Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-12-14

Copyright, 1885, by Bachelor, johnson & BachelIery
1t was an an-night Journey and a very
cold one. Perhaps the state of the ther-
mometer would not have mattered so much
if the Great London Success with which
the company were travelling, had made a
stronger impression upon the audiences of
the provincial towns to which it had been
presented.
They were going north, and there was a
wait" of four hours in one of the dreariest
Of the Lancashire manufacturing towns.
The company's carriage had been detached
from the train and shunted on to a siding to
wait for the early morning train, which was
to take 1t on to FALSELY.
The men of the company had all got out as
soon as the train drew up at the platform,
and had gone off into the town in search of
some establishment, no matter how lowly,
which would open it's doors to them and give
them refreshment.
The ladies, five in number, remained in
their compartment, huddled up in their
warmest cloaks, trying to get little sleep.
But 1t would not do; it was too cold The
SSold woman" who was really old, rubbed
her eyes mserably.
They've all got off, supposer she grum-
bled. And of course they never think of
u.s."
A bright young girl from whose cheeks not
even an all-night journey could take the
roses, sprang to her feet and let down the
nearest window.
They shall think of US, thought cried
she. as she thrust her head and shoulders
out of the window. Come and let us out!
Come and let out, some of you. any of
ycur' cried she. imperiousy. And the next
moment, catching sight, on the dimy-lishted
platform. of figure she knew. she cried:
"Mr. Ardener! Mr.. Ardener! Come and
have pity on Us. We are locked in like wild
beasts, and assure you we are getting very
nearly as savage. We've been kept too long
without food, you see"
addressed StennaI m
from the platform, and picked his way In
the dark across the lines to the siding.
A tall, well-made young man, with kind
ly, open face Cyril Ardener looked what he
was, a really nice fellow, favorite with his
own sex and with the other AS the girl
above him looked down into his face, it was
easy to see that she was one of those upon
whom the Juvenile Lead had made deep
impression.
Miss Lillian Fairbrother (as she was called
upon the programs) had gone on the stage
against the wishes of her family, of course;
but not without some prospect of success
there. She bestowed upon Cyril the smile of
a practiced and all-conquering dirt But he
shook warning head.
You had much better stay where you
are" said he. persuasvely. THE other fell
lows have gone wandering about in search
Of drinks. And they are making great
noise and disturbing everybody, without sue
ceeding in their quest, should advise you to
give them wide berth for the present.
Never mind. I'm coming out" said Miss
beauty. open the door. please"
You'll have nobody to talk to-" persisted
Cyril, as he took out his key
Not even your
Not even me- I'm going off to try and
keep the others out of mischief"
The door was opened by this time and she
was preparing to descend. She graciously
allowed Cyril to assist her, and rewarded
him with another smile.
Come along" said she, rather impa tent
ly, for Cyril was lingering to cast glance
inside the carriage before he shut the door.
As his eyes rested upon a~pale, worn, re-
fined face, that of the leading Juvenile lady
a change came over Cyrils face.
Il wish could get you a cup of hot cof-
fee, Miss Wells,' he said
But before she could thank him the i'm
patient Lillian had pulled him by force away
from the door, crying out in pretended ter
ror that she heard train coming. The face
of Constance Wells flushed slightly as she
settled herself again in her corner Miss
Browning, the "old woman" gave snort of
indignation.
Train coming, indeed" cried she. THAT
young lady can make trains and everything
else come and go to suit her purpose. l call
1t disgraceful, the way in which she's got
hold of that young Mr.. Ardener, flirting all
the time with two or three of the others Mr.
Ardener never had word for any one but
you, Miss Wells, till she came into the COM
pany. She doesn't wait for him to follow
her about; she follows him."
The remaining two members of the COM
pany who were present glanced apprehen-