Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1902-12-25

and fortune within my grasp. Why
does he not see this, make some claim,
show some emotion in my presence /.
An. well, love is but dream, an u
fusion fed by youth and fancy
She scarcely knows herself IN these
davs: the demon of unrest possesses
her and gives her no peace IN her wax
ing hours. Week in and week OUT she
lives in a whirl of excitement; no"
working with ceaseless energy in her
profession 10 gain perfection IN some
favorite role. now abandoning herseii
to the pleasures of social life, when
hitherto she had deemed as unworthy
the true artist.
She gives herself no moment for rest
or thought; to enc who could read oe-
tween the lines, il would almost seem
she dares not.
In vain Granger 'counsels her frank
ly and warmly, as brother may
pleads for her health, her future; she
opposes him with all a woman's IN
reasoning wilfullness.
what does it matter? A few years
more or less. Excitement is my lie.
/ thrive upon it; without it, should
die. While | live ] mean TO live at the
height of my powers; say no more.
OF what avail to speak? Counsel,
argument or entreaty fan powerless
before this mood Of defiance; ne can
but watch her with a pang at his
heart. as the season hurries to its
close; marvel at her strength and en-
durance, the feyerish brilliance, the
wondrous arr she displays when the
eyes Of the world are upon her.
The last night comes, and "Ihe Bar.
Der of Seville" is given 70 q crowded
house. Ia the fascinating role of
Rosina She sparkles like sunlight
seems the incarnation Of youth and
witchery, while her glorious voice da1-
zles them anew IN lis soaring sweet
ness and airy bird flights holds them
under a spell Of Breatnie-s cuchant-
ment
1t was a supreme triumph; an oeca-
sion to be recalled with beating heart
for many an after year. The house
went mad with enthusiasm, the boxes
rained flowers, the orchestra rose 70
her. What more could woman ASH or
receive? And IL seemed rot simply
homage to the great artist, but per-
sonal pride and affection for the love
ly singer who in sense belonged to
them all.
A two-fold triumph, and one not TO
be lightly valued.
Later on Granger sought her out
in her dressing-room, where she had
been holding an informal reception for
over an hour. By good chance he
found her alone, and willing to receive
him.
"Well-and what have you to say to
me. FRANKIE" and She turned 20 him
with a bewildering smile. What man
could remain unmoved by her radiant
beauty at this moment. untouched by
the glamor Of her genius?
"May-are words of mine needed to
add to your triumph? Are you not al
ready satiated with fattery, wearied
of homage?" There was sadness in
his tone, a wistful tenderness in his
glance. as though he sought in vain to
trace the lost love of his youth in this
$40, no" vehemently. Il would
drink the Intoxicating cup 10 the very
dregs; what woman would not do the
same? Would any woman living have
the courage to refuse this?" and pluug-
ing her hand into a bed Of roses she
held out to him ssomething that
sparkled, shimmered. and caught the
necklace of diamonds.
He shrank back as though she had
struck him: "May. my dear girl-you
would not accept this from any man.
No. mol will not belieyeit."
sNot when he offers me heart and
hand as well2" teasingly. "But this is
no romance. my friend. such follies are
not for me. Do not exist in these
days, off the stage-but in this world
there are other things to be eonsid-
cred; luxury, ease, power"
''Who is the man-his name9- he
muttered, scarce needing her careless
speech.
She gave him a name wen known
to the world Of fashion; a name that
implied wealth and station, If not
honor and nobility.
"May," he implored. pale with an
guish. 1T must not be; would YOU
sell your youth, your talent, your
beauty, your soul, for so pitiful a
prise? No. mol / protest against It'll
IL forbid It'll"
by what right?" she demanded. fac
ing him like creature at bay. pale
with passion, her dark eyes flashing
fire.
For a moment he looked at her. hes
itated, and then without warning
broke loose from the silence and self
command for years, spoke to her in
words that rang as a trumpet call
Weakened the echoes from the van.
ished past, overmastered her with
their stirring appeal. "May. bv the
right Of a lifelong love, a loyalty that
has survived the shock Of treachery
time and separation: has known NJ