Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1901-09-14

barely adible above the unceasing ''tap-
tap" of her machine.
The scene had nothing novel for Eve
iyn. When a girl has been earning her
living on the stage for a couple of years.
she has time to become familiar with
places like Whitfeld's.
Evelyn knew every chair, every photo
graph, by heart. and the faces around
her were types that she had met dozens
of times on similar occasions.
From time 10 time, Whitefieid would
issue for moment from his private Of
fee, TO be Immediately Waylaid by q
dozen eager clients, all craving the boon
of five minutes conversation with the
great man. The agent would either
quietly ignore such advances, or merely
respond with a word or Il nod. Then
casting leisurely eye over the crowd.
he would heckon to some more prominent
member of the company, and, accompa-
MED by the person thus distinguished,
and followed by dozen pairs of wistful
eyes, disappear once more into his sane
tum.
Evelyn was used to waiting. She knew
that to obtain FIVE minutes speech Of
Whitefield it was often necessary to
spend two or three hours in Whiteheld' S
anteroom, and she waited among the rest
with the dull resignation born of long
acquaintance with dramatic agencies.
Today, however, Evelyn had business
elsewhere, and, having passed useless
T51sir in the familiar place, she turned TO
go, hoping for better fortune on the for
lowing day.
On the landing she almost ran into
the arms of a tall young man who was
hurrying up the stairs three steps at a
time. The stranger apologiZed politely,
and stood aside to let the girl pass. lie
glanced at her carelessly as he did Sc,
then an exclamation of glad surprise
burst from his lips.
Evelyn. You here"
"Tomr'
81 have found you at last"
"Have you been looking for meT
"Looking for you, oh, Evelyn, where
had you hidden yourself that l couldn
find you? Why I've But we can
talk in this place Come away from
here"
But you have business at White
fields
Business that will keep. Never mind
that now. You don't know how gla,
am to see you. For three years we
been waiting for this. 90,
you hadn't forgotten me, them
did you think | should? Did you
really mean what you said that day
| three years ago.
II don't know. | think But where
are you taking me to? | have to get
back to Brixton. I'm staying there with
an old nurse of mine, you know"
ssWe'H have some tea first and then
| we'll cab it to Brixton. That will give
you a chance of asking my forgiveness
for your most outrageous conduct
.What do you meanE
s.You know you've behaved very badly
| to me"
IL believe have"
"Yes. You don't know what lot gov
| have to answer for. | mean to have II
all out with you presently"
! They entered a quiet little cafe, and
when the waiter had brought them then
tea and toast and retired out of earshot
| Hereford turned to his companion with
| glad laugh.
'.You don't mind my looking at YOU,
| he said. Its so good to see you again.
Il don't mind a bit" she returned. But
warn you. you'll be disappointed. I'm
getting horribly plain"
| He looked at her critically, and shad'
ow crossed his face.
There | told you So" cried the girl
noting the look; and she laughed again, a
pitiful little laugh.
"You're prettier than ever" said Tom
| slowly, but you are different somehow
| You look as if-forgiye me for being sc
outspoken-as if you were not very hap
ply, and had got used TO it."
"Well, you've changed too, for that
matter. You wouldn't have made that
| speech three years ago"
"Why notT'
"You weren't old enough then. You
were only a boy. You are a man now.
Eyes. was a fool three years ago,
said he.
"Ah, You admit that" she cried.
YES, l was a fool" he repeated, and
| did not see how white she had grown
But i didn't bring you here to talk
about myself" he continued impetuous.
| ly. Il want to know all about YOU
why should bother you with my af.
| fairS?' asked Evelyn, coldly.
Don't talk like that. Evelyn We're
such old friends. Haven't l the right to
know"
well, l suppose you heard"
"Yes." he replied, a little awkwart!ly
II heard of your loss when l came home
year ago. No one knew what had be-
come of you. | only had a week in
town; then | was obliged to be off again
with De Bears company without having
| discovered your whereabouts. | wrote
several times to the old address, but the
| letters were returned"
And since then you've been in Amer
lea, haven't you? You came back a week
ago.
Evelyn! Then you hadn't quite given
me up$"