El Paso daily herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1881-1901, 1900-09-15

ned Aurelia, giving way TO the prettleSt
little outburst of temper imaginable.
"I wish you would get up and go away,
Ralph, and not come back. You are
only making it worse by rubbing it in
that silly way with your wet handker-
chief"
Here is another, said Charles, snatch
ing up Lady Mary's delicate cambria
one, which was lying on her work table,
while I was in the act of introducing
Carr to her; and before that lady's po-
likeness to Carr would allow her to turn
from him 10 expostulate Charles was on
his knees beside Ralph, wiping the Of
Tending stain.
"'Out, damned spotr or rather, series
of spots. What, Aurelia? you don't wish
it rubbed any more? Good. Twill turn
my attention to the Aubusson carpet.
Ha! triumph, Here at least 1 am sue
cessful. Aunt Mary, you have no con-
ception how useful your handkerchief Is.
The amount of tea or dirt, or both, which
is leaving the carpet and taking refuge
in your little square of cambria will sur
prise you when you see it. Ah'-rising
, from his knees as 1 brought up Carr,
having by this time presented him to Sir
George. very happy to see you, MI.
Carr. Most kind of you to come. Eve
Ign, are you pouring ont some tea for
Mr.. Carr? Nature requires support be-
fore a last rehearsal. May 1 introduce
You to my cousin, Miss Derrick"
After Carr had also been introduced
to Aurelia, who, however, was still too
much absorbed in her tea gown to take
much notice of him. he seemed glad to
retreat to a chair by Evelyn, who gave
l.r, he 20, ,nl toY1,aI 1aao,-%lrS 70 hin,
He was very shy at first, but he Don got
used to us, and many were the curious
glances shot at him by the rest of the
party as tea went on. There was to be
a last rehearsal Immediately afterward,
so that he might take part in it, and
there was a general unacknowledged
anxiety ON the part of all the actors as
to how he would bear that crucial test
on which SO much depended. was be
coming anxious myself, being in a a
ner responsible for him.
You're not nervous, are youy" 1 said,
taking him aside when tea was over.
"Only act half as well as YOU did on the
steamer and you will do capitally."
Yes, l am nervous" he replied, with
a short, uneasy laugh. 1T is enough to
make a fellow nervous to be set down
among a lot of people whom he has never
seen before-to act "A principal part, too.
/ had no idea it was going to be such a
grand affair or l would not nave come.
! only did it TO please you"
OF course [ knew that and l tried to
reassure him. reminding him that the
audience would not be critical and how
grateful every one was to him for COM
ing.
Tell ma Who some of the people ar,
will you:' lie went on. Who Is that
tall man with the fair mustache: He Is
looking at Us now"
That is Charles. the eldest SON." l re-
piled; and the shorter one. with the
pleasant face He!r the window. is RALPH.
his younger brother"
That Is Il very good looking girl he i
talking to" he remarked. Il did not
catch her name"
Hush | said. That is Miss Grant.
whom he is engaged to. They have lust
had Il little tiiT and are making ii up.
He does talk To her u good deal. | have
noticed it myself. such "A Sweet Great
ure."
is she goins to act:'
Yes" l replied. They are going to
begin at once. Nou neei not dress. 1t
is not "a dress rehearsal"
Il think l Will 20 and get my boots
OFF, though" said Carr. Can you show
me where L am
Il am afraid you are not in the house
at all, l said. The fact is-did not Sir
George tell you*' And then 1 explained.
For a his face fell, but II
cleared instantly, though not before 7
had noticed it.
You o mind l said astonished.
"You quite understand"-
"Of course, of course." he interrupted.
cit is all right. l have a cold, that Is
all; n | have TO sing next week. l
shall do very well. Pray don't tell your
friends l have a cold. 1 am sure Sir
George is kindness itself. and It might
make him uneasy TO think I was not in
his house"
The rehearsal now began, and in much
l waited to see Carr come
The moment he appeared all anxiety
vanished: the other actors We're reas-
sured and acted their best. A few pas
sages had to be repeated. a few positions
altered, but it was obvious that Carr
could act. and act well. though curious
ly enough he looked less gentlemanlike
and well bred when acting with Charles
han he had Ion when he was the best
among a very mixed set on the steamer
"You act beautifully, Mr.. CARR said
.ureGa, when it was over. Doesn't he.
Doesn't heT' replied Ralph. hot but
good humored. Il am sure. Carr, we
Are most grateful to you."
so am 1" said Charles. Your death
agonies, Carr, are a credit to human ma
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