The Washington herald., 1919-09-03

others. he would seek an interview but
as time went on and he made no at
tempt to bring about an acquaintance.
Pegs curiosity was piqued and by
guarded inquiries she learned that he
was Ernest Yane. a country gentle
man OF means and reputed bachelor.
One night, however, Mr.. Vane was
brought to the green room by Sir
Charles Pomander, a man about town
who had long but unsuccessfully
sought to win Pegs favor. Miss Wof-
flngton was not in the room when Mr..
Vane first arrived. He quickly adapted
fimself to the novel surrounding and
launched into eulogy of Pegs per-
sonal charms and histrionic ability.
During Mr.. Yane's remarks Peg had
entered the room and overheard her
praises So eloquently sung, and. know
| ing that Mr.. Vane was unaware of
her presence. she was impressed with
his sincerity. Then they were intro
duced, and Mr.. Vane was almost
speechless with admiration. All that
his imagination had painted was more
than realized. Her beauty, her intelli-
gence. her graciousness-were over
powering, and Mr.. Yane, in his en-
barrassment, could only stammer a
few commonplaces. Here. indeed, was
a novelty and her curiosity turned to
interest.
She was still cautious and would
treat her now-found friend with vary
ing moods, sometimes cordial and then
again coldly, but all the while she was
learning more and more of the man
who had come into her life.
Az she atDnl haf0ra haT mirror sb "a
was awaiting the arrival OF Mr.. Vane.
/ They had become warm friends, much
more, on the part of Mr.. Vane. who
had openly declared his love and had
sent her many tokens OF his affection
which Peg had accepted, but with her
peculiar whim she had declined any
thing save some inexpensive gift, tell
ing her lover that It was the sentiment
which she desired, not the intrinsic
value OF the present. She had decided
to reveal to Mr.. Vane that she, in
turn. loved him, but the old, suspi-
cious feeling would not leave her.
When they were alone together Peg
placed her hands on Vane's shoulders,
and. gazing fi1edly into his eyes. said:
Ernest, we actresses make good the
old proverb, Many lovers. few
friends but no one outside our circle
knows how much we need a friend.
Will you be one to me?"
And Ernest promised faithfully that
he would. while life remained.
Then she gave herself up to the In
toXication OF the moment With all
her adulation Peg was lonely. There
| had been no one to whom she could
go and open her heart with a sense
! OF security. and when Vane poured
into her willing car his avowals OF
/ undying love and devotion, Pegs hun
cry soul drank in his words as the
| thirsty earth absorbs refreshing show
ers. She was supremely happy, more
so than she had ever dared TO be. and
the thought almost frightened her as
she built dreams for a bright future.
Sir Charles Pomander did not at all
relish the turn of affairs had taken.
He had planned many schemes to win
Pegs affection and when he wit
messed the triumph Of one he regard
ed as a rank outsider his love turned
to hate. He endeavoTed insidiously to
| poison Vanes mind with stories OF
| Peg Wofflngton's past life and on
| one occasion he was nearly success
| ful. James Triplet, a hanger-on at
Covent Garden, was recognized by
Peg as one who had befriended her
in the early days OF poverty. Triplet
| was a playwright and scene painter
| and to give him assistance Peg Of
fered him a commission to paint her