Chicago eagle. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1889-19??, 1898-11-05
IA FATAL WEDDING.
b. ZokNe R,uk0m.

claimed. In a disappointed tone. Have
you not been to the theater them
mo. We have been at Elsdale only a
short time" Barbara answered. Pray
tell me what Is it you wish me to dot"
Miss Courtcnay's wandering gray eyes
rested for moment on Barbara's face.
MY mother was an actress" she said
slowly: but she cannot act now; she Is
an invalid and dependent upon me, and"
She paused. still looking at Miss Hat
ton. who was very pale. and whose hand,
as she replaced her cup on the gypsy ia
bic near her. was trife unsteady.
"You want me to help your Barbara
finished for her. II shall he glad to do
30. i"
"No: I do not ask you for money" the
actress put In quickly. I'VE are poor, Of
course: but VIC are not In need. What l
want you TO give me Is your patronage.
am to have benefit on Thursday next;
do you know what benefit Is, Miss Hat
ton?'
Yes, certainly. Barbara replied. un-
hcsitntingly.
"Then you know. too. perhaps. how i'm.
portant IL Is for me TO have good house"
Miss Courtenay continued rapidly. IF
you would prevail upon Lord Elsdale to
extend his patronage to ME
And take tickets? Certainly. He will
do 40. am sure"
"Not only take tickets" the actress said
quickly, but allow me to announce tina
the performance il under his patronage
and that you will be present. People will
20 to see you, Miss Hntton." she added,
hurriedly, III they go for nothing else"
II can hardly credit that" Barbara
said. smiling; "but. IL you will excuse me
for q moment, I will ask the curl II he
will allow me to accedc to your request.
We have a large house party just now,
and ! do not know whether 1t will be
pleasant To our guests. I will do my best. y
Barbara promised. as she turned and left
the room: while Miss Courtcnay, who had
risen, went back slowly TO her chair and
sank down into II again.
ut IL impossible" she murmuretl. push.
ing her veil further back OF her pale face
''he must be mistaken. She looks like
a queen; and yet"--she slipped her hand
into the bosom Of her dress and took out
letter she had secreted there. II was the
letter which Barbara had received, and
which. having caught In the lace Of hel
dress. had fallen unheedcd by her to the
hoor. Miss COurtcnay, unseen by Bar
bara. had picked 1t up and hidden II. III
Is his handwriting and addressed to her, =
she added, as she examined II.
She placed the envelope back In Its hid
ing place, and, rising, began to move rest
lessly about the room. looking with en-
viOus eyes on the comfort and luxury
about her, contrasting her own shabb,
form, reflected In one Of the mirrors
with Barbar's radiant lovclincss and ex
quisite attire, and returning hastily to hel
sent. when the soft rustic Of Barbara,
skirts sounded on the polished oak with
ont.
She came In smiling. ."rhe earl IL quit,
willing to let you use his name, IL II be Of
any advantage to you to do So" she said
graciously. And, although he will no
he present himself, will come, Miss Cour
! tenay: and several Of our guests hay,
also promised. Mr.. Sinclair will see tn,
manager tomorrow and procure places.
And you will really come" the sctres,
asked. eagerly.
."Yes. will come. I will not fail. Win
play do you actY''
1.-The Lady Of Lyons"
II am very glad. It IL y favorite play O
mine," Miss Hatton remarked. II hay,
ordered carriage to take you home" sh,
added, kindly. "And perhaps you woul,
like few flowers to take to your mother.
In almost absolute silence Miss Cour
tcnay followed her into the conservatives
while Barbaa. with many kindly aues
tiOns about the invalid mOther-who In,
az nvt atn s,,S hn ..t..
tion--put together great bunch Of swee
flowers and gave them to her with he
prcttiest smile; aud perhaps II was be
cause the flowers filled both her hand
thatsthe actress feigned not to see Bar
bara's outstrctched hand when she bad
her farewell and left her to the care O
the servants, who led her out to the wait
ing brougham which Miss Hatton had or
dered to take her back TO Stourton.
Through the chill autumnal eveninl
Miss HattOn's visitor was driven rapid!
toward the large and busy town Of Stour
ton. where the lamps were all lighted, an,
the cathedral chimes were sounding. A
the outskirts she dismissed the carriage
she need trouble them no further, be,ng a
home. she told the servants. and. whe
they had driven away, she hurried on foo
to a small, mean.looking house In tn
heart Of the town.
Just a. Alice Courtenay stopped ut tn
door. II was opened from within, aud
man. coming out hurricdly, met her fac
u face and uttered an exclamation q
pleasure. ut which the girls face briIh,
cnpd.
"Well," he asked. eagerly. "have 70
succcededY"
The transient CLEAN Of pleasure died ou
Of the girls pale face.
"Yes," she answered drearily, taking
sheet Of paper from the folds Of her gowI
while sob rose In her throat, II hav
succeeded"