The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-09-09
THE POWERS AND MAXINE
., All nishtm Rsservea.


sale in leaving 1t there for knew that nothing on earth--short of a bomb ex- piosion-couid tempt the good creature out or my dressing room, in my ab. sence, and that even if a bomb did explode she would try to be blown out
 with my jewel box clutched in her hands.
 Saying nothing to Marianne. who was brushing a little stage dust off my third act dress. with my back to ner' took out tray after tray from the box (which always came with us to the theatre and went away again In my carriage) until the electric light l over the dressing table set the dia- monds on fire.
 Really said to myself. they were wonderful stones. I had no idea how 1 magnificent they were. Not that there were great many of them. The neck lace was composed of a single row of diamonds, with six flat tassels depend ing from 1t But the smaafest stones at the back, where the clasp came. were as large as my little finger nall, and the largest were almost the sfze of filbert. All were of perfect color and fire, extraordinary deep and fault lessiy shaped, as well as flawless Besides, the necklace had history. which would have made 1t interesting even if 1t hadn't been intrinsically of half it's value.
 With the first thrill of pleasure had felt since I knew that the treaty had disappeared. I lifted the beauti- full diamonds from the box, and slip ped them into a small embroidered bag of pink and silver brocade which lay on the. table. It was a foolish but pretty little bag which friend had made and sent to me at the theatre Q few night ago. and was intended to carry a purse and handkerchief But had never used 1t yet Now 1t seemed a convenient receptacle for the neck lace, and I suddenly planned out my way of giving it to RaouL
 At first, earlier in the evening. I, had meant to put the diamonds in his hands and say. See what have for you!" But now, I had changed my mind, because he must be induced to go away as quietly as possib1e--quite, quite away from the theatre, so that there would be no danger of his see- ing Count Godensky at the stage door. was not sorry that Raoul was jealous, because. as he said. his jealousy was compliment to me; and 1t is possible only for. cold man never to be jeal- ous of woman in my pro- fession, who lives in the eyes of the world. But I did not want him to be jealous of the Russian; and he would be horribly jealous. if he thought that he had the least cause. If showed him the diamonds now, he would want to stop and talk He would ask me questions which would rather not answer until I'd seen Ivor Dundas again. and knew better what to say whether truth or fiction. Stili, wfahed Raoul to have the necklace tonight. because 1t would mean all the difference to him between con- stant. gnawing anxiety, and the joy of deliverance. Let him have a happy night, even though I was sending him away, even though did not know what tomorrow might bring. either for him or for me.
 tied the gold cords of the bag in two hard knots. and went out with it to Raoul in the next room.
 This holds something precious" I said amiling at him. and making d mystery. 'fYou'li value the something I knOw-partiy for itself. partly be- cause I--becsuse I've been at lot of trouble to get 1t for you. When you see 1t. you'll be more resigned not to see 9ms--just for tonight But you're to write me a letter. please. and de- scribe accurately every one of your sensations on opening the bag. Also. you may say in your letter a few kind things about me. if you like. And I want 1t to come to me when first wake up tomorrow morning. So go now. dearest. and have the sensations. and write about them. shall be think ing of you every minute, asleep or awake"
 Why mayn't I look nowf" asked Raoul. taking the soft mass of pink and silver from me. in the nice. clumsy way big man has of handling a woman's things.
 "Beeause-5ust because. But per- haps you'll guess why, by and bye" I said. Then I held up my face to be kissed. and he bundled the small bag away in an inside pocket of his coat. as carele5sly as if 1t held nothing but a handkerchief and pair of gloves.
 Be careful" couldn't help ex. claiming. But don't think he heard, for he had me in his arms and was kissing me as if he knew the fear in my heart--the fear that it might be for the last time.
 (CentaaWed Tomorrow)