The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1907-08-23

Int to me- sue fepcNtsu. lneh shc
shullerrd and went back to the couch,
Deliberately she let the scene come
hack to her mind. She let her senses re'
reiye again, from memory, the strong inn
preston Of those two, man ard woman,
as, soul TO soul the magic OF their act
stripped all aside till naked truth stood
forth, That was real that was the ou'
thor's creation and the artists inter-
probation; her whole being felt it, Then,
what had she been doingI A failuret
She was worse-a disgrace!
| A bitter anger took possession Of her
Her soul revolted against its own de-
IcNe. Her limitations rose up around
her like lofty walls and over their tops
were jeering faces, His leading woman !
Led to make fool OF herselfl
She went to her dressing table, took
Braithwaite's picture, and scanned 1t
closely.
You said you loved me" she cried to
lit, but you gave me this part as you'd
lgive jewels to child to play with--ani
now you want the jewel for the one
who can wear Il. But I'm not q chilj!"
And once more she threw herself face
downward among the coueh.piliows.
After his ride, Briathwaite was very
quiet. He watched his wife carefully
as she ate light dinner from the tray
he himself carried to her.
"You don't feel like talking. do your
he asked % he sat by her later.
"Yes, talk to me, Gerald. but II you
don't mind wen let the play and the re-
hearsals 40 out Of our minds just for
tonight. Let's talk about the little
sottage where we fret went-whsn--"
/ Braithwaite slipped to the fur rug by
her couch and laid his head against her
lpillow.
oh, darling" be said, "if we were
only there now--and II was all overt"
| He turned his face down on the pillow.
Il was d bcyish notion, but II had q
mans hurt in II. Mary's mouth curved
into tender smile.
"rt win soon be over" she said; "the
last rehearsal the first performance. the
short first run. But away with 1t now
You were happy, weren't youi"
4 Happy" His face came around and
bis dark, beautiful eyes looked into
hers. I'm happy oil day and every day
with you, dear; the only unhappiness
could ever know would be TO hurt oil
lgrieve you, to have you think"
Pm not going to think just now" she
|. silencei him. Let's talk about the 1T
tie cottage, and the big tree by our cor
iner window. and the lane that went
down to the pond
} He acquiesced in her mood, and th'
dreamy, half-fanciful talk that followes
carried Mary into dreamland. Braith
. waite left her sleeping.
. The next morning she sent him away
alone.
. Cant you get on without mel" sh'
: asked. Il want to 90 and see my goot
: old doctor, who understands these head
1 aches Of mine.'
II "Tell him from me that you're not Il
a have another, If be knows what's goo
Vi for himself"
"oh, he'll prescribe something l know.
e well, I'll see you later, then. Whel
S will you be around,"
5 Now, how can telli Pm your lead
d ing woman am l mott And / hav
c whims. Can't Miss Foster rehears
e for meT'
J. He started back toward her, his fac
n turning white.
"Mary!" he began, but she pushed hir
n away.
t. "Run along!' abe laughed.
J. After he had gone, she put fe'
8 things into bag. His picture cam
n last
It Dearest" she said slowly, "it's all
# can do. 1t will make it easier for 20,
e and not SO hard-not so very hard fc
me-"
II Abopt four that afternoon a messer
ger handed Braithwaite note A
a he read it there came a puzzled look q
- lbie faca than .mazement ana orv;at,
|. and a bio siob Of relief
o Ladies and gentlemen he said turr
lin, N +bo oonn,.on, a. tbo+ ,nn,nart 4,