South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-01-22

n Hanson turned her eyes TO the box
her left. There was man sitting there
a handsome well-built rather serious-looking
man. Up in the gallery enthusiastic patrons OF
the drama whistling their fun approval
in the pit darkened mass were yelling out
their appreciation, in the stalls the we'll
dressed were clapping their hands to demon
strate their satisfaction. Mary Hanson did not
look either at the stalls, the pit. or the
gallery. Her eyes were on the box She
wanted to see what the man she didn't know
was doing He was tapping the edge Of the
box in somewhat leisurey fashion
AS the curtain fell the woman on the stage
sighed in a satisfied way. and turned toward
her dressingroom. She was not thinking Of
her great success. but Of the man who had
captured her attention. Who was he? What
he like? Was he as nice as he looked?
Half way to her room. she remembered that
she had seen him on at least a dozen occasions.
II was HIS handsome face that had first at
tracted her 1t was finely chlselled. it had
noble lines, it had strength The next time she
was impressed by his obvious seriousness and
sincerity. Here was a man, she thought, who
would never be capable Of a near action. His
ideals were lofty. his code of honor so trem-
endous a thing that II could never be snapped.
The third time she saw him, Mary Hanson be-
gan to think of those of her friends who were
happily married. BY the time the sixth oc-
casion came she was nearly in love herself.
All day and every day she gave her thoughts
20 the man she didn't know.
Il botred her a little when she recollected
that she had never before INDUCED in the play
ful pastime OF building castles in the air. For
twenty-three years she had merely dreamed
OF success-of her name in large letters on
play bills OF packed theatres of hurricanes OF
applause. OF wonderful, heart-gripping scenes
of triumph Success had come with a swift
ness that appalled, her at the time, but it had
been with her so long now that she had lost the
first fine flavor OF it. She was made, she was a
star. people hocked TO see her wherever she
appeared. And now the night OF her great
est success. she was thinking OF man with
gray eyes and a high forehead. He had merely
tapped his fingers on the edge Of his box whilst
others in the audience had gone frantic with
delight
She had a vague sort OF idea that she would
have liked II better had he been more demon
strative And yet she knew instinctively that
he was not that kind of man Il was obviously
his habit to keep his own thoughts anad feel
ings to himself Mary Hanson sighed again as
she reached the door OF her room Who was
he? Did he like her?
AS she pushed open the door. Thompson, the
author of the play, an old kindly looking man
rose TO greet her. 80
CONCENTRATIONS. my dear" he said heartily
as he held out his hand You were more
wonderful than ever tonight. Now i want you
10 do me great favor want you TO nave
supper with me- I'll tell you why. I've got
Mo IN my head for play. / would like
to discuss Il with you"
I'D rather not said the girl hastily. L
feel tired. and I'm little depressed, think"
depressed" Thompson made no attempt
to hide his CONSERVATION. And on night like
this?
"Oh. very we'll. I'll come" said Mary. more
10 avoid discussion than for any other reason.
An hour later Thompson proceeded TO unfold
his plot The play 10 be about woman.
This woman" said the author. has had
everything she can possibly desire. except one
thing When that is offered her she discovers
that BY taking II she will break the heart OF
her deserted friend. Now what I want TO find
out is this. What would good honest woman
90 in a case like that?"
For moment the girl was silent Then
1T depends" she answered hesitatingly
Would she break the heart OF her friend?
II don't think she would.
Her own happiness Is in danger, remember
Yes But. as I say. il depends. When you
speak OF something she desires you may be re-
ferring 20 jewels or things like that
yOu?"
Il am not This is what ! have IN my mind
There are two girls and one man. One Of the
girls is engaged TO the man. but he being
rather susceptible. falls in love with the other
girl. She. too is very fond OF him, and would
like 10 marry him. But she knows that II she
does she will bring an awful sorrow 10 her
friend Now would a woman do that"
Yes" The answer came with the swiftness
OF the wind