorite. /
saw that these two in their respective
roles were destined to create a sensa-
x;on. and take the theater-going peo-
pie by storm. So 1t proved; the very
frst night they scored Il grand sue
cess And as the DAYS went by, it be-
came evident that Helen and Edgar
were destined to become more than
mere professional associates. They
seemed to literally exist for each
other. have never seen two people
better suited, and l did not disap-
prove of the probable ending to the
pretty love story. Why should they
not marry, and live happily? l had
recently embarked upon the matri.
mooial sea myself, and was ready to
declare that it was the only way to be
happy.
In those days divorce suits were not
half SO popular as they are now, and
The significant question, "Is marriage
failure?' had not been publicly dis
euRsed. So. l watched the progress of
the affair, chuckling inwardly, as /
fancied l could hear the sound of
wedding bells" ...
Toward the close of the theatrical
season, we had placed upon the boards
\ new play called deserted" 1t had
q pathetic plot; the old, old story of
loving, trusting woman deserted by
the villain whose wife she believed
herself to be. The play was full of
tragic incidents, and | had hoped
great things from it.
1t was at the last rehearsal that
came upon a pretty scene not down in
the program. Edgar Harding was
n
tired corner; as l paused for an in
slant l saw him lean suddenly for
ward and take her graceful form in
his arms. while he murmured tender
love words.
And then a strange occurrence took
place As l turned swiftly awav, not
wishing to intrudc upon a real love
scene. saw, standing just behind the
pair-who were so engrosscd in each
other that they observed nothing-a
shadowy female figure. / say
for it seemed rs il cloud
was resting upon the ethereal form,
like misty vail. She was stranger
before. A face of pallid, unearthly
y mass of flowing golden hair; she
with look of wild appeal, intense
sufering-angu!sh beyond expression.
And as l drew little nearer saw,
TO my intense horror, that one dainty
white hand grasped a dagger--a sort
of stiletto.
With n stifled cry | dashed forward.
Surely the woman meant foul play,
and must prevent IL. | reached the
az tn 10 ha1 nj 1,
my eyes in amaZemcnt There was
no one there!
Dazcd and bewildcred, turned
away. i said nothing to any body, but
decided to keep my own counsel, and
be on the alert for mischicf I, for that it
vas intended Ifelt certain.
One night not long afterward, / was
alone in my office, just before the be-
ginning Of the evening performance,
when Edgar Harding suddenly APP
peared, looking pale and troubled.
He sank into a seat and covered his
face with his hands, while a long
silence. a very awkward silence, fell
over the room. He glanced up at
last. and was startled by the change
in his handsome face. II was CHASTITY
white and haggard, and his eyes
looked like the eyes of one who il
gazing into his own grave.
Burton, he began addressing me,
'.you have been good kind friend to
me ever since my engagement here
began. Ihave something on my mind
1 believe will make Il clean breast
Of It to you!' -
tried TO smile and make light OF the
prospective confession.
IF it concerns Miss Gray. you both
have my best wishes, Harding" !
cried, land ! mean TO give you swell
wedding! can well afford il. for
your united efforts have made my sue
cess this season"
He smiled sadly. it was the very
ghost Of smile.
THAT day will never comew he re-
turned, gravely. II love her with all
my heart. She (Heavcn bless her.)
returns my love, yet must not, dare
not, make her my wife. Burton, 1
am haunted man.
..Bah. Nonsense!' I laughed a
trifle uneasily. Why. Edgar, what in
the name of common sense is the mat
Gar with You? Surely all is well since