The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-05-26

needed Encouragement, sympathy
his mpathy-always.
The last act was short quiet and
sad.
When the play was over the en-
thusiasm was again tremendous.
Laura had to respond to call after
call, and stood, beautiful and pale and
happy, bowling before them The
fashion of flowers is over but the eX-
traVagant praise melted out to her
was better than flowers better than
diamonds, better than anything the
world could give her except the praise
of her lover.
At last she reached her dressing
room through the crowds of people
who had gathered at the side to greet
her-strangers, enthusiasts, lovers of
art.
She heard shouts of Author! Au-
thor Speech! Speech
She seated herself in Il low chair
by the fire and closed her eyes
1t did not seem reali nothing seem
/ ed real. Shut in her room she did not
hear the hurricane of misses that
greeted Ternpleton and drowned each
hesitating word he had to say.
Presently the knock came that she
knew She looked up at her lover from
her low seat, noticing how pale he was
and how his lips twitched- She put out
her hand to him.
lie took no notice of the hand. She
drew it back again quickly.
1T has been a wonderful success,
dear" she said gently. You are
great man now, George.
She tried to smile up at him, but he
looked so strange and white
Are you ill?"
He had not spoken = word, nor did ne
answer her now.
No he said at last. passing a hand
over his forehead in an distracted
way Il am not i'll. thank you, and L
/ 1af a
Torrance tonight and thank you Tor
saving the play.
He spoke strangely.
''I save the play Why, you are Jest
/ ing. Georgel" she cried with a little in
4 creduIOus laugh THE play was safe
without any help from me. You know
that well enough"
She rose and laid her hands upon ms
"Aren.t you glad it's gone so wen,
dear?" she asked, coaxingly; but ne
made no answer.
He spoke imperiously. but she kissed
( him. ana his eyes were hard and cold
/ She drew back, alarmed.
Have I done anything to displease
/ you, George? I have a horrid feeling
about my third act. Did 1 overdo 1t?
There was a pause.
No, You saved it. Can I see about
ct 'Th an you. no; one is ordered.
George. you're not-sureiy you're
'What?"
Nothing"
say what you were going to say"
he Whispered fiercely.
I'D rather not"
Il suppose you think I'm Jealous.
Ha, ha! Jealous! I! Do you imagine
| 1 could be so petty?
She was silent
aeaf
How silly you are!" She was half
historical and feeling weak after the
strain of the part. How utterly, ut
Many thanks; you are most gra-
win you send my dresser to me,
please? am anxious to get home"
mo, thank you"
/ you are unkind-
Am II"
YES"
He made a movement as if to take
| her in his arms. but she stood rigid
and cold before him.
viii you send my dresser please!'
Certainly"
Goodnight"
'GOOd-night.'
The dresser found her standing in
her long gray, clinging dress. She was
far away. She was twisting a dia-
mond ring listlessly on the third
I finger of her left hand.
AS an actress Laura Hebden shone
but for a little space, though while she
shone she dazzled- Already she is
/ forgotten.
At its height she flung success
aside, sinking her identity beneath a
] cOronet.
There are those who say she wears
it as no other could
And there is one who heard her
It may be that she finds it heavy
i London Taller.