Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1914-07-18

the play. It 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 turned to work out what was left him of future.
 Enoch laid the manuscript aside. The Englishman, hearty in his con- gratulations and enthusiastic, was urging the earliest possible produc- tion. 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. 4,s ..
 "Dorry," cried her brother She did not answer.
 "The play stirred her intensely" of tears on her cheeks. Was this the first time she heard it read?"
 Yes, had never even told her of it. She has been away while-it was writ ten"
 "Is 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"
 Tt isn't my idea of her future"
 Stage life is exactly what one chooses to make of it. Curiously enough, I have a conviction she could play Cordelia." 2 ;.
 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 I want consultation with both of you," suggested Oswald while he drew on his gloves. Tt is now only a mat ter of time and a theater. If may ad- wise now, don't choose anyone on this side for Mrs. Esterbrook. I know a woman who can play that part to per fection. Again let me congratulate you. It's a great play, one of the greatest I've heard in years. It's bound to succeed"
 Wentworth bowed, but a 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 it and drive away.
 Suddenly he recollected that Dorcas 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 we'll of the play. She had & full appreciation of Merry's talents and she had seemed to like him while they were together during the summer. He paused to pull himself together mentally, then he called her. She came slowly into the room, which had grown dark.
 "Dorry," said Wentworth slowly, "do you know you have not said yet that yop like-my play?" ..,..
 Your play?"
 "Why, Dorry?"
 The girl spoke in an unsteady voice. "I don't believe, Enoch, that Andrew Merry told you of long talk we had at Juniper Point. You remember you left me alone with him when you were called to Boston. We sat on the rocks one afternoon and he told me his plot for this play-he had been thinking it out for years and years. Why" the girl shook her head impatiently, why, Enoch, he had labored on it so long that some of the speeches were writ ten, in his mind. Sometimes he put the story into the very words you read!" l.
 During a few minutes Enoch Went worth fought the battle of his life, It was the struggle between good and evil, which every human being har. bors to a greater or lesser degree. in one soul, in one body. Wentworth sighed. The battle had passed and evil had won. It was prepared to carry him through the most dangerous moment With it came fresh valor. and not only the power to sin further, but a mysterious weakening of the moral tissues which made it possible for him to sin coolly and remorse- lessly. He turned on the light and with cool composure faced his sister. He met her gray eyes without a quiver. They asked question which could not be evaded.
 'I hate to tell you, Dorcas." there was a tone of reluctance in Went worth's voice. but Merry is down again. down in the gutter"
 The girl jumped to her feet \ don't believe it." she cried. Besides. lif he were. what has that to do with his play?"
 Enoch did not answer. Instead he asked a question. "Dorcas, do you Icare for--do you lcve-Andrew Mer- ,Ui"