The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-10-24
THE MAN WITH THE
 STEADFAST GAZE
BY FRANCIS c. MILLER.

Bx FNANINS mAAbEfs~s
 Copyright. 1905 by Daily Story Pup
 with Miss Airline Kimball, prima lonna of the Witches of Orion opera company, had just passed through the ttage door to the street after a matinee serformance, when, from among the by Islanders grouped about the stage door, | ragged, degraded looking man, bear nr the marks of the ravages of drink. illddenfy sprang forth, and grasping my eorguanIon about the waist, kissed her repeatedly in spite of her violent efforts to free herself. Supposing him to be a maniac or crazed by drink, l was so fearful of violence that stood for moment unable to move. Ariine's face flushed scarlet, her black eyes flashing angriIy, as she broke away from him. Then I noted a quick change in her de- meanor. She suddenly grew pale and her expression softened.
 Call the poIice" someeone cried. As willing hands roughly dragged the wretched looking fellow away, my friend, to every ones surprise, sought to restrain them.
 Release himt" cried she in strange tone. Do not harm him; do not call the police"
 The pitiable looking wretch when freed from the rough hands immediate ly bowed his head in humiliation and In a broken voice began to beg pardon Airline without a word pressed a bank note into his hand, and then drew me hurriedly toward her carriage. We drove off in haste.
 Amazed as I was at this extraordina- ry affair. was even more puzzled, for in 1t there seemed to be a deeper sig nifcance than there should have been in R mere sudden impulse of a maniac But although we were close friends we had been schoolmates when girls T EAl . 4rn Aalf al h afr n Varx fsrtrN She must have perceived my curiosity, however, or perhaps expected it as most natural, for we had been seated in the carriage but a few moments when she addressed me with some agitation.
 Nell, you've witnessed strange scene. An, that poor fellow. My heart
 But your compassion is i'll deservei,' ? declared warmly. ''You should have had him arrested"
 NO. mol a thousand times nor re- piled she with spirit. When think to what condition he has been reduced feel a strange sense of guilt, and yet know I cannot rightly be censured."
 Then you have met him beforeY
 'T have seen him many times, though ; not purposely, but have never spoken word with him. You see," she set tied back in the seat a little more com fortably, 'T first knew of him when ] was playing minor role in The Merry Wizard" opera, you know. That was four years ago." She looked reflective ly out of the cab window and remained silent for some minutes. seeming lost In reverie. ~sr tt-
 -Four years ago"
 "Oh, yes," resumed she, passing her hand over her forehead. Pardon me for breaking off so abruptly We'll, ] was making my first distinct success although I had a minor part Every one said I was accomplishing a great deal with small opportunities. and as I reconsider, can quite agree with them. the Wizard had been running but a Few days when one evening received at the stage entrance a note from a stranger. Now, you must have heard dear, of the audacious letters that a successful actress is sure to receive