The Washington times., 1913-07-06
CHAPTER XL.
A Call Before the Curtain.

HEY passed out from tne stohS
atmosphere Of the dimly lit the
ater to the sunlit squares and
streets. Drexley and Douglas
arm in arm, the former voluble, Doug
las curiously silent. For II had been
an afternoon Of events. the Anal re-
hearsal of a play which great things
were expected, and which was to take
London By storm. Drexley had always
had faith in his friend. He believed MIN
to be a clever, even q brilliant writer.
witty. original. unique in his own vivid
and picturesque style.
But even Drexley had never believed
him capable Of such work as this. With
out the accessories OF costume, and
lights. and continuity. the story which
flashed out into the shadows Of the darl;
and empty stalls from the lips of those
human puppets. wholly fascinated and
completely absorbed him. Douglas had
forsaken all traditions. He had been
fettered with only a small knowledge OF
escaped the fatal tribute to the conven-
tionalities paid by almost every contem-
porary playwright. 1t was a sweet and
passionate story which leaped out from
the lips of those fashotnably dressed
but earnest men and women, grandly
human, exquisitely told.
Here and there the touches were iurid
enough, but there was plenty OF grace
fui relief; every sentence seemed per-
vaded with that unerring sense OF the
truthful and artistic which was the out
come Of the msns genius Drexisys n $
streets with the fresh wind in their
faces and the sunshine streaming
around In the theater and immediate
ly afterward in the managers room,
where q famous actress had dispensed
tea, and compliments and eongratula,
been spellbound and silent.
"Dou1las," he cried. already you are
known and recognized. Tomorrow you
will be famous. You are a genius. man.
Nothing like this Or anything APPROACH
. Don't be too sure. Drexley," Douglas
said. smiling The public must decide.
you know. They may not like II as you
do. A frst-night audience takes strange
whims sometimes."
Drexley shook his head.
Disappointed playwrights may tell
you so. but don't believe It." he an
swered "A London audience as rule
u absolutely infallible. But then such
play as this lays itself open to no two
opinions. 1t is Of the best. and the best
them Tonight will be a great tri-
umph for you. Ny congratulations you
have already. Cissy and l together
will shout them to you later"
well" he said. Il believe the play
will be a success. I have had curious
sense with me all day that something
pleasant 10 going to happen. feel as
though fortune had taken me by the
Drexley laughed heartily. He had
grown years younger. Happiness had
taken hold OF him and he was a
changed being.
"A man may doubt his own work
4
struck an imperishable and everlasting
note Of music. well-he hears it as
surely as other people hear 1t. Until
tonight then. my friend"
Douglass shook him by the hand.
There will be some sort Of 4 kickup
Champagne and sandwiches and
little royalty. Remember, that l am
relying upon you 20 bring cicely."
I'VE are as likely to forget our own
existence" Drexley laughed For a
few hours. then. au revoir"
Douglas walked down the broad street
to his rooms. smoking a cigarette and
an opera tune. His eyes
were bright, his head thrown back; /
touch Of the spring seemed to have
was curiously lightlhearted. He let
himself in with q latch key and entered |
his study for moment or two, in |
tending to dress early and dine at the |
club. On his writing table were sew
eral letters. couple Of cards. and an /
orange colored envelope He took the |
later into his fingers. hesitated for |
and then tore 1t open
Care du Nord. Paris.
shall arrive at Dover at eight this |
evening. VIII you meet me- EMILY.
Then he knew what this curious rre- |
ponition OF coming happiness had
meant, and his heart leaped like a
.heeks. She was coming home, coming
back to him. the days Of her exile were
,ver-the days OF her exile and his pro-
patton. Trembling he snatched at 4
ime table. called for his servant, Or
Tered a hanson. He forgot his play
md did not even send message 10 the
heater.
A galloping hansom with the pros
,ect OF a haif-sovereign fare, seemed
O him TO crawl to Charing Cross like
snail across window pane. He
aught the tratn-had he missed 1t he
would have ordered out a special-and
ven the express rushing seward with
nails and a full load Of continental
assengers seemed like a stage coach
He paced up and down The narrow
orridor till the steward looked at him
uriousiy. and people began to regard
i'm with suspicion rs a possible crimi-
AL. He made himself a nuisance to
he ticket inspector. and when they
raited for ten minutes outside the har-
or station he dragged out his watch
very few moments and made scathing
omments upon the railway company
nd every one connected with It,
he found himself In ample
In1e to smoke n dozen spasmudic cigar
ties before the stream Of passengers
rom the boat at last CROSSED the gang
ray-and among them Emily de Reuss.
So little changed-her voice, her
mile. even her style Of travelling dress