The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1914-04-24

But, like the villain in the play, his
income still pursued him. Certain
scandals inevitably followed, scandals
he was the last to hear about and the
last to deny when he heard them.
Many persons, not being able to take
into the mind and analyze a character
like Courtlandt's, sought the line of
least resistance for their understand
ing, and built some precious exploits
which included dusky island prin-
cesses, diaphanous dancers, and comic
opera stars.
Simply, he was without direction;
a thousand goals surrounded him and
none burned with that brightness
which draws man toward his des-
tiny: until one day. Personally, he
possessed graces of form and feature,
and was keener mentally than most
young men who inherit great fortunes
and distinguished names.
. =
Automobiles of all kinds painted
hither and thither. An occasional
smart Coupe went by as IL to prove
that prancing horses were still neces-
sary to the dignity of the old aristoc-
racy. Courtlandt made UP his mind
suddenly. He laughed with bitterness.
He knew now that to loiter near the
stage entrance had been his real pur-
pose all along, and persistent lying to
himself had not prevailed. In due
time he took his stand among the
gilded youth who were not privileged
(like their more prosperous elders) to
wait outside she dressing rooms for
their particular ballerina. BY and by
there was a little respectful commo-
ton. Courtlandt's hand went instinct
lively to his collar, not to ascertain If
it were properly adjusted, but rather
to relieve the sudden pressure. He
was enraged at his weakness. He
wanted to turn away, but he could not.
A woman issued forth, muf1ed in
silks and light furs. She was followed
by another, quite possibly her maid.
One may observe very well at times
from the corner of the eye; that Is.
objects at which one is not looking
come within the range OF vision. The
woman paused, her foot upon the step
of the modest Limousine. She whis-
pered something hurriedly into her
companions ear, something evidently
to the puzzlement of the latter. who
looked around irresolutely. She
obeyed, however, and retreated to the
stage entrance. A man, quite as tall
as Ccurtlandt, his face shaded care
fully. Intentionally perhaps. by one of
those soft Bavarian hats that are
worn successfully only by Germans.
stepped out Of the gathering to prof
fer his assistance. Courtlandt pushed
him aside calmly, lifted his hat, and
smiling ironically, closed the door be-
hind the singer. The step which the
other man made toward Courtlandt
was unequivocal in its meaning. But
even as Courtlandt squared himself to
meet the coming outburst, the
stranger paused, shrugged his shout
ders. turned and made OFF.
The lady in the limousine-very
pale could any have looked closely in
to her face-was whirled away into the
night Courtlandt did not stir from
the curb. The limousine dwindled,
once 1t flashed under light, and then
vanished.
1T is the American" said one of
the waiting handles.
"The icicle!"
"The volcano. rather. which fools
believe extinct"
Probably sent back her maid for
her Bible. All, these Americans: they
are very amusing"
''She was in magnificent voice to-
night wonder why she never sings
Carmen"
Have not said that she is too
cold? What Would you see frost
grow upon the toreador's mustache?
And what a name, what name!
Eleanora da Toscana!"
Courtlandt was not in the most
amiable condition of mind, and a hint
of the ribald would have instantly
transformed passive anger into a
blind fury. Thus, scene hung pre-
cariously; but its potentialities be-
came as nothing on the appearance Of
another woman.
This woman was richly dressed, too
richly. She was followed by Rus
sian, huge Of body. Jovian Of counte-
nance. An expensive car rolled up to
the curb. A liveried footman jumped
down from beside the chauffeur and
opened the door. The diva turned
her head this way and that, q thin
smile of satisfaction stirring her lips
For Flora Desimone loved the human
eye whenever it stared admiration into
her own; and she spent half her days
setting traps and lures, rather sue
cessfully. She and her formidable es-
cort got into the car which immedi-
ately went away with soft purring
sound. There was breeding in the en-
CINE. anyhow, thought Courtlandt, who
longed to put his strong fingers around
that luxurious throat which had, but a
second gone, passed him so closely.