The Miller sun. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 190?-19??, 1904-11-30
CHAPTER XXI.

Inc reader VIII probably remember
that Monday night had been fixed be-
tween Clara, myself and Mrs. Wilson
for our visit to the theater. Ha, ing
had to wait u very unreasonable time for
the old lady to complete her toilette, we
did not arrive until nearly half-past sew
en-. A magnifcently mounted spectucu-
lar drama was at the time in the height
of its popularity; the consequence was
that when we presented ourselves at the
pit pay-place we were informed that
every seat was full. At the upper boxes
we were received with the same intima-
ton.
On the opposite side of the road was
a row Of b;llboards of various theaters.
We crossed over to read them. Here
is the play, my DEAR" cried Mrs. Will
son, suddenly; "the Lady of Lyons
| saw it the very first night it was per-
formed, and a lovely play it is, too. You
will be delighted with it. Let me see
which house it is at. The Corinthian.
Oh, that is close by. We can get there
in a few minutes
l did not like this arrangement. Since
! had seen Mr.. Rodwell there, | desired
to avoid the Corinthian: besides which,
| might encounter Josiah, or Mr.. Mcnt-
gomery, which would be awkward: for,
as l have before mentioned, neither
Clara nor Mrs. Wilson knew anything
OF my theatrical employment. But as
| could offer no plausible objection to
Mrs. Wilson's proposition, l was fain
to quietly acquiesce. SO to the Corin-
THAN we went.
" IlIrrInr Z. fhn yyhn1N nr H. .Inr Hl--~
had been rapt i'll an ecstacy of delight.
The novelty Of the situation. the bril-
lance and hustle of the house, the de.
lightful music, the peculiar charm of the
story that was being represented, its
vivid reality, the passionate earnestness
of the actors, the enthusiasm of every
one around, and the heat of the atmos-
pfere-all this was overpowering to a
m'lbidly sensitive mind. totally unused
to excitement of any kind.
As | was leaving my seat, with Clara
leaning upon my arm, | noticed a stage
box in the upper tier. There, attentive
ly observing us through Il lorgnette, was
Mr.. Rodwell. AS quickly as possible, /
turned away, filled with that vague, bod.
ing fear which always oppressed me at
the sight Of that man. We did not re-
turn TO our first seat. but sat at the
back, where it was much cooler, to wit.
ness the remainder of the performance.
Presently a man came and seated
himself in the rear of us. / thought
l recognized him as an employee behind
the scenes, and | kept my back towards
him lest he should recognize me. AS the
play drew towards a close / felt a hand
laid upon my shoulder, and on turning
round, saw that this man had risen from
his seat and was making signs to me.
Clara and Mrs. Wilson were breathless'v
intent upon the scene. which was TIE
last. / glanced at them, rose quietly
and moved away without their being
conscious of the movement.
you are wanted behind" said the
man. in a whisper. "Mr. Montgomery
wants you directly. If the ladies miss
you. l will look to them till you come
| back"
'Do not tell where l have gone" !
said.
1 passed through the pit entrance and
went round to the stage door. Mr..
Montgomery had been playing an officer
in the previous scene. and was still in
his stage dress.
"Oh! one of the parts you copied in
the new drama has been lost. and you
will have to do another" he said. 'Wait
a moment, and I will bring you the MS
TO he continued,