Charlevoix county herald., 1906-10-27

her ~ the lobby and stood tapping
her foot impatiently on the tiled floor.
1t was a fearful night outside. Moth
ing but the unparalleled success of
Mile. Dupont would have insured such
large house. 1t was the last per-
Torrance, so, in spite of the war of
the elements" Mile. was encouraged
by the largest audience of the week.
The lobby was rapidly emptying.
There was a grand rush for carriages
and cars. Her escort had hurried out
into the rain, but the carriage was no.
where to be found. He rushed back
and telephoned. 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.
II 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 glances 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-yes-he was coming in her direc-
ton. She was too surprised to move.
She just stood and waited to see what
would happen next.
May ], dare /, speak to Mile. Du-
pont?' The voice was cultured and
low. Il have tried so 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 seen my card before" he said,
with slight smile, as he handed her
the small piece of pasteboard.
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 Understandings. He
seemed to realize that she did not
know him.
How stupid in me-" he broke forth,
suddenly. II 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. l thank monsieur very, very
much. / never wear my flowers" she
continued, with smile, as she saw
him glance involunarily at her dress.
Il cannot wear them all, and l fear
10 offend my many friends"
Il understand perfectly he said.
"But why does Mile. stand here?' he
asked, abruptly. Il 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 SO impa
tent" she replied, with low laugh.
'He is all rush and hustle and hurry,
all the time. 1t always make me eX-
cited to think about his funny ways"
she said.
She seemed wholly uncons cious Of
John Faircourts 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, quick blush spreading over her
cheek.
Il don't understand it," she said,
impatiently. Thomas should be here.
He never treated me so before. They
will be closing up the theater SOON"
Not while Mile. is here, surely"
answered Faircourt, with attempted
gallantry.
The management does not arrange
TO keep the theater open to suit Miles
convenience" she said, with a slight
sheer. Mile. is useful to the theater
only so long as she is before the foot.
lights"
Faircourt fancied he detected a note
of bitterness in her voice. There was
a strange look on her face he could
not interpret. He had an inexplicable
feeling that she wished to get away
from him.
May / call on Mile. before she
leaves" he ventured, trying to sup
press the eagerness he felt in his
heart.
II go tomorrow night" she replied,
~but shall be at home tomorrow ar