Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1910-06-27

VI AOOuls 0ultco NVu We a. BGANtl
place, Two vacant chairsw
John Steele looked around, He saw
three vacant choirs and took one q 1T
tle aside and slightly behind the young
girl while the governors wife, who
had moved from the front at the con
clusien of the previous act. now re
turned 20 her place next her niece
During the act some one came in ana
took seat in the background. If
steele heard he did not look around.
His gaze remained fastened on the
stage. Between him and it-or them,
arts gayly uttired illusions-a tress Of
golden hair sometimes interviewed, but
he did not move. Through threads
like woven flashes of light he regarded
the scene of the poets fantasy. Did
they make her part of it-did they
seem to the man the fantasy's intangl-
ble medium, its imagery? Threads Of
gold. threads of melody! He saw the
content with partial view Of the
stage and so remained until the cur
tain Went down. The girl turned. In
her eyes was a question.
"Beautiful!' said the man, looking at
her.
Charming! What colorature And
the bravurar' Captain Forsythe ap-
plauled vigorously,
You've never met Lord Ronsdale,
believe. Mr. SteeeY' Sir Charles voice,
close to his ear, incurred.
Lord Ronsdaler John Steele look
ed perfhnctorily around toward the
back of the box and saw there a face
family illumined in the light from the
stage. a cynical face, white, mask-like
Had his own features not been sci
from the partial glow that sifted up
ward the sudden emotion that swept
Steele's countenance would have been
observed A sound escaped his lips
was drowned. however, in renewed
outbreak of applause.
"Old friend, don't you know" went
on the voice of Sir Charles. Had one
rare adventure together. one Of the
kind that cements man to you.'
AS he spoke the light In the theater
flared up. John Steele, no longer hes
itating, uncertain. rose. His face had
regained its composure. He regarded
the slender aristocratic figure of the
nobleman in the background Fault
lessly dressed. Lord Ronsdale carried
himself with his habtuaT lanzuid air
of assurance The two bowed. The
stony glance of the lord met the i'm
passive one Of the man. Then a puz-
zled look came into the nobleman'e
eyes. He gazed at Steele more close
ly. His glance cleared.
Thought for an instant I'd seen you
somewhere before, by Jovew he drawl-
ed in his metallic tone. "But of course
l haven't. Never forget face, don't
you. know"
81 may not say so much may not
have the diplomats gift of always re-
membering people to the extent your
lordship possesses it, but am equally
certain | have never before enjoyed
the honor of being. presented to your
lordshipw said John Steele. Steele
turned and, holding out his hand,
thanked Sir Charles and his wife for
their courtesy.
Jocelyn Wray gazed around. 'You
are leaving before the last act" she
said, with an accent of surprise.
"Our day at home, Mr.. Steele, is
Thursday" put in the governors lady,
majestically gracious
His face, which had been contained,
fmpassive now betrayed in the slight
est degree an expression of irresolu-
tion. Her quick look caught 1t, be-
came more whimsical He seemed ac-
tually for an instant asking himself
so slightly The experience was novel.
Who before had ever weighed the pros
and cons when extended this privilege?
Then the next moment the blue eyes
lost some Of their mirth. Perhaps
his manner made her feel the frank
informality she had unconsciously
been guilty Of She regarded him
more coldly.
THANK you" he said. 'You are
very good. shall be most glad"
And, bowling to her and to the 9TH
ers he once more turned. AS he pass
ed Lord ROnsdale the eyes Of the two
men again met. Those of the noble
man suddenly dilated, and he started.
His gaze followed the retreating hg-
ure.