Bridgeton pioneer., 1916-12-07
III.

| age, now about to make her first pub
lie appearance in the metropolis. And
in this case the impresario was right.
| The town raved over her. Never had
so talented an actress appeared since
| Rachel. Never was there such voice.
The papers estimated her princely in
| come as not far short of that of any
| captain of industry. Her studio apart
ment ON the avenue became the haunt
of celebrities.
Society took her up. Madame Cossi
was the Honor lioness-of every
fashionable entertainment.
Beautiful, talented, and undeniably
charming, Madame Cossi had the city
at her feet.
When first he saw her lithograph
upon the billboards Lester felt sure
that 1t was his wife. He went to see
her in Carmen" There before him,
tantalizing, elusive, was the woman
whom he had won only to lose, of his
own perversenesS. Her acting thrilled
him.
"Yes,' he heard a bald-headed cynic
at his side say to his companion, ''shes
been in love-helplessly. 1t takes
that to bring out the acting quality In
woman. After all, every woman is
potential actress"
Lester remembered the words when
he met her Unexpectedly at Mrs. Van
Tromp's reception. Without a shade
of hesitation Rae put out her hand.
Il am pleased to meet you again,
Mr.. Ronalds,' she said.
She touched him to the heart. The
woman seemed made of stone. He
pleaded for an interview For some
time she refused to grant one.
Il am at home to my friends at
I've on Saturdays" she said finally.
~.
There was nobody but Rae in the
sumptuously furnished apartment
when Lester called. She was attired
in magnificent dress, which left an
indistinct impression of gold and black
lace. There was such smile on her
face as might have been given any
chance acquaintance.
''This is very charming, Mr.. Rom
alds," she said, "but does it not strike
you as trifie unwise on your part?"
"Why?" he demanded, feeling an
insane jealousy in his heart for this
woman, calm, unapproachable, whom
he had lost.
Because you can hardly wish to
rake up unpleasant memories. AS for
me-" she confessed, 'the remembrance
of certain six months burns and
stings. By the way, had the pleas
ure last week of refusing the hand
of Charlie Duckett, the first of your
friends to cut me, you may remember.
When L told him who was he turned
perfectly yellow"
"Rae," said Lester, "you have never
been out of my thoughts these years
past. I want you'll want you, Rae.
| want you with all my heart"
She dropped him a mock curtsy.
"Hou are very good, Lester" she said,
her face softening little. "But really
one does not go through this twice.
1t was to tell you that that / permit
ter you to call. Saturday is not my
at-home day.
Listen, Lester" she went on, with
ringing scorn. Il left you because /
was dragging you down. At that time
was heartbroken. Then 1 resolved
that | would show you what / could
have become. did study grammar. 1
went abroad and learned singing in
Rome-never mind how. Anything
can be done if one is determined
enough. And came back to show you
what you had lost Well, | have
shown you. / have had my revenge.
And now let ME tell you l have no
further wish to lioniZe it among the
shallow, heartless people of your set,
Once l gave up my career for you.
Now have it again. And 1 hate you
= hate you, Lester, and never want
to see you again."
She spoke like queen of tragedy.
But something in Testers heart rose
to match the passion in hers.
Il love you, Rae, and I'm going to
win you again. he said. "Rae-my
Rae"
And, as the tow lindles to the fire,
suddenly the icemelted in Raes heart.
He was holding her in his arms and
looking into her face.
"Rae, you didn't mean that?"
Lester. I-came back to hear you
tell me what you are telling me now"
= r.ss.s