El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1912-09-23
By Francis Russell Gilbert.
HIS, thought Dora, as she gazed
at the scene around her, was

~ HIS, thought DOra' as sHe
at the scene around her, was
L Bohemianism with a vengeance
and Bohemianism was what she had
run awax from her Yorkshire home to
attain
optimistic eyes suggested poverty;
bur she told herself that the first
stages of an artistic career-and espe-
cially in her own chosen walk, the
lyrical drama-were invariably passed
inn poverty. So she fierce-y fought
down, from time to time, the poltroon
regrets that somehow would keep on
coming into her mind, for the comforts
of Charlton Towers, the well trained
servants the horses, repasts that oc-
Cured with such delightful regular
ity, and her games OF tennis with
Jack DaWliSh.
Brother Jack! He always dissuaded
her when she had spoken of her stage
aspirations; said that he knew bit
about it, and that it was hardly-wel,
anyhow, he wouldn't like her to try.
She tossed her head at the thought
What business was 1t of his? true,
they were supposed to be engaged, Dut
to dictate to her-especfally before
marriage-savoTed strongly OF tyranny,
and was insupportable. Jack was a
fool What could he, with his SNUG
10 a. m to 4 p. m post at the foreign
office, know of the stage? He had
limited, too, that she would have diff
| ficulty in getting work, unframed
and, To- the very first agent she had
applied to had secured her a chorus
shop" with the famous manager, John
Tedds No no, Jack knew nothing
about it. RosaIine Mayhem knew a
lot more She wished, by the way,
that Rosaline would turn up. Rosa
line had kept her waiting In that
dingy, Bohemian neighborhood quite
onicL footsteps sounded over the
flagstones of the court All, so you
found the place all right, dear" said
a voice so sorry I'm a bit late; but
one of the very incest boys in the
world insisted on standing me a drink
at Measures, and I simply couldn't
refuse
Rosaline Mayhem was stationed next
to Dora in the big dance that was to
musical comedy at the Empyrean, and
it was in this way that the two girls
had struck up a friendship.
1T isn't a particularly classy look
ing place, is it?" said Rosaline, but
as you say your moneys pretty nearly
all gone, you couldn't go on living at
a private hotel. I hope old. mother
Crann's got a room to let. because
you'll be all right with her. I used
to live there myself"
With her arm clutched in the friend
ly clasp of a rather soiled white kid
glove. Dora found herself being
dragged up some cracked stone steps,
which led to an open door, giving on
to passage of cayernous blackness-
A vigorous pull of Miss MayheWs arm
set bell jangling somewhere far
above. Moments ran into minutes, and
then slipshod footsteps, descending.
heralded the approach Of a slatternly
old woman, who looked very tired.
why. it's Miss Mayhem" she said.
What may you want my DEAR?
My friend wants a room. Mrs
Cram. Have you one to LETT"
Yes" said Mrs. Cram, come this
way"
The slow climb up the stairs was an
other taste of Bohemianism for Dora
"Therer' said Mrs. Cram at last.
throwing open a small door. That
an splendid view of the Nelson monu-
ment. So nice an airy"
Dora looked round the apartment
A very small bed, a tiny wash stand
with an enameled basin and jug, a
chest of drawers and a little wooden
framed looking glass hanging on the
wall practically completed the room s
furniture But il was clean enough;
so Dora hesitatingly asked the price
Mrs. Cram had quickly taken in Do
ra's good clothes and her air Of indie
eision, and answered promptly
Twelve an six week.
shut up, Granny said Miss May
hew pleasantly. five hobs is quite
enough for this garnet; and you'll be
lucky to get that, So come now
Mrs. Cram accepted the reduced
rental. insisting, however, that it
should be forthcoming in advance.
| Dora produced a small purse and gave
her the money at once
We'll. so long, dear, I must be trOt-
ting along" she said. and gave Dora
a kiss. Don't be late for rehearsal
tomorrow Tedd's awfu1ly particular
about that On, and Vernon Milroy.
l. = 1s,y-rr
to see how we all shape"
Her footsteps died away; and sud
denly Dora felt very lonely. She
I looked round her little attic. Wen,
weI," she found herself muttering-
1 I've got to be Bohe-"
With an angry movement she
brushed away tear that was trickling
! down her nose.