The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1895-10-21

A refreshment room at Earls court.
Enter Mrs. and Miss Ormerod. As they
pass one of the tables young man starts
violently, half rises and takes off his hat.
Mrs. Ormerod eyes him with an imperti-
nent stare and Miss Ormerod looks fxedly
at the wall beyond him. The young man
hastily resumes his seat. When they have
found seats at a safe distance and ordered
refreshments the ladies give vent to their
indignation.
'Well Laura, of the impudent''-
"Mr. Marston never was noted for his
modesty, mother"
81 should think not. But London is the
place to bring him to his senses: He'll
soon find his level here
81 wonder what he is doings He seems
well dressed. -
Counter jumping or shoplifting, I
should imagine. That's all he's fit for
"He could waltz divinely."
'.Then he had one redeeming virtue.
Perhaps ne teaches dancing"
As the band outside ceases playing sun
dry people saunter in.
"Why, there's Sir William. I do hope
he'll see us. -
"Why doesn't the man look this way9''
"If he isn't talking to Mr.. Marston!
How flattered that young man must feel!'
Perhaps he is ordering new coat.
Cor, more likely, complaining about
the old one.''
II hope he is arranging for some dane
ing lessons. He waltzes horribly
'You could forgive that if he were only
good looking"
cat any rate, he is very good natured. -
cor he wouldn't be talking to young
Marston.''
cat last he sees u.s.
The ladies bow gracefully. Sir William
walks across to them.
.stNow, whoever would have thought of
meeting you herel'
"How badly expressed, Sir William
AN unexpected pleasure would have
sounded so much better
81 sit corrected. Ices, see. Are they
goods'
every bad. But we are pretending it's
summer y
''By the way, Laura and are quite dy-
ing to know what you have in common
with Mr. Marston.''
"a very great deal, Mrs. Ormerod.' -
''Coats and-waistcoats?'
''Daneing?"
Really, I ought to have had an ice, for
without one 1 see no connection. You
know Marston, then?''
t'He was clerk in fathers Office. We
did know him, 1nother?''
Certainly, my dear. Sir William will
understand the degree Of intimacy that in
dictates. -
Sir William looks from one to the other
in a doubtful, questioning manner and
then says gravely:
Mr.. Marston is friend of mine"
How extremely condescending of you
to put it that way. Mr.. Marston would
be f1attered if he heard you"
81 fail to see why
"Look at your different positions in life.
You arc man of title
And Marston is man of genius-a
somewhat scarcer article"
/ "Why, what has he done?''
Have you not read Waiting?'
"Of course. Some one sent me a copy.
I never found out who. But that was by
Godfrey Newcome -
F'Quite So Marston' s pseudonym. Then
know you have seen his play, for 1 was
in your box at the Lyceum, on Tuesday,
wasn't it?''
Did Mr.. Marston write My Lady Dis
6ainful?' -
Indeed he did Mrs. Ormerod. I am
| surprised you did not know it"
Miss Ormerod appears lost in thought.
Then she sees Marston rising to go. She
turns quickly to Sir William.
do me a favor Tell Mr.. Marston l
wish to renew our old friendship
EsDelightedl'
He walks after 'Marston.
Marston, an old friend wishes to speak
to you-Miss Ormerod'
Does she?" A pause. "You remember
what l told you about that girl in the
country who said she would give her an
swer when was famous?"
yes
81 told her she would have to send for
me then, as I should never ask again. You
have just brought her summons"
''The deuce havel'
=" She has only just learned that 1 amer
"a success
Not whisper of it till told her -
81 thought So She cut me dead a quar-
ter of an hour ago. It's too late now, old
man. Tell her-what you like, only don't
/ hurt her unnecessarily
IAN right, sonny; I understand. Wait
for me outside
Reioin1ng the ladies':
Mr. Marston wishes me TO say he
would have been delighted to have had
your message quarter of an hour earlier,
| but as it is
well, Sir William, as it is?''
GAS it is, Marston and I are returning
to town together. Good afternoon, ladies'. -