Abilene weekly reflector., 1912-01-25


enrisa. And 4 had needed Carioitap
inccmpreh snsibIe absence from this
rala night for the little Daae, Il .
moments warning. 10 show all that
nha could DO in q part o. the pro
gram reserved for the Spanish dival
The Comte dc Chagny. standing up
in his boz, listened TO all this nenIy
and took part In It by loudly applaud
ing. Philippe Georges Marie Comte
de- Chagny was Just forty-one years Of
age. He was a great aristocrat and
9ood-Iooking man, above middle
height and with attractive features IN
ante OF his hard forehead and mis-
rather cold eyes. On the death OF
old Count Philibert. he became the
head OF one Of the Oldest and most
distinguished families in France,
whose arms dated back to the four
teenth century. His two sisters ana
his brother, RaouI, would not hear OF
a division and waived their claim 10
their shares.
The Comtesse de Chngny. nee de
Moerogis de La Martyniere. had died
in giving birth to Raoul, who was born
twenty years after his elder brother.
philippe busied himself actively with
the youngsters education. The LAD
entered the Borda training-ship' nm
ished his course with honors ana
quietly made his trip round the world
Thanks to powerful. influence, ne mao
Just been appointed a member OF the
official expedition on board the
Reauin, which was to be sent to the
Arctic Circle in search Of the sur
yivors of the D'Artoi's expedition OF
whom nothing had been heard for
three years. He was little over
twenty.one years of age and looked
eighteen. He had a small, fair mus
tache. beautiful blue eyes and COM
plexion like a girls.
On that evening, Philippe, after ap-
plauding the Daae, turned to Raoul
and saw that he was quite pale.
"Don't younsee." said Raoul, that
the woman's faintingT
"You look like fainting yourself"
said the count. whats the natter
But Raoul had recovered himself
and was standing up.
Let's 60 and see," he said' "sne
never sang like that before"
They were soon at the door leading
from the house to the stage. Haoui
tore his gloves without knowing what
he was doing and Philippe had much
too kind a heart to laugh at him for
his impatience. But he now under
stood why Raoul was absent-minded
when spoken to and why he always
tried to turn every conversation to
the subject of the opera.
They reached the stage and puspeo
through the crowd Of gentlemen
scene-shifters, supers and chorus
girls. Raoul leading the way, feeling
that his heart no longer belonged to
him. his face set with passion, while
| Count Philippe followed him with DIFF
ficulty and continued to smile. the
count was surprised to find that
Raoul knew the way. He had never
taken him to Christine's himself ano
came to the conclusion that Raoul
must have gone there alone while the
count stayed talking In tine foyer with
Eoreln.
Postponing his usual visit to Soreih
the count followed his brother down
the passage that led to Daae's dress
ing-room and saw that it had neveI
been so crammed. The girl had not
vet come to; and the doctor OF the
theater had just arrived at the mo
ment when Raoul entered. Christine
therefore, received the first aid ot.the
one. while opening her eyes in the
arms OF the other. The count and
many more remained crowding in the
doorway.
Don't you think. doctor, that those
gentlemen had better clear tnt
room?" asked Raoul coolly. There's
no breathing here"
You're quite right" said the doc
tor.
And he sent every one away, extept
Raoul and the maid.
II Christine Daae uttered deep eign
which was answered by groan. lSns
turned her head, saw Raoul Sant
started. She looked at the doctor OF
whom she bestowed smile, then q
her maid, then at Raoul again.
Monsieur" she said, in a voice no
much above q whisper, "who \ ar
your"
"Mademoiselle." replied the youni
man, kneeling on one knee and press
ing q fervent kiss on the diva's hand
II am the little boy who went int
the sea to rescue your scarf"
Christine again looked at the docto
and ahe maid; and all three began Z
laugh.
Raoul turned very red and stood uI
'Mademoiselle," he said, "since yo'
are pleased not to recognize me,
should like to say something to 20
in private"
when / am better. do you mind
"Yes, you must 60" said the do'