The times., 1897-06-20
PART w.


| Kathlecn's second number upon the pro-
gram vi Mrs. Beaumoris' concert left 10
doubt of her success. Leyitsky himself had
conducted her before the audience. Nine.
Anatolla had coquettishly Tin view of the
audience) presented the girl with her cor
SD ge bouquet OF vioiets As Kathleen retired
again into the little room serving as q
harbor for the performers, the musical Miss
Beaumoris (who kept outsiders from in
truding there), looking very sour, asked
Miss Blair to allow Mr.. Rupert Thorndyke
to compliment her upon her achievement
Kathleen possessed just enough of the
spice of Mother Eve to see that this cour-
tesy on the part of Miss Beaumons had
been wrung from her by the newcomer.
Nine. Anatolia, whom Mr.. Thomdykc sa-
luted with an air OF cordial intimacy, leaned
over and whispered in the young girls ear:
Take care how you enjoy the dangerous
delight of nis company in this house. They
consider him their own particular prop
erty."
Molly Plair, standing over her beautiful
and successful child. could not understand
the reckless toss of Kathleen s head, the de-
fiance of her cuTled lip.
.sThat lends Zest." Kathleen answered
TO Anatolla, who smiled The prima donna,
knowing the world as size did, had no OBJ
lection to ENJOYING a small comedy behind
the scenes Nor was she disappointed.
Rupert Thomdyke, with an air Of entire
mconsciousness, refralned from again turn
ing toward tie musical Miss Beaunoris.
With his handsome head bent over the
newly-risen star, ne exerted all Ills powers
of fascination. He was no longer the cool,
indifferent person who had dropped in at
the Blairs' little supper Kathleen, excited,
inclined TO accept him on his face value, as
favored frequenter of the Bea!lmoris
house. and who also found herself not a
little under the spell Of his charm OF man
ner and sympathy of taste, enjoyed retain
ing him. Until the time Mrs and Miss Pair
left the Beaumoris house he was in close at
tendance at their 81 de, and when they part
ed he had obtained Mrs. Btair's rather daz-
zled permission to call upon them the next
day
Thorndyke, meaning to put these ladies
In their carriage, was recalled on the por-
tai by the imperious Miss BeaumoTis, who
had, she said, Co consult him about pro-
tege OF hers she desired to launch at his
musicale Oh Wednesday,.
Until tomor row, them said Rupert
Thorndykc, regretfuily turning back
Mother, he is absolutely beautiful said
Kathleen, with girls ecstacy, as they
went down TO stand on the sodden carpet
waiting for their cab TO come up. Il think
he must be some princeih disguise or some
thing. Such a noble air, such aristocratlc
featuresl And, better than all, mummy
dearest, he has confidad to me that he gives
music parties az bis rooms, and we're asked
to the next one on Wednesday"
II suppose it is all ght," said Molly,
''or, or course, the Beauulofises would not
De having him.
They can't always get him, as you
saw" said Kathleen, iaughinely. "Ihope
il was not wicked to be az glad ms was
when / saw their two Cross faces while he
talked so long to nc. But never mind
the man, mother. There is a Joy still
greater In store for NE, He says il III
play for him on Wednesday, I may handle
his Str5 divariusl" 4e
The cab that had brought Miss Blair
TO the scene OF her t,iumphs was not forth
coming. The hoarse caus for it Up and
down the line were unavailing.
Its but a step to the sueet car, mother.
II we run for it, cried Kathleen, gaily,
peeiing into the half darkness at the oren
side OF the wning.
Il will take you home, if you don't minl,"
said a voice out of the crowd, aud Colin
edged his way toward them.
Colin was cold and out Of humor But
he had fingered on, and this was his Ie-
ward.
How delightful to see you,'' exclaimed
his lady love, heartily, and was in dorsed
by her mamma. $50 strange you should
be passing Just at this minute. 1t viii
he ever so much nicer having you, OF course.
Now let us run, and Jam ourselves into
the next car"
Mrs, Plair being seated with the violin
case on her lap, the two young people
stood, side by side, in the crowded aisle
Of a Madison avenue car going down town.
Colin heard from his eager c2mrade the
fun account OF her exhilarating afternoon.
1t made him sad even while bis generous
heart rejoiced in her rejoicing, TO see that
she was already embarked, with sails filled
and pennons flying, upon the broad sea that
would separate them. And he wondered
she said nothing about the person whose
name excited his keenest curiosity.
Perhaps Kathleen felt guilty of having
hailed rather too gladly Mr.. Rupert Thorn
dykes distinguished homage. But even
Nine. Anatolla had tcld her that his ver-
dict was OF importance in the musical
world.
I'VE all bow to him. had said the good
natured prima-donna, land he is barily
spoiled, of course. Don't let your feelings
get involved like that poor ugly Miss Beau
morris. ThorutIyke is a mystery-an1, I'm
afraid, volage!'
Kathleen had laughed! She had no fear
for herself.
".And you are to keep on with this kind
of thing?" now said Colin, ,discontentedly.
'Of courser, exclaimed she. 1.-TWO ladies
have already booked my humble services,
although one of them did say in excuse for
herself, that anything Ms. Beaumoris
started is sure to run on for a while
81 shall never hear you perform" he
went on; $50 I'll try to forget it, II
had my way, I'd carry you off to cloud
castle, and keep you shsri in from all these |
insolent people" =
'But you can't, Master Colin. so be |
said she, coloring little at
the fervor he could not exclude from his |
tones. ''And as to hearing me, you shall |
have an opportunity without delay. Let |
US see IL you are SO willing TO accept it,"
II viii go wherever you bid me-" he
said, more and more under the charm Of
her close vicinity.
"Promise?"
81 promise"
''How cne's eloquence is jolted out of |
one by this!'' she said, as sheswung around |
the curve into the tunnel well, here is |
your chance. Next week we are invited to
q very exclusive musicale. Levitsky's to |
be there, and Anatolia-and I'm to play |