The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-02-18

serious gaze, and they made compact to-
getbeT.
The new theater opened in due course.
The production was highly successful.
mainly, 1t was said, OF account of the eX-
traordinary acting of Miss Braceweli.
sometimes known as Esther lngOldsby.
She had resumed her maiden name at her
, patrons suggestion, and Mark gave his
consent.
She became instantly pOpular-nay,
more. she was 'the rage" aud London
ran after her with the frenzy that draws
people htner and thither in crowds, like
herds of sheep or pigs.
1t was now the boast of the managers
that they had had the chance of engaging
his goddess. that she had hopored them
by calling at their stage dOOS; and they
cursed their I'll llurk" as If 1t had not been
their own blOckhead conservatism that
bad deprived them of this gold mine.
Yes, Esther's time had come at last, and
now for Marks Triumph For Esther's
sake GUY Annesley extended his patron
age TO ESther's husband. The love she
had inspired as a simple girl had ripened
when he beheld her in the full glory of
womanhood, and Annesley was more en-
thralied than ever now that she queened
1t over the hearts and minds Of thousands.
lie was speloound by her. but he never
betrayed himself. He WAS her good friend,
her husbands friend, nothing more. Yes,
one thing more, and that of great account
i'll poor Marks eyes: Guy Annesey was
the man that made" her. Mark, who had
studied with her, helped her to apply her
powers, sacrificed his own career 20 make
hers, had only brought her TO privaiioD.
This outsider with his magic checkbook
had waited her with wish TO the throne
OF her ambition.
1t was not Mrs. Ingoldsby that London
adored; IL was the new actress of the
name of Bracewell. He was not jealous,
poor fellow, but he felt she was no longer
his. A morbid reverence came over his re-
gard for her. They were no longer hus-
band and wife. Many an hour he would
brood upon this, aud the compact he had
made with Annesley grew just and reason
able 10 his view. And what was this com-
pact which these two men had made? Let
US stand invisible within Mark Ingoldsby's
dressiug-room on the morning Of the pro-
duction of his play. a matchless cast has
been engaged. beautiful scenery specially
painted, all promises to be a great success.
Guy Annesley and Mark are alone together
discussing one last detail.
Il have done my part" Annesley is saw
ing. Esther has the world at her feet.
This afternoon you and your play will be
exploited to an audience which only yOur
imagination could get together. You said
you had grown tired Of the world and only
wanted TO die gIoriousy, like a soldier i'm
y
would sacrifice yourself for her sake. You
know several reasons why it would be bet
Ter Tor her that your union should come to
an end. You know ! love her-love her
honorably, and that her future is secure
with me. Have you the grit in you to
keep your word"
Mark. dressed for his part ia the play
upon which the curtain was about TO rise.
drew from its sheath bright dagger and
calmly handed ii to his benefactor.
Feel the point of that-feel its edge"
ne said, In answer to Anuesley's appeal
My stage death this afternoon will be
triumph of realism. Watch for it,"
The other gazed at him half admiring.
half doubling, as he handed back the
weapon.
'Be good to her," was all the husband
SAID, as he passed out of the room to be
ready for the rising of the curtain.
d speaking-tube communicated with the
room in which Esther was dressing. The
whistle in Marks room had fallen out, and
Esther, listening al the orifice at her end
OF the tube for reply tc her signal, had
heard all that passed between these two
men that loved her.
She tottered away from the wall of her
dressing-room and sank upon a couch.
There she sat, huddled in her gorgeous
costume, thinking. thinking, until the call
boy came To the door.
CURTAINS up, miss"
She rose with compressed lips and dark
eyes dreamily staring.
Don't you think you'd better put on
little more color. miss?" said her dresser.
on We turned that pale! P'r'aps little
stimylant"--
But Esther waved her aside and walked