The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1901-11-22
NOT IN THE INTERVIEW.

A4SS OlouSulOu "AANCu. AAAOu6A lAC
stage door, opening and shutting every
other minute, could be heard the swish
and patter of heavy rain on the pavement
outside. and cold gusts OF wind swept in.
Miss Broughton read all the brief notices
pinned on the callboard, and with the
impatient WEAKNESS of one who is accus-
toned to wait the convenience of other
people, she leaned against the wall, in ap-
parent Indifference to the passing of time.
In spite Of all her self-assurance--Alice
Broughton had earned her own living for
ten years, and FIVE Of those as London
journalist-she trembled at the thought
of short interview with Lawrence
Bright. What would he say? Would
the time and the place drift away from
him, as it did even now from her?
She heard the orchestra burst into a
triumphal march; the play was over; and
in few seconds the inler door was
opened and a young cavalier, with his
great plumed hat dangling from his hand,
LOCKED out. There was fash of recogni;
ton as Miss Broughton stepped toward
him. He was frankly apologize and I'M
conscious.
so sorry to keep you waiting till the
end of the matinee" Lawrence began,
land even now l hardly know where to
ask you--.it was awfully good Of you to
come, Miss Broughton-you'll find me a
talk?'
Lawrence turned his eyes searchingly
for the first time on the face of the lady
journalist.
us it possible, Alice. What does it all
mean? Why didn't you send in your
name? Come, you're nor real live inter-
viewer, are you"'
LAS for my name, Lal," she answered,
don't you remember that told you,
when we first met. that 'Silverthorpe'
was only assumed" 49,.
Then you've not given up the stage?'''
''NO, it gave me up several years ago.
"What about dreams Of fame, cour-
age, endurance? Have you forgotten
how you. used to lecture me: in New
York? I'm disappointed! Alice, will
you wait ten minutes while l change?
I won't be a second longer!'
With a boyish laugh and a backward
look of mingled tenderness and mockery,
he sped away, and Alice Broughton
pushed the stage door open and looked
out, into the dreary street. The sound
so gloomy and hopeless when she saw
it last-illed her with joy: All the
events Of seven years swiftly fitted
through her mind. Alice had been a
girl Of % at the time when she met
Lawrence Bright in New York. She
was playing small part in an English
company, and he was stranded" Lone
was drifting rapidly down the stream,
when the determined girl had saved him
with friendship most unusual, and
magnanimous. Without beauty or any
charm, she had won the entire conf
dence of a young, moody, impressionable
man.
Returning, Lawrence asked her to dine
with him. and called cab.
II can't take you to my place. she
said. 1--WE only just moved into a new
fat, and this afternoon is such a chap
ter out of my past life that can't bear
to share tor {ou-with anybody e'se!'
Dear La! You must tell me every
minutes. When did the great opportuni-
ty come? knew you would be ready
at the right minute! Do you remember
when 1 first told you sop
Yes! was in despair, and you
you were in blue muslin. Have you
spair"'
The foolish words Jared on Alice, but
she instinctively adapted herself to his
present mood. They talked about New
York-the theaters--the ,actors-the
seemed as Dr1Snt as the glitter OF Broad
way, and the Thames was spanned, in
their Imagination, by the chain Of stars
that outline Brooklyn bridge.
The little dinner party Of two was a
great success. AS they looked at each
other, in the glitter Of bright lights,
Lawrence noticed for the first time since
their meeting how worn and haggarl his
friend had grown.
Il seem to owe all my success to
yOu." he exclaimed
"And I owe all my happiness to you."
Alice answered.
Bending toward him, with her thin
hands clasped tightly beneath her chin.
she commenced to talk about the strug-
gle and stress of her own life.
As Lawrence listened he felt more and
more that her confidence was self for9et-
full and unrestrained. Their old posi-
tons were reversed; Alice was absorbed
in the unconscious revelation of her long
ing for his sympathy. Lawrence grew
serious: he found himself surprised into
conversation that was both intimate
and emotional.
Leaning forward and listening intently,
his hand rested for a minute near to Al
ices arm on the table With a rand
movement, unlike herself, she clasped
both her hands round his. -.
"Lal, dear, she murmured, s'eyery-