South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-12-07

criterion. She was summing up her
eventful career from the time when
but a child OF eight. cold ragged and
hungry. she had been found on the
Desmond Quay in Dublin by an &C
tress who undertook her profession
al education, 90 the present mo-
ment when. as the reigning actress
OF the British capital, she had the
world az her feet She was su-
preme in tragedy and captivating in
comedy and in private life brilliant
as a conversationalist. with a with
a wit as keen as IL was delightful.
And the reflection her glass threw
back was one OF rare beauty An
oval face crowned by tresses which
eQuailed the ebon OF the ravens
plumage. lustrous eyes IN which the
emotions constantly played and a
poise that nothing apparently could
disturb Yet there was a curious
expression on her handsome fea-
lures. a look which she had never
before witnessed. For Peg Woff-
ington. for the first time in her life.
was IN love
She had many admirers and quite
a few firtations. but they had all
been ephemeral. as Peg Warrington
could quickly detect idle fiattery
and the sycophancies of the jeu-
nesse doree which hung about her
shrine. She was a woman OF the
world. keen, suspicious and cynical
and while she toyed with her gal
lants. her heart and soul were in
her work But one evening she no
ticed in a box. a face new to the
theater. He was a man evidently
from the provinces. but he gazed
at her with undisguised admiration.
Night after night he was at his post,
listening Rttentively 20 every word
che spoke and with an unmistakable
air OF respect.
She waited, thinking like all the
others. he would seek an interview
but as time went on and he made
no attempt 20 bring about an &C
quaintance, Pegs curiosity was
piqued and by guarded inquiries she
learned that ne was Ernest Vane,
country gentleman Of means and
reputed a bachelor. One night,
however, Mr.. Vane was brought TO
the green room by Sir Charles Po-
mander. a man about town who had
long but unsucCessfully sought 20
win Pegs favor. Miss Woffington
was not I'm the room when Mr.. Vane
first arrived. He quickly adapted
himself TO the novel surroundings
and launched into a eulogy OF Pegs
p t.FT
ity.
During Mr.. Vane's remarks Peg
had entered the room and over.
heard her praises so eloquently sung
and. knowing that Mr.. Vane was
unaware Of her presence, she was
impressed with his sincerity. Then
they were introduced and Mr.. Vane
was almost speechless with admira-
ton All that his imagination had
painted, was more than realized
Her beauty her intelligence, her
graCiousness-were OverpOwering
and Mr.. Vane, in his embarrass-
ment. could only stammer a few
commonplace Here indeed was
novelty and her curiosity turned Il
interest.
She was still cautious and would
treat her new found friend with
varying moods, sometimes cordial
and then again coldly. but all the
While she was learning more and
1rOre OF the man who had come in
10 her life.
As she stood before her mirror
she 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 Pes
had accepted but with her peculiar
v-him she had declined anything
save some inexpensive gift. telling
her lover that IL was the sentiment
which she desired. not the intrinsic
value OF the present She had de
clded TO reveal 70 Mr.. Vane that
she. in turn. loved him. but the old.
suspicious feeling would not leave
her.
When they were alone Peg placed
her hands on Vaue's shoulders and
gazing hxedly into his eyes said:
Ernest we actresses make good
the old proverb many lovers few
friends but no one outside our cir
Gle knows how much we need
friend. Will you be one to me?'
And Ernest promised faithfully
that he would. while life remained.
Then she gave herself up to the
EntoxiCation OF the moment With
all her adulation Peg was lonely.
There had been no one 90 whom she
could go and open her heart with
q sense OF security and when Vane
poured into her willing ear his
av0waIs OF undying love and devc-
ton. Pegs hungry soul drank in his
words as the thirsty earth absorbs
refreshing showers. she was SUI
premely happy. more SC than she
had ever dared 10 be and the
thought almost frightened her as
she built dreams for a bright future
Sir Charles Pomander did not at
al relish the turn AFFAIRS had TAX
en-. He had planned many schemes