Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-03-19

1y worth while, he anything. Oh. could
/, do you think. could L? You said you'd
tell me today, and TIL believe anything
from you'll trust you. You'll tell me the
truth
Miss Bridewell turned away quickly.
And II I should say"-she answered
slowly-"if / should say you-couldn't,
what would you do?"
The little girl was plucky. 1T you
snould-if you should say that rd'-she
drew a long breath-"Id believe It And
I suppose I'd go home ana cry over my
sawdust dolly"
"And marry a nice man some day,
wouldn't your
II suppose I should"
"My dear girl" Miss Brsdewell said
abruptly, her eyes dangerously near to
tears. forgive me, but isn't there now.
somewhere, this nice man who loves
your
Miss Lorimer laughed softly. well
you know-I-reckon there is- But. you
see. want to do something first before
I-before he just marries me. I want to
do something. It's SO stupid just to marry
of respectfully and settle down, YOU
know She grew confidential. But he
he hates 1T, my going on tho stage.
When told him I'd been to see you. on.
he really behaved dreadfully."
II can believe It," said Miss Bridewell.
dryly. And could you give him up. II
You had to. for the stage%'
Give him upT' wondered the girl.
Why, he-he wouldn't ask that OF me.
But-but If he did. il he made me choose.
and IL you said could act. Td--I'd do 1t.
I'd choose the stage" She flung back
her head defiantly.
Miss BrideweIl went to the window and
stared unseeingly out into the yellow.
dusty streets. When she turned back she
was very calm and full Of great ten
derness. You'd better go back-to-to
the nice man, my DEAR" she said.
The girl before her dropped pitifully
''You mean-you mean that-I can't act?'
she asked in a tiny voice.
I'm afraid not. my dear"
''That I never could-if I worked and
v,orked?" she pleaded.
Miss Bridewell shook her head.
''Oh." murmured Miss Lorimer. Then
she pulled herself together bravely. TN
believe you. You'd tell me the truth. 1t
hurts-I don't deny that. But Til get
over 1t. Do you know what I'd hoped
can see now how terribly. dreadfully fool
1sh it was, but I'd hoped that you'd like
me and maybe take me into your COM
pany where I could see you and be near
YOU"
Goodbye" said Miss Lorimer. At feel
so wilted, I'm going home to cry" She
went out slowly. her gayety OF plumage
seeming to have lost its morning fresh
ness. her step heavy.
The actress stood motionless. her hands
twisted in the moonstone chain. long after
Miss Lorimer had gone. She did not look
up when Serviss emerged from the draw
ing room. He came toward her impul-
sively. II want to thank you." he began.
Miss Bridewell lifted her head slowly
till her eyes met his. "No-don't please,
not that; did not do It for you. I did 1t
for myself-for the sake Of what once /
did not choose"
Serviss essayed to speak. "No-please
Co." she broke In. II want to be alone"
He bowed and went out.
The last bridge is crossed" Miss
Bridewell murmured to herself She
dropped into her chair and let her head
fall forward weanly upon her breast. She
sat thus for long time. pale and lifeless.
Later she went to her desk and wrote a
lstless line to Frayley. telling him he
could have Irene La Fargo for Berta.
Copyright, 1909