Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1903-10-07
HER CAREER.
,@HE setting sun cast IL

~UNSeSeeseseSS~s
CAHE setting sun cast Its rays
over the waters Of beautiful
river MS canoe came vending
Its way gracefully in and out the wind
ing paths. Among the cushions which
were piled In luxurious confusion
young man lay lazily putting a cigar
and watching between the clouds Of
smoke the sweet face of the girl op-
posite, as she skillfully guided their
light bark homeward.
/, Then you are determinedW re.
marked the young man, as he puffed a
ring Of smoke and watched 1t disap-
pear. Quite" came promptly from
the girl, and she smiled as If 1t were
q waste Of time for her to have any
doubts on the subject uppermost in her
mind. Silence reigned until broken by
her companion, who exclaimed, impa.
tiently: Beatrice, why can't you lis
ten to reason? have told you of the
life which actresses lead! do not
mean morally. know you are strong
and good. In fact" in softer tone,
the dearest and best little girl on
earth; but the hardships they endure
are appalling. even to masculine
mind"
J $50. to your mind. man is better
able to endure hardship. overcome
temptations and meet success than a
woman" Indignantly. Another good
reason to continue on my chosen path,
to show just such men as you what
we can do" She smiled triumphant
", and vigorously piled the paddle.
Boon they arrived at the landing, and
after having housed the canoe, walked
leisurely homeward. "a penny for your
thoughts, little GIRL" he said, playfully.
They are worth MORE" she an
swered, her voice filled with emotion.
II was thinking Of this dear old place
that will have to leave; all the old
familiar associations, too"
"Oh, becoming homesick SO soon?
What will 1t be when you are really
gone7 I understand, dear. I, too, have
left home and friends, and-but you
are determinedr'
Burton, don't" she said, appealing
". You make 1t SO hard" she con-
tinued. the tears gathering on her
lashes. Il try to be so brave and
accomplish something. l must make IT
a success. have made good start.
Everyone (but yoW encourages me. i
know the life Is hard, but 1t would nst
be true success IL 1t came easily; and
Lam willing to try, oh! SO hard" And
She smiled at him through her tears.
II leave tomorrow" Burton said, us
they reached the gate of her home,
and God only knows when l shall see
yon again. You start on the road in
September, believe you said" try
Ing hard to betray no anxiety. She
turned her head. He bent forward
and looked tenderly into her face; but
this last was too much, and, bursting
into sobs, she buried her head on his
shoulder and cried as though her heart
would break. He clasped her to him
and said: Beatrice, promise me
should you ever need friend you will
come to me, and II you ever give up
this life you will be my own little
wife for better or for worse" Kiss
ing her passlonately, he put her from
him, while with dropping head she re.
piled, slowly: II promise, Burton
"Aflle. Ninon, am SO sorry, but your
violin accompanist has met with an
accident. and have had to engage n
rev man, very fine musician,
though. May ask you to be in readl-
ness in about five minutes?" and with
out further ado the busy manager
rushed back to his place on the stage,
leaving Mile. Ninon very much irri-
tated by the news. 1t was SO annoying
to be obliged to rehearse with n new
man at the last moment. But after all
the little prima donna was warm heart
ed, and It was her old friends acct
dent which concerned her most.
Seven years ago we knew Mile.
Ninon as Beatrice Dillaway, a young
girl full Of lofty ambitions; to-day she
10 successful singer, and the old
violinist had been like father to her
through all her trials, and she loved
the venerable musician and felt sad on
nccount of his illness. Then she unused
Din the past and wondered why she had
not heard from Burton In the last four
years, and II he had heard of her sue
cess. A little sigh escaped her as she
arose in answer to her call bell.
A hush fell upon the company as
Mile. Ninon began to sing. She did not
notice the new musician; she had for
gotten all save the tender words of her
song-her whole heart and soul were
in the rendering of 1t, and rs 1t died
out in low tones of love and ecstasy
her eyes dwelt on the new violinist
with a bewildered expression Before
she was aware of 1t, Burton Leslie, for
It was he, imprisoned her hands In his,
and. regardless of the assembled COM
pany. was exclaiming: Beatrice,
Beatrice, how you have changed! But
should know you anywhere" Then
followed explanations while the CON-
pany, silently dismissed by the man
Rger, left the happy couple alone on
the great, gloomy stage.
Next day Mr.. and Mrs. Burton Leslie
announced their marriage to the COM
pany, and while the orchestra poured
forth the beautiful strains Of Men
delssohn's wedding march they re-
ceived the sincere congratulations from
all, and Beatrice Dillaway's, now Mrs.
Leslie's, career was fulfilled.
apolis Sun.