The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-09-09
Copyright, 1ae7. by c. N

shrielx. What If some word had come to him in the theatre about the treaty."
 Then I could have cried as a child cries, with the snappIng of the tension, when he answered: Tt was only that terrible last scene. darling. I've seen you die in other parts. But 1t never affected me like this. Perhaps It's be- cause you didn't belong to me in those days. Or is 1t that you were more re- aiistic in your acting tonight than ever before? Anyway. 1t was awful so horribly real. It was all could do to sit stilI and not jump out of the box and save you. Prince Cyril was a poor chap not to thwart the vil- lain. should have killed him in the third act, and then Helene might have been happily married. instead of dy- ing"
 T believe you would have killed him." I said. T know I should. It's a mistake not to be jealous. admit that I'm jeal- ous. But such jealousy is compliment to a woman. my dearest. not an in- suit"
 How you feel thingsi' I exclaimed. Even play on the stage"
 If the woman I love is the hero ine."
 twill you ever be blase like the rest of the men I know?" laughed, though I could have sobhed.
 Never. I think. It isn't in me. Do you despise me for my enthusiasmY'
 T only love you the more," I said, wondering every instant, in q kind of horrid undertone, how was to get him away.
 T admit I wasn't made for diplo- macy" he went ol.. T wish I had money enough to get out of 1t and take you off the stage. away into some beau tiful. peaceful world. where we need think of nothing but our love for each other, and the good we might do oth- CTS because of our love, and to keep our world beautiful. would you go with me?"
 "Ah, if couid." sighed. If I could go with you tomorrow. away into that beautiful. peaceful world. But-who knows? Meanwhile--'
 Meanwhile. you don't mean to send me away from you?" he pleaded. in a coaxing way hep has, which is part of his charm, and makes him seem like a boy. "You don't know what 1t is. after that scene of your death on the stage. where I couldn't get to you. where another man was your lover to touch you again. alive and warm, your own adorable, vivid self. You will let me go home with you. in your carriage. anyhow as far as the house, and kiss you good night there, even if you're so tired you must drive me out then?"
 I would have given all my success of that night. and more to say ''yes. ]" But instead I had to stumble into ex- cuses. had to argue that we niusn't be seen leaving the theatre together val uutfI avorvnnA Enav that xuapn engaged. As for letting him come to me at home, if he know how my head ached. he wouln.t ask tt. I al- most broke down as I said this; and poor Raoul was SO sorry for me that he immediately offered to leave me at once.
 Its a great saerihee. though. to give up what I've been looking forward to for days he said, "and to let you so from me tonight of all nights"
 Way tonight of all nights2" asked quickly. my coward conscience fright. ening me again.
 "Only because I love you more than ever. and--it's q stupid feeling, of course, suppose all the fault of that last scene in the play--yet I feel as if--. But no. don't want to say it."
 You must say it." I cried.
 We'll. if only to hear you contradict Ahc, tHch. AeeA as 1T were m Oan- ger of losing you. It's just a feeling "a weight on my heart. Nothing more. Rather womanish. isn't it?''
 Not womanish, but foolish,~ said. Shake of the feeling. as one wakes up from a bad dream. Think of to- morrow. Meeting then will be all the sweeter." As spoke, it was as if a voice echoed mine saying different words mockingly. 'Tf there be any meeting--tomorrow, or ever"
 I shut my ears to the voice, and went on quickly. Before we say good bye, I've something to show you.--sume- thing you'll like very much. Walt here till get 1t from the next room. :"
 Marianne was ttdying my dress ing-rooIn for the night, bustling here and there, 8 dear old. comfortable, de- pendable thing. She was delighted with my success, which she knew ail about. of course; but she had loyalty expected me to succeed, and would have thought the sky must be about to fall if had failed. She was as placid as she was on other, less im- portants nights. far moro placid than she would have been If she had known that she was guarding not only my jewelry, but famous diamond neck lace. worth at least five hundred thousand francs.
 There it was, under the lowest tray of my jewel box, I had left perfectly