The Wilmington daily Republican., 1899-08-02
AMADSCENE
At the End Of Which Lunatic
Is Engaged to Play Part
In Drama.
'.e~e.o.o.@.os4ese.o.N.o.S

1
1t was past midnight, and Edward
Hurcombe, the famous actor manager
sat brooding over the fire. The study
lamp was turned low, for he found Il dull
light invariably assisted his meditatons
aud he was particularly anxious to ar
rive at some definite decision upon per.
picking question that faced him that
evening. The sudden illness of both an
| indispensable member of his company
and the understudy had left him in Sc
| rious dilemma, for who could replace the
absent player? 1t was part that re-
quired special and peculiar abilities, and
| he had already mentally licked off the
| names of dozen or so men as being
quite unadaptcd for the vacant role,
| when he heard the sound of some one
rushing up the stairs. He started and
| rose to his feet, for his family had long
since retired to rest.
Quick! Hide me. They're comingw
A man had swung open the door, closed
1t after him, and burst into the room
painting and out Of breath, his hair di
Sheveled. and II bright cream in his eyes.
whats the mattcr?' queried Hur-
combe, hurriedly. How did you get
herew
The visitor hesitated and looked at
him queerly.
"The door was open, they were after
me, and l ran in. They say I'm mad, but
I'm not. Not mad yet-yet" And he
burst into q scream of laughter which
would have been heard all over the house
had not the room been soundproof. Hur-
combe had had it made so purposely, as
he now remembered to his consternation
"Any fool could tell that" replied the
actor, coolly, with the air of one receiv-
ing an expected visitor. But there's no
occasion to hide. You're as safe here as
as anywhere"
Again the man looked at him queerly,
detecting with the sharp wits of lunacy
the double entendre in his words.
"Sir, I believe you. But you don't
know what I've been through. Mad!
They would wish me mad! They've
ycarned for it, prayed for it, but Pm not
mad! Tell me, I'm not mad"
He had drawn closer to Hurcombe,
who took advantage of the change Of po-
sition to edge nearer the electric bell,
which, II he could but reach, would
arouse the household
"My dear sir, I've already told you
you're laboring under delusion in sup
posing anythng's wrong with your mem
tai balance. Sit down moment and I'll
get You some refreshment. You're tired
doubtless" And he went to open the
door, but it was locked.
Hurcombe glanced back at the man,
His only reply was cunning smile
which overspread his countenance.
II see you've taken the trouble to fas-
ten the door" said the manager. "That's
as well-our conversation will be more
private" And inwardly trembling, he lit
cigar and sat down.
You've something to tell me, of
course? said Hurcombe presently. He
knew all madmen had stories to relate
and that It humorcd them to listen. It
was also method of gaining time
Yes! DO you know what it is to love
to hate?"
The actor smiled He did-on the stage.
"To love is to hate" continued the noe
turnal intruder. who. following Hur-
combe's example, had now drawn up a
chair to the fire opposite him. 81 have,
both loved and hated. A year ago wor-
SHIPPED the most beautiful woman or
any man ever set eyes upon. wooed
her. We were married. and settled down
In the country to joyous existence, for
had enough to keep us both in comfort
m modest way. My wife adorcd me,
and we were as happy as the days were
long till he came upon the scene"
The madman glared at his host as il
The object Of his vengeance sat before
him In the flesh.
HE was handsome, fascinating, with
look that killed women. He carried
before him and broke hearts
Is easily as you or would knock down
1inepins, and my wife fell with the rest.
One day l had been to village a few
niles off, reaching home just after dusk.
siuriel did not run to the gate as usual
o meet me, and had dim, hazy per-
'eption that something was wrong.
II ran up stairs into every room, bat
furiel was not there Our servant was
'ut, SO coull mrt % .'ap t"-, hut 4