Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-12-04

81 have wonr'
The young lawyer shook his head
thoughtfully.
There's text our old preacher at
home used to ring the changes on that's
been burning into my life of late. Sin
when 1t is full GROVE Sringeth forth
death"
AS the two men drew thus closer ano
closer together, Stuart's bearing toward
Nan became guarded. and at last their
relations strained. She met his new at
titude with deep resentment and grow
ing wonder. Her firm conviction was
that he had become interested in an
other woman. From the first she had
suspected Harriet Woodman, and had
inevitably linked her coming with
Stusrt's change of feeling.
With the liberal use OF money she
made the acquaintance of e member
of the chorus of the grand opera cem-
pany who agreed to report to her every
/ movement In Harriet's life.
| At the beginning of the season the
usual quarreling Of the stars gave to
| the young singer the opportunity of
/ her life, and Mans friend reported that
| the little golden haired understudy was
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 he
had allowed himself to be alone with
her since their return from the cruise
YES, Nan" lie answered quickly,
I'll go with pleasure. A little friend
Of mine is to sing a great role tonight.
I'm so glad you're going. 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 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.
Its horribly unfair. little pal. for
them to thrust you into such position
with only 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
mo. I'll see you in my room.
shall be so proud OF 1.-THE stars room
for one night at least! The maid will
show you the way
II 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 in the shadows
and with a last warm pressure of he
hand he was gone.
Il wonder if he does think OF ms
still as a chiId?" she unused. Il won
der if he never suspects the storm
, within? WeIP-
She smiled triumphantly. IN tel
Nan was not in an amiable mooC
when Stuart led her to the box In tn
millionaire's playhouse which New
, York society built to exhibit its gowns
jewelry and beautiful women
, AS the moment for Harriet'S appear
ance drew near. Stuart's nervous ten
sion became a positive agony. Tn
, people We're in friendly mood of ex
pectancy. The fact that she was al
: American girl and from New York wa
greatly in her favor
The audience greeted her appear
ance with burst of applause an,
waited for the first note.
Stuart was charmed with the effec
of her personality in the character. be
fore she moved The long. beautiful
golden hair, the innocent young fac
and her simple girlish costume mad
an instantaneous impression.
With the first sweet note from he
throat every fear vanished. She san
simply. quietly. exquisitely. withou
effort, as a bird sings because tn
song bubbles from within. A rippl
of surprised comment swept the aud
ence and burst into vigorous applaus
at the close of her song. From star
to finish Harriet received a continuou
ovation. The audience rose in thei
seats and greeted her with such
tribute Of enthusiasm New York ha
rarely seen.
When Stuart had fought his wa
through the crowd and reached til
stage he found her alone with her fl
Their In her room. Her head was res
ing on his breast, and he was strokin
the fair young forehead with tende
caressing touch.
Stuart turned away from the seen
and left them alone for a few mi
ments. He found Nan and asked be
to wait for him at the stage door
her automobile until he could Civ
Harriet his congratulations.
She consented with frown and be-
ged him to hurry.
Her father was still there. and
crowd of musicians, singers and cri
les were waiting in q group outside
offer their congratulations. She ws
holding them back until his arrival.
my glorious little pal"' he whispe
cd his voicp choking with pmotiO