The Forrest City times., 1895-07-26

AHS o Pai eASuiariy uroWSy ueDdtt lcl- low M. P. had suggested to Percival that they should run across to the X. and see the Rainbow danseuse. Perci- val had complied. After that night he went to see her pretty regularly.
 Just before the dance the stage was darkened; behind loomed background of murky clouds, gloomy as the sky before an impending thunderstorm; then brilliant blaze of sunlight burst upon the shadowed scene, and whirl- ing wildly in its dazzling rays ap- peared the famous Rainbow danseuse. What sight that was! How dexter ously she managed her mass of gor- geous draperies, which hoated all about her, and swirled and spun like a re- volving wheel. At times nothing but the flashing hues of these robes was visible; at other times a lovely face, crowned with golden yellow locks, stood out among them, radiant, spirit ual, superb-and then, while this en- trancing apparition smiled and the audience clapped and shouted, rum- blings of thunder rolled upon the air; clouds overcast the sunlight; and, amid their gathering gloom, the Rain bow goddess faded slowly from the scene.
 If it had ended with his merely ad- miring this ravishing beauty from a distance, all might have been we'll. But such infatuation as Percival's was not satisfied to confine itself within those modest limits. A strong desire him tn Ea har acquaintance. He ought, of course, to have withstood it. 1t should have been perfectly obvious to him that, in giv- ing way to his desire, he was volun- tarily thrusting himself into the path of danger.
 But he gave way, nevertheless. He went farther. He actually addressed one or two letters to the young lady. To his great chagrin she sent him no reply. At last, in desperation, he pro- cured an introduction to the manager of the K, and besought that gentle mans aid in his foolish and culpable project.
 Just so," said the manager, rather coldly. Well, Mir. Percival, l will communicate your wish to the young lady, and will then let you know her reply. l cannot hold out hopes that it will be favora ble, for a number of oth- CT gentlemen have desired introduc- tion to her, and have all been refused. You see, she is a simple, modest girl, who is merely using her talent tc SUD- port her family, and has no desire for circle of male admirers. However, as I said, I will tell her that you wish to be introduced"
 The following night when he ought to have been in his place in the house, listening to the ministerial leaders statement, he was lowering near the stage door of the X. He had made ID his mind to follow his goddess home, and so find out her private address.
 Percival had cab waiting for him at the corner He noticed another cab drawn mp opposite the stage door. He strolled up and accosted the driver.
 You re lucky man to have such a charming fare" said Percival care lessly.
 "Oo said l 'ad charmin' fare?" re- torted the man, suspiciously. Then he added: If that's your sort, young feller, you may save yourself the trouble of doin' the civil to me. For she's thoroughly good young 'ooman, l can tell yer, and won't stand no fol- lowers foolin' around-not she!"
 Percival affected to laugh and strolled away. In a few minutes he saw the girl hurry out and get into her cab. Then he jumped into his own having instructed the driver to follow the other vehicle and keep it carefully in sight. His heart was bocting fast. He was in an almost uncomfortable ex- citement. Yet he felt ashamed of him. self at the same time. To persecute vir- tuous and modest girl with unwelcome attention was shabby conduct in any one-especially in a married man. And 9ercival was conscious that he was committing a contemptible action. Yet, somehow, he could not help it. His ridiculous infatuation had bound him hand and foot.
 When they had driven about a mile his cab stopped. The NJ. P. got out. He saw the young lady alighting from her cab about hundred yards ahead. She turned and walked rapidly away. With beating heart and trembling steps, he followed her, keeping an in- terval of seventy or eighty yards be- tween them.
 She had not alighted at her own door, but at the end of street of pri- vate houses, down which she was now walking. Percival realized with certain thrill of uneasiness that it was p sAront +hn ctrnnt La ...1.s.l. L ..