Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1916-11-23

DuT nuu Fepenleu, NOrkeu upon LES
ter. He sued his wife for divorce on
the ground of abandonment. The
case was not contested; Lester
thought Rae was ignorant of it.
Ill.
fhree years later Lester found him.
self many times millionaire. His
parents were dead; he had succeeded
to his fathers stock exchange busi-
ness, and was spoken of as one of
the coming men Of the Street.
1t was just at this time that Madame
Cossi was announced with flourish
of trumpets on the part of her im-
presario as the greatest singer of the
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 princcly in
come as not far short of that of any
captain of industry. Her studio apart
mcnt on the avenue became the haunt
of celebrities.
Society took her up Madame Cossi
was the lion-or lioness-of every
fashionable entertainment.
Beautiful, talented, and undeniahly
charming, Madame Cossi had the city
at her feet.
When first he saw her lithograph
upon the bll5oards Lester felt sure
that it 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 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
II woman. After all, every woman is
potential actress"
Lester remembered the words when
he met her Unexpectedly at Mrs. Van
Tromp's reception. Without II shade
of hesitation Rae put out her haad.
II 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.
II am at home to my friends at
I've on Saturdays" she said finally.
w.
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 a 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 q trihe 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. A. for
me-" she confessed, "the remembrance
of certain six months burns ana
stings. BY the way, had the peas
ure last week of refusing the land
of Charlie Duckett, the first of your
friends to cut me, you may remember.
When told him who 1 was he turned
perfectly yellow"
"Rae," said Lester, you have never
been out Of my thoughts these years
past. l want you'll want you, Rae.
l want you with all my heart"
She dropped him a mock curtsy.
"You 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 l permit
ter you to call. Saturday is not my
at-home day.
"Listen, Lester" she went on, with
ringing scorn. II left you because /
was dragging you down. At that time
I was heartbroken. Then I resolved
that 1 would show you what | could
have become. l did study grammar l
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. Wen, l have
shown you. / have had my revenge.
And now let me tell you 1 have no
further wish to lionizc it among the
shallow, heartless people of your set.
Once l gave up my career for you.
Now have it again. And / hate you
- hate you, Lester, and I never want
to see you again"
She spoke like queen of tragedy
But something in Testers heart rose
to match the passion in hers.
II love you Rae. and I'm going TO
win you again." he said. "Rae-my
Rae"
And, as the tow kindles to the fire,
suddenly the ice melted in Rae's heart.
He was holding her in his arms ana
looking into her face.
"Rae, you didn't mean that|
Lester, I-came back to hear you
tell me what you arc telling me now"