Los Angeles herald., 1907-12-22

bWVHE star looked blankly at the card. 1t was
always difficult for him to emerge from his
part and to take on again the personality of
William Rolleston. On this night he had
played Charles the First. and he still
in his black velvet and point lace and flowing curls
His mental state corresponded to his costume. He
had not emerged from the tragedy of Whitehall (
The bit of pasteboard bore the words in lead pencil
Cousin Phoebe Aver" and beneath. the legend,
Apricot JAM"
1t is far cry from the palaces of kings and the
dim suffering of royalty to Maine farm and the
pangs of small boy detected in raid upon jam
closet But after the first bewildered moment, Rol-
leston's imagination bridged the distance. He saw
himself perched on high Shelf looking down into
the accusing face of the brisk little matron whose
most sacred stronghold he had invaded He re-
membered that the suspense had lasted but mo-
ment Cousin Janet Ayre had lifted him from the
shelf with strong, OBTAINING arms and the epicures
palace had been turned suddenly into narrow cell
of hagellation
SIS my visitor youthful?' he inquired Of his
"The lady looks very young. sir. and her cheeks
very red
81 hope" Rolleston murmured. that these signs of
the blossom period do not also indicate rash ambi-
ons 1t would be difficult to deal with Cousin Janets
daughter if she inherts her mothers force of char
9cter and strength of will and muscle, Show the
loung lady in. She is a relative of mine"
In few moments Cousin Phoebe entered
She was dimpled, smiling, rose-red and white
child of nineteen with her mothers good dark eyes
and Rolleston noted apprehensvey, forcibe chin
Phoebe gazed in frank wonder at the appointments
of the dressing-room for moment. then came shyy
forward
Il glad you willing to see me. l came
to New York for the purpose of making your
quaintance Cousin William. told mother it was a
shame that didn't know the one famous member of
family"
II delighted" Roeston said, visibly solemn
and nervous at was very thoughtful of you to write
apricot jam on your card, or might have had diff
hcuty in placing YOU When that distressing incident
took place you were not born"
i've often heard mother tell of how she spanked
genius and so believed you would remember it too.
and" she added. producing suspicious-looking bun
dle 'I've brought you pots of apricot jam with
mothers love-
my DEAR you are purveyor of more sweets than
can be enumerated by neglectful cousin.sYou
whelm me with regret that have not become
quainted before. Are you alone or did your mother
come with you?"
The dimples into play
81 am staying with an old schoolfriend of mothers
who has clearinghouse West Eleventh Street"
"win you remain long?'
I'm not going back. want to my living"
Rolleston looked uneasy. This child surely too
charming to have ambitions He was afraid to ask
her what she wanted to do. If she said "go on the
stage" he would turn and
cousin William"
Eyes my child
do you think a--a talent like yours through
a family?"
Ye Gods! she was going to broach the dreadful sub
ject. He paused in front of her looking stern and
melancholy
".Never except in the direct line; and am nor
married"
cousin William" she faltered.
"Yes. my dear"
81 think must be like child Of yours. for want
ITO go on the stage"
"The devil you do! beg pardon Cousin Phoebe
but won't have it. / simply won't have it."
Her eyes filled suddenly with tears.