The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1914-02-17


Tiezzs.1 upon her government theater.
60 Although it remains dark
most Of the year. its brief period Of
opera is celebrated by notable out
pouring of Americans and Panaman-
ianS. 1t was an exceedingly we'll
dressed audience, for although the pit
was plentifully sprinkled with men in
white, the two lower galleries We're in
solid full dress. In the center box of
the first tier, ornately hung with flags
and coat of arms. Anthony beheld
giant black man of majestic appear
ance. fianked by a half dozen aids in
uniform.
THAT is President Calico Edith
told him.
AS the curtain fell on the first act
Kirk rose with the others and, accom-
panied by Mrs. Cortlandt. made his
way down the long passageway and
out into q brightly lighted, highly dec
GRATED foyer. filling now with voluble
people. 1t was splendid room, but
he had no eyes for it. His gaze was
fixed upon the welcome open air prom
enade outside, and his fingers fumbied
with his cigarette case
''Oh, wait, please he heard Edith
say. Il want you to meet some one"
There, not yard away, was the girl
of his dreams demurely bowling to
Edith Cortlandt, her hand upon the
arm of a swarthy man, whom Kirk
knew at once as her father He felt
the blood rush blindingly to his head.
felt it drumming at his ears, knew
that he must be staring like man be.
reft. Mrs. COrtlandt was speaking,
and he caught the name "Garavel' like
a bugle call.
She was the same dainty, DESTROYS
maid he had met in the forest, but now
splendidly radiant and perfect beyond
his imagining. She was no longer the
simple wood sprite, but tiny princess
in filmy white nodded by some master
craftsman. As on that earlier meet
ing, she was thrilling with some subtle
nirth which fickered on her lips or
danced in the depths of her great dark
eyes.
How he ever got through that wild
Introductory moment without making
show of himself Anthony never
knew. The general confusion perhaps
helped to hide his emotion. for around
them eddied a constant human tide.
through which at last came Mr.. Cort-
lanGt and the other members of his
party. Then by some glorious miracle
Kirk found himself moving toward the
open air at her side, with Mrs. Cort-
landt and the banker in advance of
them
''Oh. ChiquTta, he said softly, Il
thought I'd never find you. I've hunted
everywhere"
At the tremendous intensity of his
tone she flashed him startled glance.
"Chiquita is not my name,' she said,
reprovingly.
Eyes, it is: it must be. l can't
think of you by any other. Hasn't it
been whispering at my ears, ever since
you said it? 1t has nearl, driven me
mad. Why didn't you come back as
you promiSed?'
at was Stephanie-she is such a
ferocious person. / was brought to
the city that day-but no. senior. l
did not promise. l said only per-
haps."
Have you done your penance?"
1T was finished yesterday. This is
the first time | have been out. Oh. it
is delightful. The muSic-the people,!
And | can come to see you now!
Very we'll do you know that you
cannot. Have you not learned our
customs: DO not be foolish. or | shall
be forced to walk with my father"
Don't do that. Cant you see we
must make haste while the curtain is
down.:
Il do not see. | am Strolling i'll search
of the cool air" She lowed and smiled
at Sonle passing friends. She seemed
very careless. Very hippant. She WAS