Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1907-12-26
Copyright, 1907, By Thomas II. Mckee.

Copyright 1907 By Thomas H. Mckee
T-FHE star looked blankly at the card 1t was
always difficult for him to emerge from his
part and to take again the personality Of
William Rolleston On this night he had
played Charles the First. and he still
n his black velvet and point lace and flowing curs.
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, Roll
estons Imagination brdged the distance. He
himself perchod on a 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
ment. Cousin Janet Ayre had lifted him from the
shelf with strong. OBTAINING arms, and the epcures
palace had been turned suddenly into narrow cell
OF Hageation.
as my visitor youthful" he inquired OF his man.
The lady looks very young sir, and her cheeks
very red"
Il hope" Rolleston murmured that these signs OF
the blossom period do not also indicate rash ambi-
TONS 1t would be difficult to deal with Cousin Janets
daughter If she inherts her mothers force of char
icter and strength Of will and muscle. Show the
Voung lady in She is a relative OF mine"
In a few moments Cousin Phoebe entered
She a dimpled smiling, rose-red and rose-white
:hld of nineteen with her mothers good dark eyes
and. Roleston noted apprehensvey. forcible chin.
Phoebe gazed in frank wonder at the appointments
Of the dressing-room for moment then came shyly
forward.
| 81 am SO glad you willing to see me. 1 came
to New York for the purpose OF making your ac-
quaintance, Cousin William. I told mother it was a
shame that didn't know the one famous member of
our family"
Il delighted" Rolleston said, visibly solemn
and 1T very thoughtful you to write
apricot jam your card, might have had diff
hcuty in placing you When that distressing incident
took place you not born"
I've often heard mother tell Of how she spanked
genius, and SO believed you would remember it too
md" she added producing suspicious looking bun
die. I've brought you pots Of apricot jam with
mothers love"
my dear, you purveyor of more sweets than
can be enumerated by neglecttul cousin. You
whem with regret that we have not become &C
luainted before. Are you alone. did your mother
with you?"
The dimples came into play.
II am staying with old school-friend Of mothers
will you remain long?"
I'm not going back. l want to earn my living"
Roleson looked uneasy. This child was surely too
charming to have ambitions. He was afraid to ask
her what she wanted to do II she said go on the
stage" he would turn and run.
Cousin William"
Yes, my child"
DO you think "a talent like yours runs through
famy?"
Ye Gods she going to breach the dreadful sub
Iect. He paused in front of her, looking stern and
melancholy.
Never except in the direct line; and l am not
married"
Cousin william" she fatered
Yes my dear.
81 think must be like child of yours. for want
10 go on the stage"
THE devil you do. beg pardon Cousin Phoebs
ut won't have It. simply won't have it."
Her eyes filled suddenly with tears.
tits my one dream. Mother said 1t was in the
blood"
THAT may be--so re consumption and scrofula
My dear child, have pamphlet here which is en-
titled Advice to those about to go the stage
m oh g." II