The Washington herald., 1909-05-02

+ the blanket and struggling 70 get up.
Jack. did you hear that7 Geneva in our
town-at last, Ny mother Ny pretty
/ Geneva. Is she here? VIII she Gomez
Jack. talk 10 ne. VIII my mother be
/ here soong"
The fire IN her eyes wrung truth from
him
''Henris. I don't think so" he said.
slowly. hoarsely- 7 don't think she Will. -
The child dropped back as If shot. and
Helen ran TO her and knelt by her.
'Henr.e.7 she cried, frightened Can
do anything FOR you?'
Yes; you can go away" whispered
Henrie hostile!y.
PeTfOrCe. Helen went
Quickly making ID and dressing, Jack
sat beside his baby and watched the
havoc Of change which deepened on her
face Her breathing was all wrong
That small uncertain heart Of hers had
got the shock the doctor was always
warning against Something must be
done 70 set Il right.
Germaine rose blindly TO his feet and
scrawled out a telegram Going 70 his
door. he chanced upon Fenton Lessing
and wrUng his hand as IL he had not
seen him for weeks
You'll send this. won't your ne asked.
''To Geneva"
Lessins glanced down at the message.
Come to the theate- Immediately. Hen
RE IS dangerously I'll"
Sure, old chap" said Lessing- Then,
pityingly. Don't worry, Jack; please
don't"
Coins back to the sofa. Germaine said
with impressive distinctness:
Little Red Hen. listen: I've changed
my mind. I think Geneva viii come"
Henire opened her eyes and seemed 10
come back from somewhere; she spoke
coherently but passionately:
You always tell me the truth, doa't
you, Jackg'
Always"
And you really think she nay. come -
'I really think she may come"
Garry me 10 the wings, Jack. It will
be your cue pretty soon"
Lovingly he carried her TO her accus-
toned place be comprehended that she
dare not speak OF the hope which gath
cred strength from his promise. but the
life Of it was tingling happily through
her.
Then commenced his torture, FOR the
play was on Every minute that he could
he stood beside Henrie, trying to reply
assuredly 10 the constant question:
-"Jack. Is Geneva here yet2"
Not yet. Little Red Hen"
Finally Henrie sickened Of the asking
and dropped into a heavy stupor.
Just as Jack tore himself away 10 90
On for the last act, Lessing brought q
telegram:
Your ruse Is TOO ainsy. JACK. Iarzss sgneshias
else GENEVA
Crushing the paper IN his fist, Jack
went upon the stage and plunged into the
gayety OF the scene, carrying his audi
ence cheerily with-him-
And Henrie never moved-her pet scene,
too
To her quiet form Jack played as he
had never played before. till the great
house rose az him in applause.
Yet still she never stirred
Then he came 70 the test line. the lire
Of their freemas0nry. Into his voice there
leaped a loud fear-it rang commandingly:
If you love me. look at me. look AZ
met To this he added. unknowing,
"HenTie"' And again: ''Henrie,'
Unable to continue, he paused-the
silence intense, except for the music
Dazed and obeying the command Of his
spirit, Henrie sat Up and slipped from the
couch. Swaying and faitering, she went
right out before the footl;ghts; not that
she saw them; blind, indeed. and drawn
but by the homing instinct, she staggered
across the center Of the stage till she
came TO her fathers stricken feet Then
she raised her hands. And he lifted her
20 his breast
From the audience came a stir OF ex-
pectsnt amusement The music swelled =