The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1913-07-22

| game and beat them at 1t.
"And you expect to win in the end?'
~ have wonv'
The young lawyer shook his head
thoughtfully.
'There's a text our old preacher at
home used to ring the changes on that's
been burning into my life Of late, Sin
when it is full grown bringeth forth
| DEATH"
AS the two men drew thus closer anu
closer together, Stuarts 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
Stuart's change of feeling.
With the liberal use of money she
made the acquaintance Of member
Of the chorus of the grand opera COM
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 i'll
| 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" he 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. l 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.
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 o 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 ut least! The maid will
show you the way"
IT 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 last warm pressure Of her
| hand he was gone
81 wonder If he does think of me
still as a child?" she mused. II Won
der if he never suspects the storm
within? Welr'-
She smiled triumphantly. 'T'll 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 its gowns,
| jewelry and beautiful women.
AS the moment for HarEiets 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
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,
caresslng touch.
Stuart turned away from the scene
and left them alone for a few mo-
ments. He found Nan and asked her
| 10 whit for him at tha stare door n,