The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1903-04-02

Pierre worked He arose stealthily like
a robber to write without arousing sus-
picion. He felt that it was his last
chance to write something worth while.
Several days later Pierre and his wife
went back to the city. He was loath to
leave, but Martha was happy in antici-
patton of new triumphs. Her devoted
count had promised to open new, and
yet more fashionable, houses to her.
1--WE will push your husband" he
said, in protecting tone.
work, Pierre" added Martha, "The
Endorsement of the count is valuable.
Don't throw away the chance"
Pierre Dubreuil did not answer
Nowadays he appeared to be Indifferent
to all that went on around him.
One day at the end of melancholy
dinner tete-a-tete with Martha he said:
"By the way, the Gymnase will pre-
sent play of mine in few weeks.
The newspapers made the announce
ment this morning"
What" exclaimed his wife, curious
ly. You have said nothing of it to
mel"
What was the use? I have always
had such bad luck with my work that
l have not mentioned this one even to
you"
Martha was satisfied and the thought
of the play by her husband pleased her
vanity She liked to imagine herself in
box on the opening night.
She kissed her husband on both
cheeks.
Are you content?" he asked, anx-
iously.
Eyes, indeed, my husband" she an
swered.
When the time approached for the
! representation Martha was happy. For
| the newspapers continued many ad-
vance notices and most Of them spoke
of the play as excellent.
The play presented at the Gymnase
was not a comedy, but drama Of great
depth and emotional strength repre-
senting a drama of the strongest hui
man emotions. The blase public was
delighted. 1t was a triumph with few
presidents in the enthusiasms it arous-
ed. 1t was masters work that people
said would place the author among the
rank of the worlds foremost dram
atistS.
Martha, charmingly dressed in
mauve, was in a box with a crowd OF
| friends, among whom was the persis-
tent count From the first words Of
the play she was surprised. The story
acted on the stage was familiar to her
It seemed as if she had had the same
experiences in the days Of her court
ship. She clapped her little hands in
applause, proud to listen to the clever
words and charmed to see the dead
days revived She sought to glance in
the eyes of her hus band hidden behind
a curtain of the box.
In the second act the action grew
quicker A crisis came between the
man and wife. The words they spoke
were those that had passed between
Martha and Pierre. Evidently he had
put his own experience into the play
1t was interesting, but what would
come next? Martha had been SO in
different to Pierre that she could not
guess.
The third act was admirable. In the
drama the suffering of her husband was
analysed with a masters hand, cruel in
his resignation torture and tenderness
The role of the woman was studied
with psychology delicate and mark
ing. 1t was masterpiece.
Martha listened with beating heart
Each phrase spoken by the comedians
| was Tor her like the stab or dagger
Was it possible that she had made
Pierre suffer like that? For by this
time she knew that her true history
was being told on the stage.
Bravo" shouted the count, who die
not understand the real meaning Of
the play. My friend, your husband
is clever fellow, and we will make
something of him."
But Martha did not answer. She sti-
fed her emotion.
Take my ARM" said the count, al
the end.
mot today" she answered. 81 shall
be proud to go On the arm of my hus-
band"
Pierre followed her with difficulty
making passage through the admir-
ing crowd. When in the street his
friends crowded to congratulate them
They wished to give them supper
When the supper had ended and they
reached home in that house where Pier
re had experienced SO much happiness
and grief, Martha fell on her knees be-
fore him and broke into tears.