The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-11-20
A Memorable Night.

nose were trying moments Tor Marcia
Sterling as she stood there in the wings
OF the stage IN the Star Theater-- she
was waiting for her cue 10 go on and sing.
Il was particularly trying, since she lack
cd confidence, that essential 10 successful
achievement, and that song was 10 decide
her triumph or failure in the profession
she had adopted. Tears filled her eyes as
she thought OF what was before her Not
only did she think OF the present and Won
der what the future had in store for her,
but her mind also reverted 10 the paSt,
when lie had seemed 50 rosy-hued, and
when, TO her thinking, the days that were
TO be presaged = continuation Of uninter-
rUpted joys.
Visions of a once happy home arose be-
fore her minds eyes. The dear father
whom she had loved SO tenderly, whose
every word and desire was law to ner'
that father for whose sake she had made
the greatest sacrifice OF her hfe-the re-
nunciation of her dearest friend, 10 whom
she had hoped some day 10 be something
more than friend; her home. her mother.
the little sisters and brothers-thoughts OF
all these now occupied her mind. But sud-
denly everything had changed. The father
had been taken away, leaving his family
wholly unprovided for, and to Marcia. she
of the beautiful voice fell the task OF pro-
viding the daily bread.
That explained why she was at the
theatre waiting tremblingly, and looking
sweet. yet pathetic, clad in her flowing
black gown, and with a single white rose
nesting amid the strands OF her dark
hair.
But even as she mutely prayed and soli-
loquiZed the orchestra struck up a few
bars OF recitative, the curtain was rails
ed, the manager babe her go forth and
learn her fate and, scarcely knowing how
il was accomplished, she found herself IN
the center of the stage. close down 10 the
foOtlights, before a vast concourse of peo-
pie who knew nothing of the tempest that
was raging in her heart
Softly she began TO sing-a little uncer-
tain at first, but gradually winning her
ground, note by note. until, wholly I'M
mindful OF her whereabouts and those De-
fore her, she abandoned herself to an out
burst OF passionate melody, pouring out
her whole soul in a message of love and
entreaty.
The house rang with the plaudits of the
audience, and Marcia retired, smiling with
happiness, for she knew that she had
won the victory. Once more she felt that
she must sing. There was something yet
III her heart that must be set free, and
when an encore number was insisted upon
she willingly complied. With sob in her
hO-No Slt- Sdil6 u ENOOA4A anu
thought of her own Robin, the Robin of
her first and only love, who was she knew
not where. To him alone she sent her vo-
cal message of affectioE-to her Robin
whom she had dismissed at the dictate OF
duty, but whom she yet loved, and would
always. though time were hers forever,
and thought WooerS might come in my
riads.
O, that some kindly emissary might take
her appeal direct from her heart to himi
If by some power of divination he mis- Mt
learn of how she cherished his memory
Heretofore she had not dared to trust her
self to look into the faces of those who
constituted her audience. but now her
eyes glanced over orchestra and parquet,
and from boxes TO balcony. She was In
quest of some one, but he for whom she
sought so eagerly was missing. Well, IL
was all over. The manager was enthu-
siastic. He would call upon her on the
morrow and confer with her concerning a
contract for a season under his direction.
That verdict caused her to smile through
tears. Why should she be longer sad since
she had reached the goal of her ambition
A contract meant the wherewithal for the
subsistence of those who upon her were
dependent. She could now furnish food
for her dear ones, and she. in the mean
time, would remain hungry-at heart.
As she was seated in a carriage and
was about TO be driven from the theater
d face appeared at the carriage window.
MARCIA
"Robin." she almost shrieked, and a
moment later the carriage door was OPEN
ed; the order was given to the coach
man to drive on, and the girl, pale, yet
happy was lying IN the arms of her COM
paniOn.
For you 1 sang" she breathed; ''for
you and you alone! O. Robin, you will
never know how l have reproached myself
for having sent you away; but, dear, il
was necessary for me 10 lose you awhile
to learn HON much l love you
"Hush," he answered Il do not utter
a word of sensure against your father.
My being denied you brought me TO a
realization of my utter unworthiness-
was but a thoughtless rake then. and
when ! went away it was with determln-
alton to work heroically for a competence
and 10 come back and win you If j could.
l returned but tonight, and have learned
of all you have suffered in my absence.
l must not be sent away again. Marcia
you must promise me that"
And Marcia promised Suddenly the
world seemed to become brighter TO her
and life seemed all the more worth liv-
ing.
The next day the manager OF the Star
Theater appeared with a neatly written
contract for Marcia TO sign, but he was
informed, much 10 his disappointment,
that Miss Sterling had decided to aban-
don a public career. This she did, and
entered upon new career as the wife
of a man she had loved and lost, yet
had found again.-BOston Post.