Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1902-09-06

anu W1G1l4A
does he not see this, make some claim,
show some emotion in my presence?
All, well, love is but a dream, an IL
fusion fed by youth and fancy"
She scarcely knows herself in these
days; 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; now
working with ceaseless energy in her
profession to gain perfection in some
favorite role, now abandoning herself
to the pleasures of social life, which
hitherto she had deemed as unworthy
the true artist.
She gives herself no moment for rest
or thought; to one who could read be-
tween the lines, it would almost seem
she dares not.
In vain Granger counsels her frank
ly and warmly, as a brother may,
pleads for her health, her future; she
opposes him with all woman's un-.
reasoning wilfullness.
What does it matter? A few years
more or less. Excitement is my life.
I thrive upon it; without it, I 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 fall powerless
before this mood of defiance; he 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 feverish brilliance, the
wondrous art she displays when the
eyes of the world are upon her.
The last night comes, and ''The Bar
Der of Seville" is given to a crowded
house. In the fascinating role of
Rosina she sparkles like sunlight,
seems the incarnation of youth and
witchery, while her glorious voice daz-
zles them anew in its soaring sweet
ness and airy bird flights, holds them
under a spell of breathless enchant-
ment.
1t was a supreme triumph; an occa-
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 tn
her. What more could woman ask or
receive? And it seemed not simply
homage to the great artist, but per-
sonal pride and affection for the love
ly singer who in a 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, Frank?" and she turned to him
with a bewild erirg mile. What II al
could remain unmc ed s'y ter rae: II: :.
beauty at this l:s'> ent. untouched h!
the g,amur OF her genius?
"May-arc wages Gf mine reete''
add 10 Your triumph? Are you Nc! al
ready satiated with f;attery, wea: ic;
of homage?" There was sadness II
his tone c wiStful tenderness in hi
glance, as though he sought in vain to
trace the lost love of his youth il t!:is
encbantress.
"NO, no" vehemently. 81 wcuio
drink the intoXicating cup to tie very
dregs; what woman would not 90 the
same? Would any woman living have
the courage to refuse this >" and plur G.
ing her hand into a bed of roses she
held out to him something that
spark!ed, shimmered. and caught the
light-a necklace of diamonds.
He shrank back as though she lad
struck him; May, my dear girl-you
would not accept this from any man.
No. mol will not believe it,
"Not when he offers me heart and
hand as welI?" teasingly. But this is
no romance. ny friend. such foliieS are
not for me. Do not exist in tAese
days, of the stage-hut in this world
there are other things to lie cCnsid-
cred; luxury. ease. power"
"NNho is the mau-his namc?' he
muttered. scarce needing her careless
speech
She gave him a name we'll known
to the world of fashion: name that
implied wealth and station. if not
honor and nobility.
May" he i1nplored, pale with an,
guish, at must not be; word YOU
sell your youth, your talent. your
beauty, your soul. for So ritiful Z
price? No. no! I protest aCc:n,: It,
IL forbid i'll"
"By what right ?" she deraaf'ed. fac
ing him like a creature at E9v. pale
with passion, her dark eyes Has ing
fire.
For a moment he looked al her, hes
itated, and then without warning
broke loose from the silence and self
command for years, spoke to her il
words that rang as a trumpet call
Weakened the echoes from the van
ished past, overmastered her witt
their stirring appeal. "May, by tn,
right of a lifelong love, loyalty tina
has survived the shock of treachery
time and separation; has known n.
change throughout the changin,
years; the right of one who has los
and suffered things, and in silence
Who makes no claim save to guar,
you from peril and misfortune. LIE
me do this, my girl, for the sake O
the old days, and I promise to go ava,
and trouble you no more, cast NJ
shadow on your youth and brillian
career"
''No, no, Frank" and she Ieane
toward him with outstretched hands
her fair face TRANSPORTED by emo
ton.
"Stay with me; let me make sue
| .oo, of00aneut for tho M oe ~,