Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1904-04-06
"ln a Stage Box"
By
JULIA NJ. KNIGHT

lie could not tell when first she
dawned upon his sight, radiant
vision Of youth; began to haunt his
thoughts, to intrude upon the privacy
Of his art. Yet it seemed now that she
had been there since the opening night.
in the left-hand stage box. a single slight
girl, with face like rose, and flower
in her chestnut hair.
1t was at the close of long, hard
worked season, and they were playing
brief spring engagement in the quiet
little city. and longing YEARLY for the
moment of release when they could flee
to mountain fastness. or seaside resort.
for the rest so needed in the taxing ca
reer of the actor.
1t was phenomenal engagement con-
sidering the lateness of the season. and
Roy Stirling. the leading actor. who was
creating some stir in the dramatic world
by his rare histrionic powers, had moth
ing to ask of the enthusiasm evoked by
his every performance. He was the IA
vorite of the hour, the matinee idol, the
promise of even the most captious OF
critics. on the high road to an early and
intoxicating fame. yet seemingly un-
spoiled by it all
Who was she? Only a nameless girl
In the flower and fragrance of her youth.
who came nightly with her gay compan-
ions to the little theater; yet, untnow-
ingly. she gave inspiration to his finest
art. color. life and interest to the most
hackneyed role he was called upon to
portray. 1t was not Juliet, in her bal
cony. TO whom he poured out his pas
sion with southern warmth and aban-
Comment. the proud beauty of Lyons.
10 whom he pleaded for pardon. but
the little girl in the stage box; so near,
yet so far. so clothed in mystery and
enchautment.
He knew her not. her name. her en-
vironment. her fate. but each night as
the foOtlights frightened. the violins
thrilled in the opening overture. the
great curtain rolled up to reveal the
Fascinating mimic world. she sat in he
accustomed place. till ii seemed the play
could not go on without her.
Never before has be given a passing
thought to woman as woman. seen fair
face he could not forget over night; the
many temptations and allurements OF
the actors life have passed him by un-
noted yet now he stands confronted
with the mystery, the problem which
TO older and wiser men must ever remain
unsolved.
Art has been TO him all in all since
the days of his dreaming boyhOod
through long years of single-handeC
struggling in the career of his choice. FOl
the first time his Imagination is awak
ened. his heart thrilled by the touch o
q girls hand; covertly he watches he
during the progress of the play. hi
genius Quickened his art intensified b.
the incense of her young enthusiasm
her subtle sympathy. appreciation; 70
so il seems 10 him. and he marvels al ii
He has seen them all; the woman o
the world IN her diamonds. vain. frivol
our. self-seeking, the gushing. candy
eating. idol-worshiping matinee cir
but she is unlike them all; as a viii
rose plucked in the early dawn 10 a hot
house exotic, the star of evening 10
tallow dip.
she is simple. rare. unique; for be
heart still untouched her life unwri;tel
her sensitive soul like that of the Zoe
divines all through anticipation; in II
speaking face she turns to him, Ii
gray eyes that follow him about III
stage. what does she not reveal; sh
responds 10 his every touch as a raj
violin 20 he hand of its master.
Tie actors. alive to the hur1or of Il
situation. rallied him about his late.
mash" the leading lady pouted an
protested that ne made love TO the stas
box rather than the rightful heroine
ne play. He laughed. frowned. ar
t'lrned them aside. hut their cerele
r1illery fingered in his thought, Col
med his own fears and forebodings.
Could this be love? He secuted 4
"a TO scorn. would have none of
Was he the man 10 be swayed by
81 8 smile Ill e his fellows. turned fro
his great anbition. his career. BY
dream betting Schoolboy?
So be believed, protested and 7