Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1894-01-06


and dignifed, his eyes heavy with the
disillusion of life. but instead he found
him only little older than himself,
small and pompous i'll bearing. His
spare face was sallow and ended in a
pointed black beard. His eyes were
hollow and Of that dense blackness that
resists light. A sardonic fippancy had
curled his upper lip to one side.
AS he languidlys drew one hand from
the pocket Of the great, shaggy coat en-
veloping him like a blanket, Tom no
ticed it was pale and forccless as the
hand of delicate woman, the tips of
the fingers SIENNA brown from the use of
tobacco.
I've been looking for you. wanted
a word with you," he said, tone and
glance connoisseurlike. is 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, We're all insinu-
atingly attractive to Tom and filled him
with admiration. By comparison he felt
himself too brusque, too impetuous, al
most an artless savage.
"You interest me- said Delatole. 81
must have you tell mel more of yourself
Unless I'm greatly mistaken, New York
won't be averse to hearing a 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 cheored. They want
ed the leading actors, the manager and
lastly the author Virginia gave little
excited sob in her muff us 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 a 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 fail
ON the new pearl cOlored gloves.
As he retreated amid moro "bravos"
and hand clapping lie 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 lie introduced Delatole, who
stood by, his chin luxuriously buried in
great fur collar.
Before turning away he managed to
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 | wanted to hing the
audience en- masse, and-just look at my
gloves"
He left her laughing and half looking
! back, and she was glad-yes. glad-oi
| this chance that made him the guest of O
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 striding away in the show.
er 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 dalnpness
clings to the walls of a sunless room I'M
til every semblance of cheer died under
the depressing chill.
1T will be different tomorrow" she
said, with heavy sigh, as she fell asleep
that night.