Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1904-09-10
WHEN THE LIGHTS WENT UP.

ing myself Il nuisance to Jimmie Hal
stead over night. Jimmie is great
friend Of mine, and so, naturally, / con-
sidered myself at liberty 10 make life
burden TO him.
Financially, / vas untroubled men
tally-well, TO be brief, had been
thrown over two days before by the
dearest girl in the world, had engaged d
passage on the next days steamer for
South Africa, and was, iii fact. tit CONF
panion for none save, possibly, some
sore-headed denizen of the Geological
gardens bear pit.
| had told the cabman distinctly Wa
terloo. Then i had allowed him TO slip
entirely out of my thoughts. When he
stopped | jumped out mechanically and
entered a doorway. At ticket window
threw down a sovereign.
After moment, as nothing in the
shape of a ticket was forthcoming. /
looked up, to find the occupant Of the
box observing me curiously.
Southampton | said. impatiently.
Not caring whether | ever reached that
place, | was naturally anxious to start;
1t Is characteristic of the ciubman.
Beg your pardon?'
My gaze caught a glimpse Of an or
natcly frescoed wall, a fUll-length poy-
trait Of prominent actress; then it fell
TO the diagram before me. Recognizing
the hand Of Fate, | accepted the siCua-
ton. After all what does it matter
whether you 20 to Southampton or the
matinee If your heart is broken and your
life is wrecked?
"OrchcStra%' | asked
YES sir; one left It's the only seat
in the house, and you're lucky 10 get it.
| took it back from a young lady only
live minutes ago. Thank YOU
| glanced with some interest at the
slip of pasteboard; | fancied it would be
nice to know what theater | was attend
ing IT was the Comedy. My seat was
rather far back, and | pushed my way
by ii dozen rustling women with savage
at the annoyance | was cauS-
ing. The house was dark as pitch, and
on the stage man and two women were
talking before huge fireplace.
For awhile ! watched the characters
on the stage walk and sit and walk
again; | even tried once or twice to fix
my attention on what they were saying,
but with no success. 1t was all mean
ngless tumble of words But the theater
was restful, the darkness was conducive
Of rcverie. and after a short time | had
forgotten my Whereabouts.
My dreaming was disturbed by noise
beside me The lady on my right had
dropped her opera glasses | leaned for
my mead came in contact with the lady's.
"Oh!" said she.
Beg pardon" said l.
We gaZcd at each others indstinguish-
able features for an instant.
Pray don't bother" said the lady.
softly.
No trouble at ALL" | muttercd
Its of no consequence" she muir
INJURED, somewhat coldly, l thought. II
IAN find them when the lights go up
Yes. | answered, vaguely, when the
lights go up"
The lady was staring fxedly at the
stage; l could soc that and no more.
blessed CO the opera glasses.
and in turn fixed my attention on the
actors. But it wouldn't stay there; in
stead it persisted in returning time and
again TO the neighbor on my right. |
turned my head the fraction of an inch
aud strove to distinguish her features.
But all that rewarded me was a grey
oval in the surrounding gloom.
Suddenly heard sob-an unmistaka-
BILE sob! Strange sounds greeted ne:
snillles and sobs and slight rustlings on
every hand; the whole house was in
tears! Plainly the play was an affecting
one; ] almost wished that | had given il
my attention.
Unconsciousy l EXTENDED my hand
across the little space that divided Ms.
IT rested ON Il fold Of her dress. ! heard
another sob, and thcn-a little warm
naAd' tightly elntching damp handIer-
chief, resting ON mine!
My heart lcapcd into my throat. theu
IT subsidized and heat conyulSively. For
bare instant the hand remained Then IL
uu'tfred away, and | heard n startled
gasp from its owner
- beg your pardon" | whispered, en-
treatiugly.