The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-06-26
RosA,S CONQUEST.
By Dorethea Deakin.


 Rosa. as a Pferrette. in full, short white skirt dotted with scarlet pom pona. with an absurd little psrked hat perched rakishly on her brown hair ran on with her usual predigality of slniIes. ana sang to an adoring audi ence that she was the Rose of all the Riviera---a fact they were quite ready to believe
 It was not till she had finished her turn that Patrick awoke once more to the hopeIessness of the whole thing His was q gloomy nature. Three days ago he had been miserable. with the firm conviction that Rosa did not, and never would love him. Today h@ was sure of her. but quite confident that never, never. would he get the old boy. ,as he called his grandfather to ap- prove of the engagement and allow him to marry her.
 Next morning they were sitting on Me sands half a mile beyond the promenade.
 what is there to be ashamed of in mel" Rosa asked, shortly. T always thought was rather nice"
 Nicer he said. Yes, you are very nice. .eFscsa. and no one could pos sibly be ashamed of you. But grand won't go to the theatre now He talks about the dull old burlesques as if they were the latest musical comedies, and as for the Irish melodies
 Patrick left to. her imagination the passion his grandfather entertained for the Irish melodies.
 Funny. sentimental old thing" Rosa said with a laugh. Granny used to sing one of those old things-'StiIl so gently OCT me stealing I learned 1t when I was kiddy. and parodied it 'Still the burglar softly stealing, creeps in through the pantry ceiling. The parody was rather nice"
 Rosa, dearest" his voice was very earnest. will you give the thing up and marry me? I've got to go back to town next week. can't and won't go without you"
 This time 1t was Rosa who was si- lent
 I've been over the whole thing be- fore" he said. quickly. Its no use my telling you again how much NO" Rosa said. quietly. But what about your grandfatherT'
 Patrick flushed.
 If we're once married" he said hastily. it would be all right. If we were once away from here. he need never know anything about the Pa viiion or that you"
 He broke off Rosa's mouth was set hard. It was no rosebud now.
 That will do," said she. "NO. no mol l won't. Not unless you marry me openly here In silverbeach, and ask the whole Pavilion crowd to the wedding"
 'Rosa"
 Rosa laughed.
 Tt is my benefit on Monday" shc said, and I get 10 per cent of the prof its. Bring your grandfather to the Pavilion to see me. can wear what like and sing what l like on Monday win do my best FJ make a good i'm pression."
 Patrick shook his head gloomily. H, knew Rosas repertoire too well.
 And now" said she, I'm goins down to the Pavilion to practice songs Tt will be a new experience" sug gested Patrick. mildly. and very amusing"
 'Experience I'd rather do without grunted the grandfather. "romfool! and minxes."
 T shall take tickets for both of us. said his grandson. hastily. 'Its--it'i for a charity tonight"
 "A charity? For what?"
 For the beneft of a poor girl" wal the young mans shameless reply.
 'Hm," said his grandfather. "A charity. I suppose yog will make mt
 
 At half past seven precisely the oie wooden doors which shut In the bril-. liant little stage were opened wide b1 the refined humorist, and the ladies orchestra struck up their selection from 'Florodora-"
 Ladies and gentlemen" the man ager announced, you have come to- night for Miss Rosa Carey's benefit No doubt she will thank you for youi generous support later on. For some reason, known only to herself, Miss Ca rey has chosen to sing to you tonigh in the character of a lady of the veal 1S40. l hope vou will receive hel kindly"
 The audience was puzzled, but 1t ap plau6ed vigorously. Patrick did no understand in the least.
 A rose-colored vision drifted out or the stage, not with hop, skip and 2 jump, as was Rosa's habit, but with . dexterous blending of a chassee and s glide. which endei in low courtesy to the audience.
 Good graciousl' said Patrick'' grandfather. Good gracious"
 The audience laughed, and Rosa courtesied again and kissed her hand She was so carefully made up that il was impossible to detect it with the naked eye. and the bloom on her round young cheek might have been all hel own.
 Wonderful" said the old man. won derful" Rosa began to sing Still SC gently 'Nr me stealing
 The au, >enee was surprised. but lls-