Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-11-10
E. PHILLIPS OPPENIIEIM

impossible that movement so graceful and
passionate should remain so absolutely
eHortiesS- There seemed tn be some
strange power inside the woman. Surely
her will guided her feet, The necessity
for physical effort never once appeared.
Notwithstanding the slight prejudice
which he had felt against her. ii was im-
possible to Keep his admiration altogether
in check. The fascination OF her wonder
full presence. and then her glorious voice.
moved him with the rest of the audience.
He cIapped as the others did at the end
of the first act, and he leaned forward
just as eagerly to catch a glimpse of her
when she reappeared and stood there
with that marvellous smile upon her lips,
accepting with faint. deprecatng graft
| tude the homage of the packed house.
Just before the curtain rose upon the
second act there was "A knock at his box
door. One of the attendants ushered in a
short man of somewhat remarkable per-
sonaity. He was barely five feet in
height, and an extremely fat neck and a
corpulent body gave him almost the ap-
pearance Of hunchback- He had black.
beady eyes, black muStache. tiercely
turned up. and sallow skin. His white
gloves had curious stitchings on the back
not common in England, and his silk hat.
exceedingly glossy. had wider brims than
are usually associated with Bond street.
Laverick half rose. but the little man
spread out one hand and commenced to
speak. His accent was foreign. but. If
not an Englishman, he. at any rate. spoke
the language with confidence.
my dear sir he began, Il owe you
many apologies 1t was Mile Idiale'
wish that l should make your acquaint-
ance. My name is I.assen l have the
fortune to be mademoiselle's business
manager.
Il am very glad to meet you. Mr.. Las
sen." said Laverick. "Will you sit
DOWN."
Mr. Lassen thereupon hung his ha,
upon a peg, removed his overcoat
Strengthened his white tie with the aid OF
a looking glass. brushed back his glossy
black hair with the palms of his hands
and took the seat opposite Laverick His
first question was inevitable.
What do yon think Of the opera. sir?
1T is like Nile Idiale herself LAYER
lex answered .It IS above criticism
''She is Mr.. Lassen said, firmly, "the
loveliest woman in Europe and her voice
is the most wonderful. 1t is a great com
bination. this. l myself have managed
for many stars. have brought to Eng
known during the last ten years: but
there has never been another Louise
Idiale-neyer Will be-"
Il can believe it, Laverck admitted.
"She has wonderful qualities, too" con
tinued Mr.. Lassen. Your acquaintance
with her. i believe, sir is of the shortest
That is So" Laverick answered, lit
tie coldly. He was not particularly taker
with his visitor.
''Mademoiselle has spoken to me o
| you, the latter proceeded. She desired
that / should pay my respects during tn.
! performance"
1T is very kind of you Laverick an
swered. las matter of fact, it is sx
ceedingly kind, also OF Mile Idale to in
| siSt upon my coming here tonight. She
| did me the honor. as you may know, OF
| paying me Il visit in the city this morn
| ing"
$50 she did tell me- Mr.. Lassen de-
clared. Mademoiselle is a great woman
of business. Most Of her investments sh,
controls herself. She has whims, how
ever. and it never does to contradict her
| She has Also curiously enough, a pref
| erence for the men of affairs"
Laverick had reached that stage wher
/ he felt fndisposed to discuss mademoisellt
| any longer with a stranger, even though
| that stranger should be her manager. III
nodded and took yp his program. AS hs
| did so the curtain rang up upon the next
act. Laverck turned deliberately toward
| the stage. The little man had paid his
respects, as he put it, Laverick felt dis
inclined for further conversation will
him. Yet. though his head was turned
he knew very we'll that his companion
eyes were fixed upon him. He had an UNI
| comfortable sense that he was an object
of more than ordinary interest to this
visitor. that he had come for some spe-
cifc object which as yet he had not de-
clared
You will like to go round and see made
| moiselle." the latter remarked. some time
afterward.
| Iaverick shook his head.
Il shall find another opportunity.
F! hope, to congratulate her"
But, my dear sir. she expects to see
| you Mr.. I4assen protested. You are
here at her invitation. 1t is usual. / car
assure you
Mile. IdiaIe will. perhaps. excuse me ;
| Laverick said II have an engagement
| Immediately after the performance is
| over"
| His companion muttered something
which Laverick could not catch, and made
some excuse to leave the box few min
uteS later. When he returned he carried
a little note. which he presented to Law
erick with an air of triumph.
1T is as ] said.' he exclaimed. Made
moselle expects YOU.
Laverick read the few lines which she
had written.
] wish to see you after the performance
If you cannot come round or escort me
yourself, will you come later to the res
taurant of Luigi. where, as always,
shall sup. DO not fail.
LOUISE IDIALE.
fTo be continued tomorrow