Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1904-09-14
CHAPTER NV

CHAPTER NV.
One day Mr.. Montgomery invited me
TO pay a visit to the Royal Corintitian
TLeatar. There had been time when
no proposition could have been so de
lishtful to me; but since those days
had scared into higher regions Of ideal
ity than the theater could represent. New
ertheless, l accepted the invitation, and
one eve-..ug accompanied him and 10
slab.
While l was standing in the side
scenes. looking at the play, some stran-
gers came through a private door that
led from the boxes. They were gentle
men. dressed in full evening costume.
After casual glance | again gave my
attention to the stage. Presently
heard a voice close behind me. whose
tones sounded familiar in my ears. Turn
ing round, / saw one of the gentlemen
talking to an actress. In an instant
recognized Mr. Rodwell. 1t was shock,
in which. for an instant, I forgot TIE
stage and everything about me. avert
ed my head and dared not move lest he
should recognize me. But | soon began
to think how improbable this was that
he would do so in such situation ana
with my altered appearance.
| screwed up my courage. and turned
round to leave the spot, when. just as
was brushing past the object OF my
fears, adverse fortune brought josiah
Cook across my path
Hello, Silas, old fellow, how are You
enjoying yourselfT' he cried, as ne pass
ed me.
Instinctively l cast a glance upon Mr..
Rodweu. / saw him start and look me
full in the face. A row Of gaslights
leaning against the side scene glared
full upon us both. His gaze dwelt upon
me for an instant, but he gave no sign
Of recognition. and went on talking as be
fore. foudly hoped that he did not re-
member me.
Quick on the heels Of Josiah followed
Mr.. Montgomery. He nodded 10 me,
and was passing on when, observing Mr..
RodweH. he stopped suddenly, stared at
him for a moment. then, clapping his
hand upon his shoulder, cried in IA
miliar tone, How do you do, Mr.. Rod
wellT'
He was dressed as an old man, wore
wig and was otherwise disguised. The
gentleman whom he addressed honnred
him with q naughty stare.
at is some time since we have met,
and suppose you do not remember the
Professor in this dress?'
Mr. Rodwell looked disconnected at
this recontre.
Il certainly did not remember you"
he said. coldly
did not hear more Of what passed he
tween them, and should not have heard
This had not my passage been blocked
t,r a moment by a change Of scene.
Wos only too glad to get away from the
vicinity as soon as l could make my es-
cape,
All enjoyment was over for that even
ing and | would have chosen rather to
have gone home at once; but as had ac-
companied ms fellow dodgers to the the
ater. I thought it would appear strange
to leave wItheus them. So having oh
tained permission. | went into the pit to
witness the rest o. he persormance.
did not see anything more OF Mr.. Rod
well that light, but l could not shake
of a feeling of depression. and a pre-
sentiment that this meeting hoded me
some Ill.
waited At the stage door until my
companions were dressed. But instead
of Immediately vending their way home
ward. they expressed an intention @, ed-
yourning 10 q pub sc house. and insisted
/ upon ny accompany ing them. had
never been in such n place before. and
the noise and smoke quite maycd me.
! Mr.. Montgomery called for supper.
/ and threw down a coin.
"HeHog' cried Josiah. staring in hank
establishment; shave yoC been robbiug
/ bank 20
No; I have only been bleeding a
! friend, was the answer,
! soon began 10 very heartily wish
! that | had gone home by myself. Mr.
/ Montgomery insisted upon drinking; md
that, together with the atmosphere vas
| lnhaliug. quickly affected my brain
! When We reached Rackstrav's briid-
/ ings they would not permit me n gn
/ to my own lodgings. must go into
Mrs. Jennings and spend half an hour
with them.
You don't smoke. SIas," he said to
me. oh, you should, sooJies the
| brain. ii lulls rcmorse Tobacco is the
modern Lethe; or. st oil events. If it does
not obiterate old nories, 1t renders
| YOU indifferent 10 them. which is much
/ the same thing. | suppose you have no
| phantoms to fumisate. You are still
| wandering in the happy regions Of inno-
I cence this with n sheer. Il hsG stray
ed very far wide OF them long before
| was your age. At twenty was a gay.
! dashing spark. At -and-twenty
was forbidden my fathers house. thanks
/ to woman--a prayerfu woman. too.
! that was always reading religious hpokS.
and never happy out OF chapel; wom-
an with 2 heart OF Clint. All my sins
| lie at her door; wild youth might have
been succeeded by a reputable manhood,
| but for her"
While he spoke his face became con
] vulsed with passion. As the paroxysm
/ increased, the foam dubbed from his
mouth, and he launched forth into the
/ most frightful imprecstions.
Il say, old fellow don't so on in this
awful manner" said Josiah, who. as well
as myself, looked rather alarmed at his
violence. Pom my life. can't stand
any more OF it. and so / told you last
time. Come, tell us Of some adventures
Of ,our past life that are so jolly anus
ing. S!as, here. has never heard any
OF them You'd like 20 hear some
wouldn't you?' he added, winking hard
at noe.
At that moment should have much