Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1912-02-13

what are you two people complaining
about demanded Mrs. Stevens. who had
been scrutlnizing through her opera
glasses some people In the opposite box.
''oh, we're discussing the unrealities OF
the realistic play" laughed MIR. Travis.
''oh, who wants 10 see realism on the
stage? The less like real life play is the
more pleasant it'll be-"
That's a nice cheerful thought" oh.
served Mr.. Stevens.
We'll. isn't IL true that We come to
the theater for amusement and distrae-
tion-not TO have the sordid faithfully
Photographed -.s.-.
I'm not so sure about that answered
Mr.. Travis. ut seems to me there's a
certain grim satisfaction in knowing that
other peoples lives are as sordid and I'M
pleasant as your own"
But just now don't feel that life is
sordid or unpleasant
Helen regretted this statement as soon
as she had made II, for Mrs. Stevens
laughed triumphantly.
'oh. you don't Why. dear you NJ
improving. l thought Mr.. Travis and
could drag you out OF your she'll" --
Helen flushed and nervously opened
and shut the little white fan she carried.
She resented the Mr. Travis and T.
Was Mrs. Stevens deliberately trying to
throw her with Mr.. Travis? Was this
why she had arranged this box party?
But here the curtain rose on the third
act and Helens thoughts were turned to
the stage, curiously enough the play
dealt with the love Of a man for a mar
fled woman whose husband did not love
her. There was number Of scenes In
which he urged her to ger her freedom,
but for her child's sake she refused.
While there was no real similarity in
this play to her own life. yet Helen felt
that Mrs. Stevens was drawing some
comparison. Mrs. Stevens had never
liked Warren. She had happened to call
one day and found Helen crying after
one Of warren's irritable outhursts, and
had started then to say what she thought
of him-but Helen had Indignantly
saenced her.
And now, had HeltI not felt that Mrs.
Stevens was making some comparison
betweea the play and her own life, she
would have enjoyed the evening in
tensely. She had been in box only
once or twice before. and 1t was .keenly
interesting though somewhat disillusiOn-
hing to be near enough TO see the make
up of the actors and to get occasional
glimpses OF stage. mechanism in the
wings.
As she turned to look over the crowded
house, all in darkness save for the red
lights at the exits. she was stirred with
some Of the same impressions that must
thrill the actor. a great sea Of white
faces filled the orchestra, balcony and
gallery, and the breathless silence and
nervous tension Of many people seemed
to charge the air.
There never was a woman who did not
at some time long for the glamour AMI
thrill Of the foot-Hghts. and who did not
secretly believe she had in her the ele-
ments OF a great actress Ana now for a
moment Helen was foolish enough to
feel vaguely some such longing.
1T isn't as alluring as 1t seems" wills
pered M Travis. who had been ksenly
watching her face.
Helen started and looked up al hin In
amazement How do you know? He
smiled at the question In hei eyes.
oh, / can read your thoughts some
times"
When the curtain fell on the last act.
the play had worked itself out to the
sterotyped happy end" The husband
had conveniently shot himself in a fit OF
dependency brought on by large gam
bling losses and q week Of dissipation.
And the wife was left free to marry the
good and Loyal man who loved her.
As they left the theater Mr.. Travis
insisted that they all go somewhere for
supper. but Helen firmly refused
Il don't like to break up the party. q"
she apologized. but ! must go home to
winifred-I shouldn't keep Della Up SO
late"