The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1906-10-26

She had withdrawn TO a secluded cor
ner of the lobby and stood tapping
her foot impatiently on the tiled floor,
1t was q fearful night outside Moth
ing but the unparalleled success OF
Mile. Dupont would have insured such
n large house, 1t was the last per
formance. so, in spite Of the war of
the elements Mile, was encouraged
by the largest audience of the week.
Tho lobby was rapidly emptylng.
There was a grand rush for carriages
and cars, Her escort had hurried ont
into the rain, but the carriage was no.
where TO be found. He rushed back
and telephonad. The carriage had
started. they said. Every vehicle was
In use. had been the invariable answer
to his call at the livery stables, There
seemed nothing to do but wait. And
yet, August Parker did not know how
to wait gracefully,
Il will go find one myself he said
to her, You wait here; ! won't be
long and the carriage will probably
arrive in the meantime
She sOon became conscious OF the
casual chances thrown in her direction,
She drew her opera cloak closer about
her light dress and drew farther back
into the shadow.
One man. especially, she noticed
watching her. His persistent scrutiny
was annoying. And yet there was
nothing familiar or offensive in his
glance. Suddenly he began to move.
but not toward the door, she observed,
| No-ycs-he was coming In her dtrec'
ton. She was too surprised to move.
She just stood and waited to sec what
would happen next,
May |. dare |, speak to Mile, Du-
| ront?" The voice was cultured and
low. Il have tried 80 hard to get an
Introduction. | am a stranger In the
city and so my efforts have proved in
vain. ! have attended every perform.
ance since the first. Perhaps Mile,
has seer my card before" he said,
"illl ~ HliSb b'iiiiNi W. ~ N'R'~' w.
the small piece of p~asteboard.
She was thinking how handsome his
eyes and teeth were, as she let her
eyes rest on the card, John Fair
court" meant nothing to her, but she
tried to smile understandlngly. He
| seemed to realize that she did not
know him.
How stupid In me" he broke forth,
suddenly. Il forgot how many admir-
ers Mile. has and how many flowers
she receives. | was presumptuous to
expect her to remember me among
so many"
AT the word flowers her face
frightened.
"Oh, pardon, Monsieur, she cried,
in her soft voice, with Its fascinating
French accent, how could l be so
negligent? The flowers were too beau.
tiful. | thank monsieur very. very
much, | never wear my flowers she
continued, with a smile, as she saw
him glance ~involunarily at her dress.
81 cannot wear them all, and | fear
to offend my many friends"
IL understand perfectly" he said.
nut why uvvo IIsrS' O--'- 1855 -
asked. abruptly, u fear she may be
cold"
She shrugged her pretty shoulders
deprecatingly and answered with a
faint smile.
my carriage failed to come and
my friend, Monsieur Parker, has gone
to get one for me. He Is 80 impa-
tient," she replied, with a low laugh.
HE Is all rush and hustle and hurry,
oil the time. 1t always make me ex'
cited to think about hts funny ways
she said.
She seemed wholly unconscious OF
John F%aircourt's admiring gaze as she
ratified on. As for him, he hardly
heard what she was saying. He was
only conscious Of the soft. musical
voice, the masses Of waving red. gold
hair, the snowy skin and red lips, half
~concealing the small white teeth be.
hind them.
Suddenly she turned toward the
door, a quick blush spreading over her
cheek,
Il don't understand IT," she said,
impatlently. Thomas should be here.
He never treated me so before. They
will be closing up the theater soon"
nNot whila Mile Ia harp surnlv "