Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-02-18
A TALE OF LOVE- MYSTERY AND INTRIGUE

| stood with the walters against the wall
He looked with curious eyes upon scene
with which he had no manner of sym
pathy.
A hundred or so OF men had dined
together in the cause of some charity
The odor of their dinner, mingled with
the more aromatic perfume of the tobacco
smoke. which was already ascending IN
little blue clouds from the various tables
hung about the over-heated room, SEEM
ing, indeed the fitting atmosphere Tor
the long rows of guests. The majority OF
them were in a state of eNpansiveness.
Their faces were redder than when they
had sat down; a certain stiffness had de-
parted from their shirt fronts and their
manners; their faces were flushed, their
eyes watery. There were n few eXcep-
ons-paler-faced men who sat there with
the air of endeavoring to bring them
selves into accord with surroundings In
which they had no real concern. Two of
these looked up with interest at the first
note of Beatrice's song The one was
sitting within n few places of the chair
man, and he was too far away for his
little start to be noticed by either Taver-
make or Beatrice. The nearer one, how
ever, Tavernake happened to be watch
ing, and he saw the change In his eN-
preston. The man was, In his way
ugly. His face was certainly not good
one, although he did not appear to share
the immediate weaknesses OF his neigh
boris. To every note of the song he
listened intently. When it was over, he
rose and came toward Tavernake
II beg your pardon" he said, but
did I not sec you come in with the
young lady who has Just been singlng?"
you may have" Tavenake answered.
"I certainly did come with her"
If
Tavernake had got over his hesitation in
replying to such questions, by now, He
answered promptly.
'I am her brother" he declared.
The man produced "A card.
"Please Introduce me to her" he beg
ged, laconically.
''Why should II" Tavernake asked. "I
have no reason to suppose that she de-
sires to know you"
The man stared at him for moment,
and then laughed.
We'll" he said. "you had better show
your sister my card, She Is. l presume,
a professional, as she is singing here.
My desire to make her acquaintance is
purely actuated by business motives"
Tavernake moved away toward the
waiting-room. The man, who according
to his card was Mr.. Sidney Grier, would
have followed him in, but Tavernake
stopped him,
"If you will walt here" hs suggested.
"I will see whether my sister desires to
meet you"
once moro Mr.. Sidney Grler looked sur
prIsed, but after a second glance at
Tavernake he accepted his suggestion
and remained outside. Tavernake took
the card TO Beatrice.
Beatrice" he announced, there is a
man outside who has heard YOU sing
and who wants to be introduced"
She took the card and her eyes opened
wide.
DO you know who he Is'" Tavernake
asked.
"of course" she answered. "He Is a
great producer OF musical comedies, Let
me think"
She stood with the card in her hand
Some one else was singing now-an ordl-
nary modern ballad OF love and roses,
rapture and despair. They heard the
rising and falling of the woman's voice;
the clattsr of the dinner had ceased
Beatrice stood still thinking. her fingers
clnching the card OF Mr.. Sidney Grler.
'You must bring him in," she said TO
Tavernake finally.
Tavernake went outside.
my sister win see you." he remarked.
with the air OF one who brings good news.
Mr. Sidney Grier grunted. He was not |
used 70 being kept waiting, even for a /
SECOND. IhNrN4ahu uaHeAen MN into the |
etiring room, and the other two mu-
sielans who were there stared at him as
at q god.
This is the gentleman whose card you
have. Beatrice" Tavernake announced.
'Air Sidney Grer-Miss Tayernakei"
The man smiled,
''YOur brother seems to be SUSPICIOUS |
OF me-" he declared Il found Il quite |
diaacult to persuade him that you might
nnd II interesting TO talk 70 me for a
few minutes"
''He does not quite understand" Bea-
tries answered. He has not much ex-
penenoe OF musical affairs OF the stage.
and your name would not have any size /
nlheance for him"
Tayernake went outside and listened I
idly 10 the song which Was proceeding |
II Haa 4 class Of music which secretly ne I
pFelsFrea te the stranger and. more haunt. /