The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1903-03-13

Just stand quietly where you are"
that she was the woman he had long
pictured, the woman for him! He told
her this that night between the first
and second acts of "L'Aiglon."
81 want you to be my wife, my COM
rade," he said, in his low, even voice.
II had never expected to marry unless
/ found a woman whom l thought
could be both to me, and until / met
you that seemed doubtful. ! believe
appreciate you. You have been casting
your pearls before swine; have been
associated with those unworthy of
you. shall make it my one study,
next to my profession, to bring out
what is great in you. l know that you
care for me and only want your as
surance."
She turned the leaves of her pro-
gram and her mouth twitched convul-
sively. So he knew she cared for
him. Such is man.
"You understand there was some one
else" she began.
81 care nothing for what has been.
Whatever process has made you what
you are must have been good one. l
always know what l want, and want
you. Will you be my wife, Hallie?'
"Yes," she said, looking him straight
in the eyes. In her heart the name of
Carl rang insistently.
This man beside her, mentally &C.
complished, good to look upon and
with the dignity of high thought, was
asking her to be his wife; and yet,
with the perverseness of fate, she
knew that all the Joy of living had
gone with her farewell to the other
man. She compared the two as she sat
| there in the theater. Carl Saunders,
the idler, undisciplined and spoiled.
Extravagant of time and goods and
carried away by his ever-ready sympa-
| thy, he swung through life easily,
needless OF the deeper problems of liv-
| ing. When difficulties confronted him
he was frankly and helplessly puzzled
| 1t was this boyish incompetency which
appealed to the maternal instinct OF
women. Halle Doyle realized his linn
itations and loved him for them, at
the same time grieving over them.
The curtain had swung back on the
battlefield scene. A soft haze hung
over the stage.
"Yes, it is smoke, l was right" her
companion was saying. by Jove,
that's peculiar!"
There was an uneasy stir through
the house. MademoiselleS Secard paused
and looked about her uncertainty.
what is the matter?" asked Halle,
alarmed. as there fire?"
AS she spoke the curtain was sud
denly rung down, and an immaculate
man in evening dress was addressing
the audience assuringly. There was a
slight conflagration back Of the stage.
The speaker was scarcely heard. Wom-
en- screamed and some tainted. There
was a rush for the exists. The smoke
began pouring from the heavy drop
curtain. Halle and Rheicard were
standing on their chairs.
at Is nothing serious" he said, rails.
ing his voice to be heard above the din.
Don't be alarmed. We will wait un-
til these cattle regain their senses"
Halle was coughing with the smoke,
but she was unperturbed by 1t.
Halle, must go behind the scenes
An interview with Secard at such a
time would be invaluable. You will
not be afraid? Just stand quietly
where you are" All this he was com
PEELED to shout, for the confusion had
increased.
For a moment the girl looked after
her escort bewildered. She could
scarcely realize that he meant to leave