Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-04-26


fixed on all that went in front of the entrance.
Delaney knew the location of the Hardee box.
and went briskly to the lobby door but there ne
paused minute to collect himself, and as II to re,
hearse his plan Then he stepped in. He looked
haggard result of his experiences. that Mrs
Hardee, who looked up curiously to see who should
enter the box during an act rose aPpredhenfs ve
to his lips as if warning her not to ask the question
he in her eyes, and stepped back into the ante
room, where she, now alarmed, followed him
Mrs Courtney is suddenly and fear, seriously
ILL., he said and Courtney asked me to come here
for Miss Courtney Mrs Courtney has asked for
her daughter. and think she should go at once
Mrs Hardee, shocked, utterly deceived by the
mans real agitation, and accepting 1t as evidence
of the seriousness of the for his visit gasped
We will leave at once win VII you see about our
Virginia had seen Delaney enter: but was so en-
crossed with the music that she did not notice any
thing unusual in his appearance.in truth was
not more than half conscious of him. But she
turned as Delaney and Mrs. Hardee reentered the
box, and then something in the latter's looks
frightened the girl and she rose to her feet as she
1t was Delaney who replied, saying. Your
mother is ill; only slightly we hope but it is better
for you to return at once. he already mad Viz
ginia's wrap in his hands
Mrs Hardee will follow u.s." he continued.
Well not wait for her carriage, as have an auto
mobile at the entrance.
At little sign of dissent from this plan which
Mrs Hardee gave he added, 1T will take few
minutes to get your carriage he lowered his voice,
and there should be delay"
While he spoke he placed Virginia S wrap around
her and even as she was confusedly asking Mrs.
Hardee to tell her more OF any message ner mother
had sent, Delaney was leading her from the box.
During the entire interview Delaney had never
once let his ewes meet those of George Hardee,
though that young man had eyed Delaney keenly.
The instant Delaney had left the box George
was placing his mothers wrap over her shoulders
and hastily gathering various belong ngs which he
carried in his without stopping to put on his
We must hurry mother. he said
Yes" she replied her voice trembling with
nervous fright at something in her son voice II
could not very we'll help Delaney taking her away.
But shall be directly after
them
Hurry and we may overtake
them. said George.
Delaney spoke in tones of COM
forting assurance to Virginia as he
hurried her out of the opera house
There is nothing, believe, to be
alarmed about" he said. = Your -
father naturally wanted you to be =!
at your mothers side. Fortu- -.
!: :
nately l was there, and offered to
bring YOU at once in my car l -
am certain we shall find your (&.usE8M
mother much better. sW
He helped the trembling girl ~ VI
into the back seat of the car. say %s<As
ing We shall have to take
roundabout way home,-streets =
torn up.-but we shall not be j
long" Then he took the drivers ~
seat and the car moved off, slowly = II
at first as the shifting carriages.
gathering for their owners, half
blocked the street.
FROM the shadow of doorway
opposite the entrance the in
teresting dark emerged SO
quietly that he might have been
part of the shadow which had con-
cealed him. followed the round
the corner and then. its pace
became greater. lightly jumped to
the baggage PLATFORM where he
crouched like an animal
The car first turned in a general