The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1910-01-04
!: J0AN'S CAREER !;
H~ee ~&%4
By Mrs. G. A. SHATTUCK. Z


yellow light in a private dining room
at Delmonico's. The man looked
across the table to where he could see
her finely chiselled features outlined
In bold relief against the mahogany
furnishings. JOAN" he half whis-
pered impulsively, don't make it the
last time. Come back to Chicago,
where there's a little cottage waiting
upon WOODLAND drive. You know
how"
k. She looked at him with mock Sc
verify. Jack, you know, you prom
Used you wouldn't mention this mat
ter If let you dine with me for the
last time before started out on my
career"
He clutched the dainty white hand
adoringly. Eyes, know. But can't
you let me tell you once more how
much love you? In the opera you
are called the prina donna, Joan La
Ondre, but to me you shall always
be Joan, the Joan played with
when we were children together, the
Toan / love better than anyone else
VI dtl LIE WOIlu. TIC CdIIASu LIS
hand up to his lips and impressed
On it a passionate kiss.
She drew back the hand and half
started up in her chair.
mo, Joan, don't let it end in this
way" said the man as he leaned
heavily on the table and stared va
cantly at the glass which he held
mo, not in quarrel" He aroused
himself from his dreams of future
dwarfed by her words. "You re-
member year ago you admitted you
liked me better than any fellow you
knew
She looked at him for moment
and then smiled. Eyes, do remem-
Der, but that was year ago. And
besides l have career ahead Of
me-"
Anderson turned to his junior part
ner in the brokerage Office year
later. Henderson, you look all
tagged out. What you need is a va
cation. Take couple of months
off. A tour through the Alps or
italy will make new man of you"
Possibly You are right" he said
Europe" he thought, Il wonder
Where she can be now?"
The little town of Trivole in Swift
Eerland was afiame with excitement.
Yes, It was really so. The famous
prima donna would sing in the opera
ia iohf hn \ L
triumphs in Germany and in France.
Even the smallest child knew the
name Of Joan La Ondre.
There was one man in the village
who did not share the general excite
ment. He was an American tourist
who had arrived at the Hotel de la
Suisse that afternoon in a huge black
Mercedes car.
Are you going to the opera to-
night?" inquired the clerk as the
stranger signed the ledger. "Ths
famous singer, La Ondre, sings to-
night for the benefit of the hospital.
Her photograph is here, M'sieu, !"
said the clerk as he held out news
paper.
craving. He beheld the portraiture
OF girl, the beauty of whom-for
which there was not match in all
the world. Underneath were the
words. Joan La Ondre.''
No" said the man, Il don't think
shall go'
There was s,Ianoa rrL
OF applause swept through the the
atre. The people realized that they
had heard the greatest singer in all
the world. Back they called her
again and again. 1t was wonderful.
that music which came SO smoothly
through that dainty throat They
leaned forward to catch a glimpse
OF her as she bowed them a farewell
from the wings. Their excitement
was SO great that they did not notice
the tiny columns of smoke making
tnelr way up through the floor by
the box which bordered on the stage.
Then came that cry of t'feu'' and the
surging mass of humanity rushed
out They had no more than reached
the street, when the entire front gave
way and fell with a deafening crash.
Henderson heard the cries OF fire
and rushed out Of the hotel. AS he
reached the theatre he saw the clerk
OF the establishment in the crowd.
What's the trouble?o he asked
as the man rocked backward and
forward with uncomfortable grief.
The beautiful singer" he moaned:
the one who sang so well tonight
Henderson clutched his shoulders.
What do you mean?''
The prima donna is on the stage
IN the back. No one can reach her
for they have to go up through
window and down the wings on lad
DER
Henderson left him as he said the
last and ran around to the back Of
the burning structure. A ladder was
already at the window He ran to it
and started up the incline.
AS he did SO a man grabbed him
by the coat and shouted in French:
Don't 80 up there. 1t means sure
death"
Henderson turned and struck him
EQuarely in the face with his hst.