Evening star., 1907-06-29
, shrank from the thought

faStidiouSneSS she Shrank from the tnought
The program was ended and Reaux came
toward her smiling and bowling his way
through hindering and congratulatory
Suddenly the polish of his manner appeared
to her almost slippery. She did wish him
even not to speak to her. She rose nervous
ly and Ellis rose too, intending to let Reaux
have no word with her, but he not
quick enough to avert what happened.
Janets dress as she shrank back toward
him had caught upon the little candle
stand.
AS Reaux reached his hand to her, she
stepped back and the 'stand was over
turned. 1t fell with crash. The flame
caught the paper shades, flashed up the
light drapery of the doorway beside her,
and licked delicately at the ceiling before
any one realized just what had happened.
1t sprang up the lace on Janet's gown. She
did not move. but she heard women scream,
heard a rush toward the doors, and felt her
self caught tightly in Ellis arms while he
crushed the fire out against his breast with
his naked hands.
In that stunned instant she was strangely
cognizant of all that passed. She knew
Reaux, pale as death, had leaped back to
safety and was still assuring every one In
his deep rich voice that he and his price
less violin were entirely unnjured. She
knew that the boy with the beautiful face
had sprung to her side almost before Ellis
could seize her, and that even now he was
sitting with rugs the burning draperies he
had torn down. And as Ellis reluctantly
l
her head was injured. AS sic stood straight
and looked about she felt herself fully
awake and alert. 1t was broad day now
forever. No more unhealthy illusions.
Some one had raised the curtains and the
bright winter sunlight made the candles
seem sickly and garish. The windows were
opened to let out the smoke and a breath
, of bracing wind struck her full In the face:
The danger was over, and those who had
not incontnently fed gathered about in
sympathetic curiosity. Between Janet and
overchareed with meaning all the afternoon
Now the girl stood waiting. 1t had al
happened in moment. and Reaux was
Fastening to her. He had intended to take
both her hands, but somehow the look in
her eyes deferred his dramatic intention
She crippled his power to act: He could
seem nothing he was not, though he braved
an attempt, speaking beneath his breath
but still audibly enough to establish his
public claim upon her attention. He meant
Ellis, whoever he was, to understand thai
the girl was his.
"Ah, beautiful one-I grieve that it was
not mine to save you-that l mus ct this
gentleman'-with a bow to Eli.s, who
scarcely looked at him and kept hand or
Janet's arm-'that l must let this gentle
man take my place lest I play for you nc
more-as 1 have played this day. 1t was
not l who played. but mademoiselle." This
with a glance at his listeners.
Those about were still insisting that some
one must have been hurt, that Janet should
lie down; and Ellis was steadfastly refusing
to let Mrs. Hartley bandage his hands
which were slightly burned, thanks to his
own skill and quickness. He would not
| have felt burns far more severe. for a great
| joy filled him. He had held Janet in his
arms and had felt her yield to his CLASP
| with a confidence which his heart told him
| was not all fear. He knew she had clune
| to him as refuge from more than the
dread of flames.
| Janet was still turned from Reaux. The
| boy stopped and from beneath Ellis's foot
| picked the red rose. 1t was crushed anG
| broken, but it had been in her hand; he
| held 1t delicately and passed it to her.
Your rose" His smile made the beauti-
| full face still more beautiful and she gave
| him the full sweetness of her black-lashed
gray eyes. But she did not want the flower
| "I am afraid the poor rose has had Its
day." she said with slow meaning thai
did not ecape Reaux. But he chose tc
| ignore it, He would get her away from
this blue-eyed, disturbing young man ant
| again master her moods to his will. Hs
| would wait.
| TT is 1 who will accompany you home
| mademoiselle.'
| Il thank you. monsieur, but I fear not
] No, Mrs. Hartley, l refuse to be made {