The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1905-02-22

She told him quite simply, with ne
tie pathetic quaver In her voice, abouI
her ambition to be great singer; how
hehad fallen through a trapdoor lcfv
sarelessly open by the stage hands ON,
night after the opera was over and hat
been in the charity ward Of hospital
where they had not seemed able d
cure her; how she could walk only !
little way without hurting.
When they reached the opera house
the first act was nearly over.
Wixton gathered up her slight form
and strode up the wide stairway ms II
his burden were baby. AT the door Of
the box he halted. II was slightly
aJar. sold the other seatsf'' he ques.
toned Of the usher.
only one to lady," answered that
worthy and volunteered further the
whispered Information that she was
queer one-"came with party In the
fourth box farther down and came out
III and went away. After bit she
came back with ticket for seat In
this one"
When Wixton ushered his charge into
the box he found. to his surprise, that
the place was unllghted. The curtain
had just closed ON the first act, and the
solitary occupant was shrinking into
the farthest corner as though seeking
to avoid observation.
John reached out to press the electric
button and turned In the blaze OF light
to confront the woman who had re-
fused him the week before. His lips
tightened. and his face went white.
'Eunice. You herey"
The woman turned Il lovely pale face
up TO him entrcGtingIy without speak.
ing. This unlocked for contretemps
had destroyed her poiso, woman OF the
world though she was, and left her as
excited and embarrassed as school. |
girl. There We're traces Of tears about
the dark eyes, hollow from sleepless-
ness. Her soft white throat worked In |
the stress of emotion, and her bosom |
rose and fell pantingly.
At last she found her voice. II was |
low and tremulous, and at the thrilling
sweetness of II the mans heavy heart
pounded like mad thing behind his
immaculate shirt front.
Jack" she whispered, "if you don't /
forgive me and love me | shall die.
never dreamed till mamma made me
send you away how dreadfully cared.
and never was engaged 10 Billy Laun-
ders at all. | couldn't be-not II the
whole family rose up TO slay me-"
The orchestra began the overture to
the next act The wild. gypsy motif OF
the immortal opera rose and bathed
them In its melting torrents OF love
made into music. The little cripple was
eanlng over the edge or the box wait
ng breathlessly FOR the curtain TO rise
IN the familiar scene she loved.
"Jack, darling hear I'll That music
las been killing me till you came! Do
Tou remember that night we
John reached out an audaclous thumb
md pressed the button OH the wall. As
he box was enveloped In darkness he
rushed her close In his arms, unable to
ay one word.
On their way home In the carriage,
when Eunice had been told the little
rfpple's story. she laughed tenderly in
er new found JOY, 10 nearly lost, and,
Vith one jeweled hand in Johns and
be other caressing the young girls
ale cheek, said with a confidence that
be future proved not unfounded:
Il shall take care OF her, her voice,
er future and her back. know a
reat doctor who can straighten out
his little ones tangles. even as she
as been the means Of unsnarling the
readful knot in my web Of fate"