Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1907-07-06

us II biblical play?" asked Mrs
Sedgewick with interest
"Oh. dear, no." replied Miss Car
ney. Just the ordinary sort OF a
play, with a man and woman and
whole lot Of pathos and comedy
sandwiehed in and spread around.
But it is very sweet and enjoyable.
Haven't you read the book?"
No" returned Mrs. Sedgewfck
! seriously Il am SO absorbed in
T. p. Roe's works Just now that
I haven't time for anything else.
Don't you think he is a wonderful
writerg'
I'm ashamed 20 confess that I've
never read him at all" said Miss
Carney sweetly, but I hope to, some
day. however"
Mrs. Sedgwick thinks that only
care for biblical plays. broke In the
rector. hurriedly. as IL to forestaIl any
discussion OF his wife's favorite au-
thor, and I do think that good pro-
ductions OF that sort should be en-
couraged and supported. The stage
and the pulpit go hand In hand in
educating the masses. and plays that
direct the mind toward nobler things
are worthy OF every commentator
and the approval OF all good citizens.
Many a man. who never gave a
thought to the Bible. has been led TO
a careful study OF the Scriptures after
witnessing a stirring drama founded
on Scriptural history and presented
with proper regard to accuracy and
detail"
Il am sure that is sol" exclaimed
Miss Carney, as a mischievous light
came into her eyes. Il remember once.
when we were coming away from a
most intensely interesting production
OF 'Ben-tiur,' overhearing two people
engaged IN a heated discussion as
20 whether the Book OF Hezekiah was
historical or prophetical don't
suppose the thought had ever en-
tered their heads before. and I
have always meant TO look il up N.Y.
self, but I have never done so.
Won't you tell me about il. Mr.. Sedge-
wick?"
"Hezokiah - Hezekiah." unused the
rector, pickering mp his forehead and
rubbing his chin thouEhtfully. You
know that is a book to which we
seldom refer, but-er-strictly speak
ing. Miss Carney. feel that IL
should be regarded-er-in the main
as-er-historical-although some au-
thorities do-er-I believe-er-clai
-er-"
A merry laugh from Miss Carney
interrupted this learned speech and
her rosuish eyes fairly beaned with
glee at the momentary discontinue
OF her guest who had recovered him
SELF In an instant and exclaimed:
4 am afraid YOU are incorriglbIe.
Miss Carney. but I did not think
you would be SO cruel TO me OF all
persons"
Miss Carney returned his good ma
tured smile and said. apologetlcany:
i expected you would refer me
60 Mr.. Ware for my answer or I
shouldn't have dared 20 be no rude.
but 1 thought IL only courteous TO
put the question 20 you first OF
all"
AS soon as dinner was over She
excused herself for a moment TO
visit Miss Weston and then Joined the
other ladies' In the drawing-room
leaving Mr.. Sedgewick and me to
our cigars and benedictine. / fear
! made poor companion. for my
! thoughts We're far away and / realized
that Ike myself but with greater
success. Miss Carney had been wear
ing an air Of forced gaity and good
spirits all the evening
was heartily glad when the guests
were ready to leave. and. although I
was tired from my practically sleep
| less night. l wandered disconsolatCly
about the place until nearly ten. when
/ seated myself In quiet corner OF
| the veranda 20 smoke a small cigar
/ before retiring 10 my room My
brain was SO overwhelmed with the
realization that my hearts desire lay
| within my reach that ] sat in a stupid
/ ly dazed sort OF way revolving the
matter slowly In my mind and try
Ing TO determine the proper course
to pursue.
My cigar was nearly burned out
and l was on the point Of going TO
my room when a shadow fell across
the railing IN front of me and Miss
Carney stood by my side.
u wondered If you would be here. ="
she said, nervously. Il wanted 10 see
you, for there is something 1 forgot
TO say 10 you last night"
She had slipped a long coat Of
dainty brocaded stun over her dinner
dress and, as she stood In the
light Of the drawing-room window,
she made a picture worthy the brush
of the greatest genius that ever
lived
Il won't sit down, thank you," she
continued, interlocking her fingers
and playing with her rings as If
greatly agitated. You know, Annie
is growing steadily worse, and the
doctor from the village says she
must have q nurse, so 1 have tele
graphed for two TO come at once
Oh! thought that dinner would never
end"
She seemed to feel the chilliness o,
the night air, but, declining nay offel
TO get her an additional wrap, she
drew the fur trimmed collar OF hel
cloak more closely about her neck
and went on hurriedly:
You remember / once told yoI