Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-10-07


 made no difference, but he wondered how she was carrying herself so bold ly. At once it occurred to his sus- picious mind that there was some req son for this defiant behavior, and he determined to watch her. For this purpose he joined the party.
 Ut is the first time I have been to music hall for years," he explained to Dorothy. But Walter has been talking so much about this new dancer that felt must see her.
 ''Why did you not dine with us at the Cecil?" asked Dorothy.
 Il always prefer to dine at home, my dear young lady. Besides, 1t does not do for an old man to wag his gray beard uninvited among the young" Meantime Mrs. Ward was chatting amicably to Vane and to vapid war office clerk who had formed a fourth at the Cecil dinner party. The box was large and easily held the party. Mrs. Ward had a position directly in front, where she could see and be seen, but Dorothy kept herself behind the curtains. She could see the stage ex- cellentiy, but did not wish to be rec ognized by any chance acquaintance In an opposite box sat a red haired man in immaculate evening dress. Darlington recognized him as Bawd- sey, but did not think it necessary to show his recognition. He sat at the back of the box between Vane and the war office clerk and kept a watchful eye on Mrs. Ward
 That little woman sparkled like a diamond. She criticised the house, admired the decorations and applaud ed the comic songs. 1t might have been that this indifferent attitude was one of defiance, as she must have known that Darlington was watching her. But she acted her part consum- mately, and he could not help admir- ing her coolness. What an admira- ble actress" thought the old lord, land what dangerous wonan!'
 The ballet came at the end of the first part of the programme. When the curtain rose Dorothy was so anxious to behold Lola that she leaned forward so as to show her face to the whole house. Bawdsey saw her and put his glass to his eye. He smiled slightly, and Darlington wondered why he did so. But at that moment, and while the stage was filling with dancers. he arose to receive somenewcomers. These were none other than Miss Bull and Margery, for whom Bawdsey had pro cured the box. The little old maid was whiter than ever and wore her usual gray dress. Margery was smartly gowned in green, and with her light hair and stupid red face looked any thing but beautiful. She placed her self in the best position, being evf- dently directed to do so by Miss Bull, for that lady preferred the shade. At all events, she secluded herself behind a curtain and kept her beady black eyes persistently on the stage. On seeing that the two were comfortable, Bawdsey disappeared and did not re- turn till the end of the ballet. Der rington saw all this, but noy one else in Mrs. Wards box took any notice. And why should theyf Bawdsey and his party were quite unknown to them. Dorothy could not say that Lola was ehand dseme, but she had about her "a wild grace which was very fascinating When dancing she seemed to think of nothing but the revels in which she was engaged She never cast a look at the house, and Dorothy noticed this She was therefore somewhat surprised when, during the second scene, she saw Lola deliberately look in the direction of the box and stare at her piercingiy for quite moment or two. Rather confused by this sudden regard, the girl drew back. Lola noticed her no more, but continued to dance.
 'sLet us go now" said Dorothy, when the wild dance of Lola was at an end. T wish I had not come"
 She was interrupted by an ejacula- ton from her mother. Mrs. Ward also was standing up, but her eyes were fix ed on Miss Bull. The little old maid, as though feeling the influence of that glance, slowly looked in Mrs. Wards direction. The eyes of the two wo- men met. From those of Miss Bull flashed look of hate, and she with drew behind the curtain of the box. Mrs. Ward was white and shaking Clutching Vane's arm she requested to be taken to her carriage. Its too much for me-" she said, alluding to the ballet
 
 Darlington stood on the pavement when the brougham rolled away bear ing the mother and daughter, both si- lent, both pale. He was alone, as Vane and the war office clerk were back again in the hail. "HunphY' said Der rington, his eyes fixed on the retreat Ing carriage. ''So you know that little woman who called to see me about the lease. I wonder how that comes about. Miss Bull knew Mrs. Jersey, and you, Mrs. Ward. sent that yellow holly. I wonder The old man stopped. He could not quite understand what Mrs. Ward was doing, but he repeated hts former observation. "A dangerous wU- man." said he. "I shall speak to Bawd- sey about her." And, making up his mind to this. he went in search of the detective.
 All that nisdt Dorothy was haunted by strange dreams, in which the figure of Lola played prominent part. Usu- ally calm and self possessed, Dorothy clo aI, h,,% 1o f,