The Saint Paul globe., 1899-03-26

1t seemed but minute to me; in reality it
must have been the best part of an hour.
Did he really find the time so short in my
society that minutes seemed seconds, or
we'll, am content with the fact and, on the
whole, reply to my own question
Yes; I really did enjoy my first ball very
much indeed"
CHAPTER "
"By Jove!" exclaims Sir Harry Grasmore,
in a tone of immense satisfaction; you don't
say so! What charming Phyllis she will
make, to be sure; and, of course you will al
low me to play Corydon-excuse the meta
phor; but if there's one thing more than an
other that confess secret hankering after,
1t is amateur theatricalS, and 1 assure you.
'pon my honor, that I'm very good hand at
it, too. I've run through the gamut of all the
stock plays. Ny Charles Surface was very
well spoken of in several leading papers last
season. Where is Lady Curton? Who is stage
maEager?"
I sink helplessly back into the recesses of
a huge armchair.
which I can partly thank my own vanity and
stupidity. and from which, at present, see
no way of extricating myself.
Sir Harry's words fall upon my ear like
thunderclap, and cause me to sink out of
sight in dismay at the disagreeable prospect
of having him for my stage lover.
1t is too bad of him to persecute me like
this, and tears Of vexation fill my eyes,
1t is too late for HE to retreat however,
because a score Of intimate acquaintances
heard me consent to play the heroine's part,
and it would only draw more attention to Sir
Harry and myself If I repudiated the ar
rangement now.
pardon me- murmurs a quietly sarcastic
voice, close at my side; but I think-that is
did you not say something to me this morn
ing, Lady Curton, about wishing me to under
take the part of Lovel, which is quite famil-
lar to me, owing to my having played it be-
fore? may be mistaken, but
why, yes; of course 1 did, Sir Anthony"
replies Lady Curton, quickly. 'It will suit
you down to the ground; you will look the
part better than Sir Harry, especially as you
know it; and there is another part I have
play admirably
"Nonsense!" cries Sir Harry, none too po-
htely; Il will play Lovel. or nothing; hang
it all, I insist upon having that part. Come
Lady Curton, make redistribution in my ia
vor-Lovel, or nothing for me-"
Lady Curton's eyes flash with annoyance;
she is the most good-natured woman in the
wcrld, but is rather inclined to stand upon
her dignity, and Sir 4arry's free-and-easy
manner Of addressing her does not commend
itself to her good taste.
Il am afraid that it will be nothing then,
Sir Harry she replies, rather coldly. II
have given the part OF Lovel to Sir Anthony
Nigel. and, Unless he resigns it, 1 certainly
shall not offer it to anyone else"
My heart is beating wildly, furfously
If I was excited before, I am a hundred
times more so now, since have learned that
Sir Anthony is to take part in the theatricals
That means, Of course, that shall see him
almost daily for several weeks, perhaps; and
our parts may lie together
10 do not know the play at all, for am still
very ignorant in such matters; in fact, until
tonight, have never even heard of it: but
it's title, "Lovels Bride" is full of possibili-
ties, and Sir Harrys extreme eagerness to
have the part of Lovel given to him is suf-
fcient in itself to warn me that it may be
more sentimental than 1 should find pleasant
IA q r An
heart, to have to assume, even in jest, the
part Of his bride, causes the blood to course
rapidly through my veins, and makes my
heart beat with pleasure.
L take very little interest in the rest Of the
discussion, beyond gathering that Sir Harry
repents his rash speech and asks, with more
humility than I have seen him ever display
before, for another part since he cannot have
the one he most desires.
Lady Curton graciously complies with his
request and while he is going into details
with Lancelot Curton, the stage manager l
persuade Aunt Janettte to slip away without
Sir Harry seeing US leave.
She laughingly agrees, SO set off for
home, where, after hurriedly making change
Of toilette, and partaking Of dinner we go to
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