The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1913-02-06
| The Root
of Evil
By THOMAS DIXON
Copyright. 1911. by Thomas
Dixon

her box at the opera-the fist time be
had allowed himself TO be alone with
her since their return from the cruise.
Eyes, Man." he answered quickly,
TIL 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"
IL 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.
tits 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 be 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 10 wait 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"
81 will be in the Blyens' 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 II in the shadows. |
and with last warm pressure Of her
hand he was gone.
81 wonder II he does think OF me |
still as chlld" she mused. II won
der II he never suspects the storm
within? welP'-
She smiled triumphantly. "I'll tell |
him something tonight IN my songw
Nan was not in an amiable mood
when Stuart led her TO the box In the
millionalre'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. The
people were In 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
snce with 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 girllsh costume made
an insta ntaneous impression.
With the first sweet note from her
throat every fear vanished She sang
simply. quietly, exquisltely. 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 1
TO finish Harriet received continuous
ovation. The audience rose IN their
seats aud greeted her with such
tribute OF enthusiasm New York had
rarely seen. l
When Stuart had fought his way !
through the crowd aud reached the G
stage he found her alone with her ia :
Their In her room. Her head was rest
ing on his breast. and he was stroking
the fair young forehead with tender, .
touch.
Stuart turned away from the scene :
and left them alone for few mo. !,
ments He found Nan and asked her !.
to walt for him at the stage door In !.
her automobile until he could give .
Harriet his congratulations !
She consented with a frown and beg.
sed him to hurry. ,
Her father was still there. and :
crowd Of musicians, singers and crit :,
cs were waiting in group outside to y
,ffer their congratulations. She was .
holding them back until his arrival :,
MY glorious little pal"' he whisper i
I'd. his voice choking with emotion.
I'm the proudest man in the world II
;
Its all your work, jim" she said
simply. You suggested and willed it. :
and I've made good under your iuspi- 4
ration I'd rather see the happiness !,
)u your face and hear your words of
than all the applause Of that a
,rowd'
He turned and saw Nan standing in /,
he doorway with a curious smile on !
her flushed face. \
May I. too. offer my congratula- !,
ions. Miss woodmang" she asked ,
Harriet's little figure suddenly stiff
ened at the sight Of Nan. but at the :
sound Of her friendly voice relaxed 4
md moved TO meet the extended hand q
Thank you, Mrs. Biyens," she re-
,lied cordially. h
And then Stuart did something that !,
sent a shock through every fiber of z
Mans being. r
AS easily and naturally as big