The Sauk Centre herald., 1911-01-12

up her idea Of going on the stage and
surely that of marrying the dramafist
AS they drove home little was said
except what was soothing to the girls
feelings, tho1gh they were hardly pre-
pared for her parting statement that.
provided an apology was forthcoming
from Holcomb, she would appear the
next night and would continue in the
part until the management had had an
opportunity Of obtaining and rehears-
ing some one else. But. even In the
face Of this. Mrs winthrop. whose
love for her son was an abiding and
dominant part Of her life. had hopes
that it would once more reinstate him
In Dora's affections and bring about a
match which she had long planned and
eagerly desired
Holcomb had left several cards and
made many telephone calls at the
apartment OF Mrs. winthrop before
he was able to see Dora the next day.
He had no sleep. for after the rehears-
al he had long argument with the
manager and an even sharper wrangle
with Ludlow and had then set to
work making some changes that the
oficious consulting playwright had In
sisted upon
When Dora did see him near noon
time It was against the advice OF her
friend and her fathers attorney, who,
with tact that Is sometimes purely
legal, had sent telegram to Professor
Fullerton. suggesting that his presence
on the ground might bring about the
desired result Of having Dora go back
home. q telegram that drew-not Full
lerton. but Aunt Cornelia.
Dora" pleaded the young man the
moment he entered the room. you
cannot mean what you say in this let
ter"-one that she had written and
sent by messenger before she had gone
to bed that morning.
II do mean It." she replied. "A man
cannot say that he loves a woman
when he treats her in public In the
way you treated me last night"
II apologize for my tone. am sor.
~ that I lost my head. but simply
couldn't let the thing go on. You
don't understand Ludlow. You don't
understand the reputation be has.
Come to the theater tonight. and when
It is ell over and we are both calmer
! win talk this. matter over with you
more fully and explain to you what I
mean"
II have decided" said the girl sud-
denly. .'that don't want to appear
in the play"
Holcomb dropped into q seat and
watched her steadily.
us it." be said 1nally-'sis 1t this
man again. Graham Winthrop"
II have nothing more to say" re.
piled the girl
'svery WELL" said Holcomb. standing
up and taking his hat: .'if that theater
is dark tonight or some stock actress
goes on and plays the part you will
have set me back good three years
in the fight | am making" And. look
ing at his watch. he bowed to her and
hurried out
AS he got out OF the elevator he was
met by vavin entering the apartment.
How goes the play. my young con-
frereT asked the Frenchman~ cheerlly.
at doesn't &" replied Holcomb bit
terly. Its bad enough to have to
fight all the theatrical business to get
a start in this town. but then to have
to fight the girl that one loves. her
family and her friendsr'
ssVo,Y Of looct 20 4
said vavin
The young man briefly explained to
him the situation.
vavin had been away lecturing. but
had come back with the intention of
seeing the opening production and
DOra's appearance as star.
II was going to call on her." he said.
'and my call will be decidedly oppor-
tune"
"You are a veritable deus ex machi-
na," said the young man gratefully
after the Frenchman had promised to
let him know at his hotel the result of
his interview.
II his presence was welcome to Hol-
comb the appearance Of vavin was
more than soothing to the troubled
Dora Judge Elliott had been invited
to breakfast. and vavin was shown
into the dining room and asked to join
them.
Rather late breakfast for Ameri-
cans" said the Frenchman. who had
decided that for the time being he
would conceal the fact that he had met
Holcomb.
1--WE went to q fierce old dress re-
hearsal last night" exclaimed Graham.
'sand we're all a little BIT on the bum"
availing himself of part of his vo-
cabulary of slang.
"Mr. Holcomb's playr
"Yes," answered Mrs. Winthrop.
sAnd ! am glad to say that Dora has
closed her connection with it and with
the author. She is finished with him
foreverr
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