The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-04-23
CHAPTER TX.

that they rarely spoke; and that 1t was
evidently only with view to keeping up
appearances that he was ever invited to
the paternal roof at ALL Between the
brothers. however, In spite OF so much
to estrange them. certain kindness
OF feeling seemed to exist, which was
hardly to have been expected under the
circumstances.
The rehearsal now began. and Sir
George Danvers. who had remained be-
hind to put by the Jewels and lock them
UP In his strong box among his papers,
came and sat down by me. again thank
ing me for taking charge Of them, though
I assured him It had been very little
trouble.
great responsibility he said, courte-
ously.
"a soldier, Sir George" replied with
n slight smile. becomes early Injured to
the gravcst responsibility. 1t Is the air
we breathe; 1t Is taken ms matter OF
course"
He looked keenly at mo- and was silent
rs II considering somethlng-pcrhaps
what I had said.
ono OF those which had seen acted
during our passage home. There Is no.
thing I like SO much as knowing n play
beforehand, because then one can always
whisper to ones companion what Is COM
ing next Tho stage, with all It's ADJUST
ments, had been carefully arranged, the
footlights were lighted, the piece began
All went we'll till nearly the end OF the
first act. when there was cry behind
the scenes of "N1r Denisn Mr..
Denis should have rushed on. bit Mr..
Denis did not rush on. The play stopped.
Mr.. Denis was not in the library, the
improv!sed green-room; Mr. Denis did not
appear When his name was called III
stentorian tones by Ralph or in pathetic
falsetto by Charles. In short, Mr.. Denis
was not forthcoming. A rush upstairs on
the part of most. of tho young men
brought to light the awful fact that Mr..
Denis had retired to his chamber, prey
to sudden and acute indisposltlon.
Dear mel" said Charles to Lady Mary.
with dismal shake of his head, ''how
precarious Is life! Here to-day, and in
bed tomorrow. Support your Aunt Mary.
my dear Evelyn; she wishes to retire to
rest indeed. we may as we'll all 20 to
bed for there will be no more acting to-
night without poor Denis I only trust
he may pc spared to us till tomorrow,
and that he may be vel! enough to die
by my hand Tomorrow evening"
We all dispersed for the night In some
anxiety. The play could not proceed
without Mr.. Denis. who took an lnpor-
tant part; and Sir George ruefully in
formed me that ali the neighborlng
houses had been filled for these theatr,
calls, and that great numbers OF peonle
Were expected. There was to be dancing
afterward. but the principal feature Of
the entertainment was the play. We al
retired to rest. fervently hoping tina. the
health Of Mr.. Denis might be restored hv
the following morning
CHAPTTP Y
But FAR from being better the following
morning, Denis was much worse chnrIas
who had sat UP most Of the night Wifi
him, and who came down to brea kfast
moro cool and indifferent than ever at
once cxtingulshed any hope that still re- q
malned that he would be able to take his
part that night
Great was the CONSERVATION or tho
whole party. A vague feeling of resent
ment against Denis prevailed among the
womankind, who, having all preserved
their own hcalths intact for the occa-
sion (and each by her own account was
a chronic invalid), felt 1t was extremely
inconsidcrato, not TO say indicate. of
"a great man like him." to spoil every
thing by being laid Up at the wrong mo-
ment.
But what was to be done? Denis was
III. and without Denis the play could
not proceed Must the whole thing be
given up? There was a general chorus
of lamentation.
Il see no alternative" said Charles.
",,nIcS3 some Curtlus will leap into tho
gulf, and go through the piece, reading
the part; and that is always failure at
the best of times"
At that time had an idea. It broke
upon me like fash OF lightning. VAL
cntine Carr! ] had seen him act the
very part on the steamer. How wonder
fully fortunate that IT should have CO.
Cured to me.
I told Charles that I had n friend who
had acted that part only the week be-
fore. t
"You!" cried Charles. losing all his
customary apathy you don't say so.
Great Heavens where is he? Out with
him, Where is he ut this moment? Eng
land ireland Scotland or Wales? Where
Is this treasure concealed?"
"oh. Colonel Middleton! Oh, how de-
lightful!" cried number Of gentle
voices, and was Instantly surrounded.
and all manner of questions put to me.
Would he come? was he tall? And oh!
had he n beard? He had not board.
had he? because 1t would not do for the
mart Did lie net we'll? When had he