The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1905-04-08

that Monday night had been fixed be
tween Clara, myself and Mrs. Wilsor
for cur visit to the theater. Ha,t
had to wait very unreasonable time fol
the old lady to complete her toilette, VIZ
did not arrive until nearly half-past sew
EN-. A magnifcently mounted spectacu'
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 billboards Of various theaters.
We crossed over to read them. Here
il the play, my DEAR" cried Mrs. Viii
son.. suddenly; "the Lady of Lyons
1 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"
did not like this arrangement. Since
had seen Mr.. Rodwell there, l desired
to avoid the Corinthian: besides which,
might encounter Josiah, or Mr.. Mont
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 ia
Mrs. Wilson's proposition. l was fair
to quietly acQuiesce. So to the CORN
THAN we went.
During the whole of the play Glars
had been rapt In 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, it,
vivid reality, the passionate earnestnesa
OF the actors, the enthusiasm Of every
one around, and the heat of the atmos.
pfere-all this was overpowering to q
ms'lbidly sensitive mind, totally unused
to excitement Of any kind.
As I was leaving my seat. with Glars
leaning upon my arm, l noticed a stage
box in the upper tier. There. attentive
ly observing us through a lorgnette, wal
Mr.. Rodwell. As quickly as possible.
turned away, filed with that vague, bod.
ing fear which always oppressed me al
the sight Of that man. We did not re.
turn to our first seat, but sat at thu
back, where 1t was much cooler, to wit.
ness the remainder Of the performance
Presently a man came and seated
himself in the rear Of us. I thought
l recognized him as an employe behind
the scenes, and kept my back towards
him lest he should recognize me. As the
play drew towards close l 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 breathlessly
intent upon the scene which was thu
last. I glanced at them, rose quietly
and moved away without their beins
conscious Of the movement.
"You are wanted behind" said thu
man, in whisper. "Mr. Montgomery
wants you directly. II the ladies miss
you, I will look to them till you come
back"
do not tell where I have gone" ]
said.
l 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. "W ait
a moment, and will bring you the MS
CTo BE- continued,