The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-05-09

tain and stepped before it. AS soon
as quiet fell upon h house, he an
nounced that, although his patrons
were unaware Of the fact, they were
that evening to be the fortunate bene-
fciaries under the old adage, ut is an
that Mime. Conquest had literally fall
en- i'll, and was incapacitated from ap-
pearing, but that he could not allow a
first-night audience of the great me-
tropolis to be disappointed, and that.
therefore, he had concluded to sacrifice
his own projects and allow the appear
ance, for n night only, OF Mademo1-
selle Cleo, a danseuse of Incompatible
merit and talent, a girl who was yet
in the hands of a teacher who had be-
Gene so enthusiastic concerning her
great promise as to nave thrown up all
other pupils to devote himself exclu-
sively to her instruction. 1t had been
their purpose to postpone her debut for
another season, but under the c
stances, rather tina fail in his engage
men to so distinguished, etc, etc.
I remember every word of the speech.
For some unknown reason, not because
I dreamt for an instant that I was CON
cerned in 1t, 1T impressed me. l think
perhaps it was because l felt vague
envy of that Cleo, that extraordinarily
fortunate girl, to whom so brilliant a
career was thus suddenly opened.
After that, Greeley came to the boa.
There was an air OF excitement o
him, and an anxious look in his eyes.
He smiled ~approvingly as he looked at
me.
"Are you enjoying it?' ha remarked,
and cast a significant glance at his
wife.
"Oh. it is heaven!' I cried. But this
girl, Mr.. Greeley, this -Cleo-when shall
l see herr"
Come behind the scenes, and I will in
troduce you to her."
He summoned his wife with a move
ment of the head. We rose and passed
out, leaving fairyland behind us. 1t
was Of the. earth, earthly, as far as
dirt and dust and freedom from
glamour were concerned, the region
into which he passed. But naught Of
that night. They led me to a dressing
room, and I looked expectantly about
for the girl of happier fate than mine.
She was not present; yet this was her
room, they told me; and there, care
fully bestowed upon two chairs, was an
exquisite mass of gold-and-white tissue
which, they said, was her costume. /
wondered thai she did not appear, for
her place On the programme vas after
the present act, and 1 took advantage
of her absence to examine and rev.
erently touch, with covetous fingers, the
shining, diaphanous web.
Meanwhile the Greeleys were con-
sulting upon some unknown topic
apart. Presently my attention was
aroused by a few words 1 heard Kate
utter.
You CO." she said. IT will manage
it alone. You will brighten, perhaps
intimidate her. I can win her to it, l
am sure. I would rather you should
go. I am quite positive I can do 1t by
myself"
He muttered some reply; apparently
he was giving her some instructions.
All I caught was one phrase: II shall
lead, myself" Then he smiled and
nodded to me, and left the room.
I could hear the strains of the or
chestra and the voices of the singers in
the distance. There was much ftful
applause, and frequent bursts of laugh
ter were family audible. I roamed i'm
patiently about the room, wishing the
dancer would come, for I was eager to
return to the dazzling auditorium.
Presently Kate approached me, NV
back was to her, and as I turned, I was
struck by the pallor Of her face.
What is it," Mrs. Greeley?' I asked.
"a really terrible thing has happened
to u.s." she said, land we are in a
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