The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1914-09-03

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script on the table and cleared his
throat. Oswald sat ready to bestow a
business-like attention upon the read
ing. When Enoch lifted the first page
his visitor asked MAY / know who
wrote the play?"
II did," answered Wentworth quietly.
"Ah!" said the Englishman. He
noticed the startled look on Dorcas'
face. 1t escaped her brother, who sat
turned half way from her.
Wentworth began to read. He was
an excellent reader; his enunciation
was slow and distinct. The story
quickly unfolded itself in strong, vivid
language. Grant Oswald, who was an
ardent student of dramatic literature,
fell Immediately under it's spell and
listened with intent quiet.
The minds Of both men were so
vitality concentrated upon the drama
that they were scarcely conscious of a
movement when Dorcas crept from her
low chair to the window seat. She lay
back against a pillow, gathered the
folds OF a silky portiere around her,
and stared down at the square. She
heard her brothers voice in fragments.
Those fragments were always the
words Of the girl, Cordelia, or of the
father fallen to pitiful estate. She
clasped her hands together with such
grip that it numbed her fingers. "A
strange pain and a horrible suspicion
were seeping through her body and
burning in her veins. Outwardly she
was inert.
Suddenly she was awake again, wide
awake, tingling with life and emotion,
listening to her brothers vibrant
voice. The day of release had come
for John Esterbrook. He stood with
hating. tremulous steps, fearful at the
sight OF the world he had left twenty
years before, hiding his eyes from it's
tumult Then Cordelia ran to meet
him-young, hopeful, loving and eager.
Dorcas forgot the horror and doubt
which had swept her down for mo-
ment, she was thinking Of nothing but
the play. 1t was greater, more human,
than she had dreamed of that day
when Andrew and she walked home
over the beach at Juniper Point. Her
eyes grew wet with pity, then she
smiled happily as life ceased to be a
problem for Cordelia. Love had come,
and the father TUNED to work out
what was left him of a future.
Enoch laid the manuscript aside.
The Englishman, hearty in his con-
gratulations and enthusiastic, was
urging the earliest possible produc-
ton. He offered unlimited money and
insisted that the best company New
York could produce should be engaged.
The spell Of the story was still upon
Dorcas. She passed out. shaking hands
hastily with Oswald.
''Dorry," cried her brother. She did
not answer.
'The play stirred her intensely"
said Oswald. He had noticed trace
of tears on her cheeks. WAS this the
first time she heard 1t read?"
Yes. had never even told her OF It.
She has been away while--it was writ
ten."
rs your sister an actress?"
"No--she wants to go upon the
stage"
Let her have her way" advised the
Englishman. Her every action shows
that she possesses dramatic talent"
1T isn't my idea of her future"
Stage life is exactly what one
chooses to make of It, CuriOusly
enough. / have conviction she could
play Cordelia."
Wentworth brushed his hand across
his forehead and stared at the scat
tered sheets OF manuscript on the
table.
Get Merry here as soon as possible.
want a consultation with both OF
you," suggested Oswald while he drew
on his gloves. cit is now only mat.
ter of time and theater. If may adj
wise now, don't choose anyone on this
side for Mrs. Esterbrook. I know a
woman who can play that part to per-
lection. Again let me congratulate
you. It's great play, one of the
greatest I've heard in years. It's bound
TO succeed"
Wentworth bowed, but sudden
flush blazed into his face. He was not
hardened enough yet to accept con-
gratulations for the brain product of
another man.
"Good-by," said the Englishman,
holding out his hand cordially.
"Good-by," murmured Wentworth.
He moved to the window. A carriage
stood waiting in front OF the house.
He watched Oswald step into 1t and
drive away.
Suddenly he recollected that Dorcaa
had not spoken single word of praise
or congratulation on the play. She
was always enthusiastic and happy
over every triumph that came to him.
She must have thought well of the
play. She had full appreciation Of
Merry's talents and she had seemed to
like him while they were together
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