The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-04-24
BY MARY CHOLMONDELEYS.
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by Special Arrangement with Harper 3 Bro,

4 OTST@SSN1V 49, ~
After Carr had been introduced to
| Aurelia, who, however. was still too
| much absorbed In her tea-gown to take
much notice OF him, he seemed glad to
1 retreat to chair by Evelyn. who gave
him his tea and talked pleasantly to him
He was very ehy at fret but he soon got
used to us, and many were the curious
glanoes shot at him by the rest OF the
party as tea went on. There WAS 10 pc
a last rehearsal Immediately afterward
SO that he might take part In It: and
there was general unacknowledged
anxiety on the part Of all tho actors as
to how he would bear that crucial test
on which 80 much depended. was be-
coming anxious myself, being in man
ner responsible for him
you're not nervous. are you y !
said, taking him aside when tea was over
only net half as we'll as you did on the
steamer, and you will do capitally"
Eyes, I am nervous" he replied, with
a short, uneasy laugh 1T Is enough to
mako d Fellow nervous to be set down
among lot of people whom he has
never seen before-to act principal
| part, too. I had no idea It was going
to be such grand affair. or would not
have come. I only did 1t to please you
OF course, knew that, and tried to
reassure him. reminding him that the
audiences would not be critical. and how
grateful every one was to him for COM
ing.
will you?" he went on. who is that tall
man with the fair mustache7 He Is
| elookipr Mt UH now
THAT Is Charles, the eldest son." re-
| piled, "and the shorter one. with the
pleasant face, near the window. Is Ralph,
his younger brother"
'That Is very good-looking girl ne
is talking to-" he remarked Il did not
catch her name"
.tHush," said THAT Ia Miss Grant.
whom NE is engaged to. They havc Just
had little TIFF and are making 1t up.
He does talk to her a great deal. ! have
noticed It myself. Such sweet crea-
turer'
IT'S she going to act7''
yes I replied. "They are going to
begin at once. YOU need not dress. II
Is not dress rehearsal"
ri think I will go and get my boots
4 of. though. said Carr. Can YOU show
me where am?'
IT am afraid you are not in tho house
at ALL" I said. "The fact is-did not BIZ
George tell your And then explained.
} For a moment his face fell, but y
cleared Instantly. though not before
had noticed 1t.
You don't mind' I said. astonished
you quite understand"
.tOf course. of Counsel" he interrupted
ut Is ali right. I have a cold. that Il
. all: ana have to sing next week.
, shall DO very we'll Pray don't tell your
|
, George is Kindness itself, and 1t might
, make him uneasy to think was not ir
his house."
Tho rehearsal now began In earnest
, and in much trepldation waited to see
Carr come on. The moment he appeared
all anxiety vanished: the other actors
: were reassured and acted their best,
few passages had to be repeated. % rev
] positions altered, but 1t was obvious tina
9 Carr could act. and act we'll; though Gu
3 riously enough. he looked less gentleman
like and well-bred when acting witt
Charles than he had done when he wa
tho best among very mixed SGT on TIT
steamer
:. ''You act beautifully, Mr. Carl" sait
Aurelia, when II was over Doesn't he
!, Ralph?''
! doesn't he?" replied Ralph. hot, bu
' good humored. II am sure. Carr. we ar
, | most RrhteLul 10 YOU
@ 80 am T." said Charles your dealt
;. ngonies, Carr. are credit to human
I nature. No great vulgar writings. Wit
: legs all over the stage. like Denis; bu
! a chaste. refined wriggle. and all wa
e over 1t Is a pleasure to kill a man VIII
: dies in such conference.-the manner. /
: only Evelyn will keep little closer t
= me when am on my wicked, baronla
: knees, shall be quite happy. You hear
y Evelyn"
}. "IIow you can Joke at this moment
n vous. Il cannot think don't believ
il shall be able to remember a word whe
y 1t comes to the point"
;. "Stage-fear coming on already sal
d Charles In different tone. "Ah! 1t
{ Your first appearance. Is It not? Go an
u rest now, and you will be all right whe
J. the time comes, have vision Of
!, great success. and call before the cur
y tain, and bouquets. and other delights
- Only go and rest now" And he went t
4 light candle for her. He seemed yer
! thoughtful for Evelyn.
Il IT was the signal for all OF US to dis
perse--the ladies' to their rooms. the me
II to the only retreat left TO them. til
d smoklng-room. AS Aurella went upstair
e T saw her beckon Ralph and Whisper
IS him:
Am to Wean them 4!
u Wear what. my angel?. The Jewels
:, Why, good gracious. had quite forgot
). ten them. or course. I want you to wea
them
- $50 do T. dreadfully," she replied. wit
y n killing glance over the banlsters. "Onl
3, fl am, you must bring them down !
A. good time. and put them on In the greer
II room. hope you have got them some
1t where SAFE
2 "Safe as church" replied Ralph fol-
t. getting that In these days The s1rlie wa
10 not good one. ''Father has them !
> his stronghold, I Will ask him TO sc
- them out--,t least, all that could b
- worn; and will give them rub up befor
= you wear them"
"a "Ah" said Charles. sadly, as he Wake
n upstairs, 1T only had known Sir John!
g. CHAPTER xI.
B. 1t was nearly s o'clock when cam
t. down, The play was to begin at g. III
re hall, which was brilliantly lighted. wa