Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1904-02-22
A THEATER BOX

BY some strange accident or mi
chance q beautiful bunch of blood re-
half opened roses lay on one of ii
chairs. How they were mislaid was
mystery, and Derrick Wayne put theI
out of harms way on the edge Of tn
box, then leaned forward to observ
the audience in the parquet. BY som
motion OF his coat sleeve one of th
large roses lOosened from the buncl
went flying downward. and with idl
curiosity he bent over 70 see its dest
nation.
Mr. Wayne looked down into the up
turned face Of young lady. or cours
II il rather unusual to have flower
drop into ones lap at n theater so thu
young lady was excusable for l0okinl
up. The face upturned was Il remarka
bly, pretty one, with dark, lum nous
eyes, and her attire was n bewitch
ing creation, evidently straight from
Paris. In a moment she withdrew
her gaze and settled back indifferent
ly twirllng the rose in her fingers But
Mr. Wayne continued to stare at the
top of her head.
you came here to enjoy the stage,
said his companion Of the evening sen.
tentiously, mot to attract the atten-
ton Of the whole house by breaking
your neck. What are you looking at.
anyhow relapsing into curiosity.
Nothing in particular" Wayne az.
swered rather gulltily and viewed the
stage hard for fifteen minutes before
he became restless again. An idea came
TO him suddenly that pleased him-if
only Smith would not observe him.
lie gathered up the scattered flowers
from the plush railing and twisted
them into n compact crimson bunch
He leaned forward carelessly and then
hesitated. She sat as before, only the
rose was I'm her hair this time.
II had come to him that, romantic as
II seemed to him, the act he medltated
would appear In a different light to any
one else in the house who should
chance 10 see him. But the lights were
low except on the stage, and every one
seemed absorbed In a blond hero who
was in terrible straits. Tile bunch OF
roses was stealthily thrust out and
poised In the air a moment, a mass OF
fragrance, then they dropped straight
downward and landed, as he had in.
tended, I'm her lap.
He saw her give start and for
moment she did not touch them, but
finally she picked them up and carried
them to her face. She did not look up
nj him, yet Wayne felt satisfied. When
the lights We're turned up at the close
Of the act, Smith remarked on his
beaming face.
81 knew theater was what you
needed" he said. "See how much bet
ter you feel"
Yes" answered Wayne promptly.
'You prescribed the right remedy,
Smith, old boy" He felt quite affec
uonate toward Smith.
During the last act cold water
shock went over Wayne. He had Just
that the theater would
not last forever, and when Il was over
She would be gone-where? He hastily
looked down again In real anxiety.
Yes, she was still there, which was a
relief. But she was talking TO a gentle.
man who had moved from the back OF
he box nearer her. He had heavy dark
lair, and his shirt front CLEANED coldly
mp at Wayne, who suddenly was con.
icious OF n strong anlmosity toward
leayy dark hair and polished starch.
What are you so glum aboutg" in
lulred smith cheerfully. noticing his
riend's serious face. Wayne felt I'm.
'llned 10 pick Smith up by the collar
md toss him out OF the box also for
icing so happy, but refrained upon re-.
lection He suddenly grew bright
gain. Perhaps Smith could helm him
- he had a way OF becoming acauaInt.
d In every town he visited. So. with
reat tact, he maneuvercd the conver.
alton around until at last he inquired:
"oh, say Smith, do YOU know the
eople In the box belowy"
smith accommodatingly looked down
'ard, while Wayne waited anxiouslv.
Looks like-let me sec-the man d
yes" Smith said. breaking OF his
Nasperatlngly broken remarks. "The
'dy with the roses Is Cecil Graham
nd that fellow beside her with ,he
lack hair is Mr. Graham. her nus.
and. Cecil was a great catch wear
go She's a beauty vet
hut Wayne heard no more. He relt
'mpletely nuIllhcd. lie had nor
'eamed she was married. How lucky
had not told Smith about the ro,es,
e felt very suldued and foolish and
eeGly made his way out throu.b tbe
ovid behind little Smith. who per.
'Ied In talking over his shoulder IN
m Az the foot OF the foyer stairs
nllh exclaimed aud WAYNE hoard
m greet a lady Mrs. Graham
she was prcttier than ever face IN
CO, ana her great FUR cloak enhanced
r lovellness. Her husband stood be.
'e her, and Wayne was forced to od- -.
t that he was dne looking I'm snite ~
his Instructive dislike. Then sub.
MY Wayne found himself presepted
MS heroine OF the evening and was
achsatod a gracious smile. Ue
'heed az the roses she carried. ana