The Washington times., 1909-01-04

He took her sweet face between his
hands and kissed it, not once but many
times. with reverence and alteration
that reminded her Of former days; and
1t made her happy
well. dear" he said, Il must 20 now.
I'll see YOU when you arrive. 7 may
be back on the stage, but go right into
the box and III be with you before the
curtain goes up"
Langdon left her standing there, gag
ing after him and cautioned, Now
hurry, dear, and don't be late"
A smile and a nod, and ia closed the
door behind him.
How hopeful John ISL Mrs. Lang
don unused aloud as she walked slowly
toward her room and began to dress.
The young playwright hurried on to the
theater and arriving there, entered
through the stage door TO fnd that part
OF the building alive with excitement.
Inc first person ne encountered was
MT Webster. his evening clothes dust
spotted and his shirt and collar wiIted
with the preparation OF turmoil and
anxiety
Going 10 be great night. I.angdon. "
ne declared, hopping mis- face with a
handkerchief already damp from pr.-
vious use. "Oh, by the way. I had this
scenery touched up IN one place. Come
here and see how you like it
He led the way through one ~ the
Wlrgs-the setting was already in place
and out upon the stage. "You SEE 7
had tree put there where Il was blsnl,
before"
Langdon stepped close 10 this eyss
seemed particularly bad tonight-and
"eOster cautioned, Look out. don't get
dry yet"
Much bettcr-yes, great improve
ment' Langdon exclaimed. although in
reality he could hardly see it.
A strange film seemed to have dronoed
between him and all objects within his
range OF vision.
one by one the company were arriy-
ing on the stage from their dressing
rooms and Langdon rubbed his ewes In
an attempt TO see them better. This
MIN troubled him. and as different ones
OF the company spoke 10 him he snuno
he could not distinguish their faces
clearly.
He was rapidly becoming alarmed. and
suddenly removing his glasses. polisbes
them carefully. This seemed to helm
some and relieved his mind temporarily
from the buzzing in the auditorium
ne knew the audience was waiting. and
advanced to the peeDhole In the curtain.
IN o DIM haZy way ne could see the
people hling down the aisles and from
the manner in which they were swarm !
ing In, he was certain they were zoInv
to have fun house for their first per !
Torrance.
Suddenly he heard Mr.. yysbster,s
voice behind him question: What's /
that?"
II say the horse that the stablebov /,
just brought is not the one we have I
been using at rehearsaIx." the stage /
mansg ger was saying.
Wen, what or it?' Webster snapDef /
we haven't rehearsed any part for /
the horse he didn't have to learn any
lines"
But one OF the stage hands saws This
one seems rather fractions"
HIM" Webster muttered. lost in /
thought. why did they send a new
one?'
4 do not know, am sure
wen, neither DO /, and as the cur |
tain goes mp in ten minutes, / guess
we'll have TO use this one"
At that instant the orchestra struck /
up and Langdon stepped TO Webster'r
side.
II hope nothing goes wrong with this
horse he began.
why do you say that2"
Wei. I've a preseutiment-"
Webster's hearty laugh cut the dram |
atist short
Il thought actors and managers were
the only people entitled TO hold any