The Forrest City times., 1896-04-17

| the future had been spoken between them. Roger knew that he would have to leave, for war had been declared and that until the result of that war should be known he could promise noth- ing. The subject of the future was not even broached between them. Jeanne knew only that their path m | life must be together; she felt that it must be so, and there was no need for l words. Only when the terrible parting came, when Roger had to leave to join his regiment, he slipped ring he al- ways wore on her finger and took from hers one for himself, and still no words were spoken as to the future. After the second act of the "Dame aux | Camelias," when the curtain had been lowered for the sixth time, and Jeanne had for the sixth time answered to the enthusiastic recalls, she went slowly up to her room. She felt overwhelmed: 1 perhaps it was the excess of happiness | at her good fortune which weighed on her like this. Roger knew that it was the day of her debut; she felt certain that, even amid the smoke of the battle held, he would not forget it. She hardly dared own it even to herself, but all day she had expected some little souve- mir from him, some sign or word of sympathy; for was she not, too, fight ing battle, one of those battles which decided the life of individuals just as much as his did that of nations? On opening her dressing-room door flash of mingled triumph, love and pride came over her as she caught sight of telegram on her table.
 She closed her door quickly, not no- ticing that Louis Belcourt was follow ing her quietly along the corridor.
 Suddenly, through the thick doors and curtains, in the silence of the empty corridor, Belcourt heard fearful cry. It was so wild and passionate that shiver ran through him. He opened the door and was just in time to eaten Jeanne in his arms. She was livd with horror and was clutching the fatal tele- gram in her hands.
 Just as he was wondering what to dc for the best, Jeanne's pallor gave way to a rush of color to her cheeks. She read the telegram to him: "We have been defeated at Woerth. They are talk ing me to house near by. Amputation probable. Pray for me. My love, dar- ling.-Roger." Belcourt glanced at the telegram and saw that it was unintelli- gible, but kind of alphabet on the table showed him that it had been written by signs agreed upon.
 He stood as though thunderstruclk. Suddenly Jeanne put on hat and threw long brown cloak over her stage dress.
 What are you going to do?" he ex- claimed.
 Il am going to Roger"
 But, in heavens name, Jeanne, stay little while. The curtain will be going up. Think what you are doing. You will be ruined-you will spoil your whole life. Wait till to-morrow!"
 Listen" said Jeanne, in a clear, de- cided tone. Ut is now a quarter to ten. 1 know there is train from the Care de PEst at II, for have sent my letters by friend of Rogers who is going by 1t. If you prevent my going by that train, you see this dagger; well. will kill myself with it."
 Louis stepped back, dazed and hor- ror-struck. Jeanne opened the door, went quickly out by back door and Louis followed her, watched her hail cab and drive away
 When Belcourt reentered the theateI he found everyone behind the scenes in d terrible state of excitement.
 Mile. de Bolney could not be found The house was impatient and the man. ager desperate. He was sending for the police, that she ight be found and arrested. Suddenly Belcourt, at the idea of the possible consequences of move.
 He stepped up to one of his friends who had been taking part in the play, whispered to him and appeared to be begging him to consent to what he had asked.
 Finally the friend yielded, opened the door and walked towards the stage. Then Belcourt, pushing away the di- rector and stage manager,who attempt ed to stop him, gave the signal to lift the curtain and appeared himself be- fore the house. A deep silence ensued.
 Ladies and gentlemen" said Bel court, Mile. de Bolney has received telegram announcing that there has been a disaster on the German frontier and our army has sustained defeat. She is overwhelmed by the news, and we must ask you to have patience until she feels able to continue her role"
 Adismal silence followed these words. Belcourt's friend now stepped forward and executed the order he had re-