Evening star., 1928-12-18

After her housework was finished Sht
went to the little den to practice. 4
sense of excitement grew in her mind;
Something will happen today" she
thought II feel it. My prayer is to DC
answered"
She dressed after lunch in the brown
street costume and drove to the studio
Mrs. Ogden was there, talking with M
Romanevski.
"I have news for you; great news,
he said, taking her hand But flrS'
you must dance for me-dance as yot
did yesterday
when Yvonne came into the studio
after changing to her dancing dress she
saw that the usual practice had beer
SUSPENDED. A small orchestra which
M. Romanevski used for special occa-
sions had assembled and was tuning
up at one end of the room. stranger
a man with very red face, faultlesSly
dressed, was talking to Mrs. Ogden
Pupils had left their work and were
standing idly in little groups around
the room.
M. Romanevski advanced to meet
Yvonne. To-day you are to dance for
all of u.s." he said. You must dc
credit to your teacher. But of that ]
have no fear The music will inspire
you. See, 1 have assembled them in
your honor"
Yvonne felt a little frightened. There
was an air of expectancy in the room
The master had let it be known that
his new pupil was more than ordina-
rily good. Soon they were to see.
Then Yvonne remembered the little
feeling of expectancy she had known
all the morning. "I was right" she
told herself Something is about to
happen"
She took her place in the middle of
the floor, trying not to feel all the eyes
looked her way The music began.
She waited. Waited until the music
entered her veins and carried her far
above the watching, waiting eyes.
Then she began to dance. Again
that feeling of freedom, of being far
away from all the worries and trou-
bles that beset her, took possession.
Her soul came into her dancing, that
exquisite unspotted soul that shone
from her eyes and made her beautiful
beyond words.
There was applause when she nm
ished. "Ahl" thought Yvonne. They
are pleased. I am happy I viii show
them" She ran lightly to the leader
of the orchestra.
'Play me something light, something
fast, something happy please.
There had been something solemn
about her first dance, as though she
were a vestal sacrificing to beauty. An
imp of gayety entered into the second
dance. she WIS a happy child, the
friend of spriteS and elves, dancing for
sheer enjoyment. Suddenly she thought
of Richard. That he might see her
now. She slowed, stopped and said
abruptly, II cannot dance more now"
''She has even the temperament,
said M. Romanevski to the stranger.
There was laughter and applause.
Yvonne ran to fher dressing room. 1t
was true. She could not dance again
that day.
When she came back, dressed In her
brown street costume, M. Romanevski
beckoned her into his ONCE. MIS-.
Ogden and the stranger were seated
there.
sThis madernoiselIe, is my great
friend. Monsieur Drake. He owns
theaters. He Is the friend of all the
arts. I tell him, I have now ready a
great artistic, a great danseusep He
comes to see. He is pleased. Talk with
him, mademoiseIle. he has something
important to say to YOU
Yvonne sat down beside Mrs. Ogden,
o little puzzled.
Mr.. Drake nodded kindly at her.
"Your dancing is beautiful Made
moiselle Yvonne. It happens that I
have a place now for dancer-not
Just an ordinary dancer, but for great
dancer. I offer that place to you. I
viii make you famous overnight Your
friend, Mrs. Ogden, viii tell you this
Is not an unusual offer The salary
what you will. And your name on the
tongue of all New York"
Yvonne Shrank back in her chair.
'You are very kind, most kind. But
what you ask is impossible. I dance
only for my own pleasure"
81 was afraid she would feel that
way" Mrs. Ogden said, signing. Real
ly, Yvonne, you ought not to decide so
suddenly This is an opportunity many
girls work years to get. Think it over
carefully before you say no."
II am Sorry-I must refuse" Yvonne
said. miserably.
But mademoiselle," protested M
Romanevski "You are selfish. You
have the great gift. You cannot keep
it for yourself, like a spoiled child.
Why have I worked with you, why
have hoped Cor you, given my time
to you, to have you remain always an
obscue little nobody? No. You belong
to your art, to the world Come-be
sensible. Your friend, Mrs. Ogden, will
tell you it is wise. Do not be selfish"
Yvonne still shook her head. 1T is
impossible" she repeated.
Come. Yvonne, we will go home and
I will talk to you there about it." Mrs.
Ogden said, rising. Tell these gentle
men you will consider their offer. We
win let them know tomorrow"
Yvonne rose as Mrs. Ogden did. my
answer will be still the same" she said
stubbornly. But If you wish to wait
until tomorrow to hear me say no again,
you may do as you wish
Mr.. Romanevski tore his hair. Mr.
Drake tried to look bored. Yvonne was
not to be moved In a few moments she
was driving with Mrs. Ogden to the
latter'S town house. They did not speak
on the way. Arrived, Mrs. Ogden took
the girl to her own room, ordered tea
for them and settled Yvonne in COM
Portable chair
Nov, my DEAR she said. Let me
talk to you as I would talk to my own
daughter. knew you were to have this
offer, perhaps I should have given you
some idea of it. but that did not seem
entirely necessary and I wanted you 4
have lovely surprise. M. Romanevsk
is right when he says talent like yours
belongs to the world. There is but ont
thing for you to do. You must tel
Richard and ask his consent for you Il
accept this marvellous offer"
IT cannot tell him now." Yvonne said
miserably II tried to tell him last nigh
and he scolded me for even dreaming
Of being different from what he think
! am, ! cannot tell him."
Mrs. Ogden lit cigarette and though
n long time before she spoke again. II
YOU cannot have your career as Rich
ards wife. why don't you leave him
and carve out a great career for your
self. sacrificing your love for him TO d.
~"
Yyonne's white. stricken face hurried
her words. You can come here TO liv,
with me while you are learning you
way about I should be very proud 4
Ef..naar UFEaf dancer - hanMtlhf