The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1912-10-14

 suddenly booked to sing the leading role in Faust on account of the ill., ness of the star.
 Nan, believing Harriet would fail, asked Stuart to spend the evening in her box at the opera-the first time l1e had allowed himself to be alone with her since their return from the cruise.
 "Yes, Man. he answered quickly, 'T'll go with pleasure. A little friend of mine is to sing a great role tonight. I'm so glad you're going. I want you to hear her and help me applaud"
 If Harriet should succeed tonight the thought was suffocating to Nan tomorrow her name would be on the lips of thousands and a new star would be shining in the musical world!
 Stuart took Harriet to the stage door on his way for Nan. As the cab wheeled up Broadway he was in a fever of excitement over the outcome of the nights work.
 "It's horribly unfair, little pal, for them to thrust you into such position with only a few hours rehearsal
 I'm only too thankful for the chance, Jim," she answered.
 At the stage door he held her hand in parting and whispered
 My soul and body will be yours to- night, dearie. Remember that! I've permission from the manager to meet you behind the scenes after the last curtain Be sure to wait a moment before you go to your dressing room" |"
 "No, I'll see you in my room. I shall be so proud of it-the stars room for one night at least! The maid will show you the way"
 CT will be in the Bivens' box, the second from the stage on the right. Don't forget to glance that way, now and then"
 A look of pain clouded the fair face, but he could not see it fin the shadows, and with last warm pressure of her hand he was gone:
 q wonder if he does think Of me still as a child?'' she unused. 'I won der if he never suspects the storm within? Well'-
 She smiled tTiumphantIy. ffI'1l tell him something tonight in my song!'
 Nan was not in an amiable mood when Stuart led her to the box in the millionaire's playhouse which New York society built to exhibit it's gowns, jewelry and beautiful women.
 As the moment for Harriet's appear ance drew near, 'Stuart's nervous ten sion became a positive agony. The people were in a friendly mood of ex pectancy. The fact that she was an American girl and from New York was greatly in her favor
 The audience greeted her appear ance with a burst of applause and waited for the first note.
 Stuart was charmed with the effect of her personality in the character, be- fore she moved. The long, beautiful golden hair, the innocent young face and her simple girlish costume made an instantaneous impression.
 With the first sweet note from her throat every fear vanished She sang simply, quietly, exquisitely, without effort, as a bird sings because the song bubbles from within. A ripple of surprised comment swept the audi ence and burst into vigorous applause at the close of her song. From start to finish Harriet received a continuous ovation. The audience rose in their seats and greeted her with such a tribute of enthusiasm New York had rarely seen.
 When Stuart had fought his way through the crowd and reached the stage he found her alone with her ia ther in her room. Her head was rest Ing on his breast, and he was stroking the fair young forehead with tender, caressing touch.
 Stuart turned away from the scene and left them alone for a few mo- ments. He found Nan and asked her to wait for him at the stage door in her automobile until he could give Harriet his congratulations.
 She consented with q frown and beg ged him to hurry.
 fQfb crowd of musicians, singers and crit ics were waiting in group outside to offer their congratulations. She was holding them back until his arrival.
 My glorious little pal! he whisper ed, his voice choking with emotion. "I'm the proudest man in the world tonight"
 "Its all your work, Jim," she said simply. You suggested and wil1ed it, and I've made good under your inspi- ration. I'd rather see the happiness on your face and hear your words of approval than all the applause of that crowd"
 He turned and saw Nan standing in the doorway with a curious smile on her flushed face.
 May I, too, offer my congratula tions, Miss Woodman?" she asked.
 1dII4eL 5 lIUIle HS uf0 SuuueHly SIu- ened at the sight of Nan, but at the sound of her friendly voice relaxed and moved to meet the extended hand.
 Thank you. Mrs. Bivens." she re- piled cordially.
 And then Stuart did something that gent a shock through every fiber of Mans being.
 As easily and naturally as a big
 
 arms around Harriet and looked down