The Washington times., 1902-01-05

| be put in rehearsal, and her services
would be required for that.
But one night-it was just two weeks
before the wedding-the manager came
TO her with an astounding proposition.
The ingenue had fallen suddenly ill.
Would not Winifred try rehearsing to fill
her place in the new play?
5Vinifred laughed at the idea at first,
but was finally persuaded to make at least
an attempt before they sought out some
| other substitute.
1T will only be while Miss Sharley is
ill., will it not?" she asked, and on being
assured of this she declared she would
do her best.
Her best was a triumph The audience
were enraptured. The critics the next
morning declared that such naturalneSs in
an actress was positively refreshing. In
a word, she became q favorite in a night,
and Have you seen Winifred Hunt in
the Olympic's new play?' was one of the
staple remarks at up town society func-
tionS.
And on the next Tuesday Winifred found
that her envelope contained $50 instead
of Sl5.
She was dazed by her success at first.
She could not realize nor comprehend it.
but the $50 was something trnSihie.
She thoIsni OF the comforts she could
now give ner mother, OF the wedding pres
ent she could purchase for Hayden, of the
countless other uses she could make OF
her good fortune to administer to the
happiness of those she loyed-and she re-
joiced for their sakes.
Only Edwards looked very serious. His
was al independent spirit. His love for
Winifred had been inspired by her de-
pendcnce on him. Now that she would be
in 4 position to confer favors rather
than receive them he felt that there was
a change.
Wnifred saw this. She begged him to
tell what was troubling him.
There should be nothing between us
now, dear" she said. I am sure you are
worrying over something. Tell me what
1t is. Has John been getting into more
trouble and writing to you for help? Re-
member he will be my brother soon. as
well as yours. Let me help him. l feel
selfish with
Yes, and l feel like fool Edwards
broke out flercely. II tell you. Winifred,
I'm too proud a man to be under obliga-
tons TO my fapcee: Can't you see that
your good sortune has GONE between u.s."
Between US? Oh. Haydeni What Is
mine is yours, as all OF yours is mine
Have you not told me over and over that
your greatest delight was to give, give,
that | might be the happier2 And now
that happy chance has granted me the
opportunity of experiencing the same joy,
you would deny ii to me, and | have
counted SO much on what could do for
you" .r.--s
Give up the stage" burst forth Ed
wards suddenly. clasping her in his arms.
Then We can be happy as we were be-
fore"
Not yet, Hayden" she pleaded. There
are so many things | want for mother and
you. II would be--be almost wicked to
throw away the chance of procuring them.
Don't be unreasonable.
Unreasonable" he exclaimed. Well.
would rather be that than charged with
living off my wife's earnings"
You need not fear that, SIR" she re-
piled. and she drew of the ring he had
given her and handed il back to him.
Edwards received it with bow and
left the house.
That night the ingenue halted in her
lines, neglected her business, put no
heart into her work. 1t was the same the
next night. and the next. People began
to talk about how much Winifred Hunt