The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1905-06-01
An Entr'aCte
By FANNIE HEASLIP LEO
Copyright, 1905 by Fannie Heashp Leo

orchestra broke into rippl1ng over
ture and the asbestus curtain rose up
on the painted one beneath.
An usher slammed down the seat
beside Elizabeth and laid programme
ON it; then he handed the seat check
to its owner and slid away.
When you have broken your en-
gagement with a man the night be-
fore, after a stormy discussion, It is
not the hapEest surprise in the world
to find him seated beside you at the
matinee, where you have gone to kill
time and forget yourself.
Elizabeth bowed stifHy.
The man responded with equal
frigidity.
She read her programme with abb
sorbing interest It was continuous
vaudeville.
"I had no idea," said the man at
last that you would be here or ~
my movements need not interfere
with yours, Mr.. Gayden," said Eliza
beth icily.
She grew still more absorbed In her
programme.
A dear old lady, with water waves
and gold trimmed glasses, sat down
with q thud in the seat on Eizabeth's
left and turned a delighted smile on
the girl.
"Wen, I declare" she cried, 'ff it
amt Bessie Mcintyre! Law me-the
very last person on earth I was think
in of seem. How are you, dear?
And how's your mother? Ny son
brought me up to town yesterday for
little visit. He got seats for the
show here today, and he's comm for
me soon's his Office hours are over.
Amt that Nick Gayden beside you?
Howdy, Nick? You haven't changed a
mite since you left Girton. I'm real
glad to see you"
She stretched a black gloved hand
across Elizabeth, and Nick was forced
to shake it smilingly.
"Well-well-well," said the old
lady, ito think of my meetin' you all
here. And we were just talkin' about
you both last night See her blush,"
she chuckled to Nick, as the quick
crimson spread over Elizabeth's face.
II hear you're to be married. Yes,
indeed-we hear things in country, too,
and. Of course, since you alrs families
used to live in Girton, everybodys in
terested in you. Well, well! wish
you all the happiness in the world, my
dear-and you'll need It. Marriage Is
mighty risky thing. And the weddtn'
is to be in the spring, I hear. That's
good. June and brides and roses sorter
belong together" She stopped for
breath.
1--WE are not began Elizabeth. She
bit her lips and began again. I'VE
have
1--WE have decided nothing definite
ly," Nick interrupted easily.
THAT right" the old lady agreed;
hold on to your sweetheartin' as long
as you can. It's mighty nice playtn',
and it only comes once in lifetime"
Elizabeth smiled in spite Of herself.
"Some girls are engaged three or four
times, Mrs. Barton" she suggested.
"Oh, JUS creeks" said Mrs.
Barton comfortably, mot nice, sincere,
honest girls like you that know the
right man and stick to him when they
find him. I said the minute heard Of
your engagement: Now, there's prop
er match. Both Of 'em young, both Of
'em handsome, well off, good tempered,
sensible and steady. Show me bet
ter, JOSIAH says l."
II ought to tell you, Mrs. Barton"
said Elizabeth, with rush. you're
mistaken. I'm not
The curtain went up nosily. "Shucks,
honey" Mrs. Barton whispered, you're
too modest-now don't talk to me.
haven't seen a show in three years"
Elizabeth turned to Nick with a furt-
Gus whisper.
This can't 60 on"
what are you going to do?" he ask
ed stihy.
Tell her,
II won't"
Its perfectly absurd"
Nick shrugged his shoulders.
"S-s-s-h~ Mrs. Barton cried in jocu-
lar whisper. you'll have time enough
to talk to each other all your lives.
Keep quiet now"
After an unhappy half hour the white
curtain Of the vitograph rolled down,
and Mrs. Barton turned to the girl
again
IT can't look at those things" she
said: hurts my eyes. Now tell me
some more about yourselveSmakes pe
feel right old to think Of your two chill
dren goin' to get married. Law me!
I remember the time you want no high
er than my knee. You we're the worst
youngster in the county, Nick, and