Evening star., 1935-11-24

waited until the burden of the opera was
taken up, then there was dim mrTmn of
voices, sort of sigh as of pent-up emotions.
The orchestra bent over their instruments,
the routine of producing famous work passed
on. It was doubtful whether single member
of the audience was still following the story
towards its climax. They were obsessed by
the idea that miracle had happened, but
of that miracle there came no explanation.
The act passed to its end. There was little
more than the customary applause, but there
were loud and ndisting,ishable calls from
the back of the auditorium. The performers
bowed their acknowledgement from the 'front.'
Presently, as the voices swelled in volume,
the baritone stepped forward.
"MesdGmes ct messieurs," he said. 81 have
to offer you the apologies of Sgnor Catti, who
is temporarily mwell. He hopes to make his
acknowledgements to you after the last
curtain"
That was all. People rose slowly and un-
willingly to their feet. Everyone was talking.
it seemed, at the top of their voices and it
was Just at that moment that Ann, still seated
in the same place, still with the empty seat
by her side looked across at the crowd who
were wedged in against the wall and met the
fierce, demanding eyes of the man who had
stepped out of an airplane only an hour ago.
With little less than his usual courtesy of
manner, Colin struggled through the mass of
people, till he stood by her side. They both
seemed to recognize the futility of empty
words. While he paused for a minute to re-
cover his breath, she spoke.
II hoped so much that you would not come,
Colin"
And since am here1"
II shall only pray that you will 60 away"
she went on. These may be our final words,
Colin, if you will not do as ask
For whom are you guarding that seat1"
he demanded.
That is above all the one thing shall not
tell you," she replied.
Colin was passionately angry, but pas
sionately quiet. Then will occupy it until
your friend arrives" he said.
He leaned forward and suddenly became
conscious of the presence of two of the black
hveried attendants of the place. A firm, almost
threatening voice was in his ear.
Pardon, monsieur. Cetie place est reservee."
Colin made what was almost the effort of
his life. He kept his temper and his presence
of mind. IN that case" he said calmly,"I
will listen to the finish of the opera from the
gangway."
The ushers fell back. Ann, although she
was conscious of the menace in Collins voice.
felt curiously helpless. She watched him
resume his place against the wall, where he
stood with folded arms. Her little gesture of
appeal passed umoticed He remained there,
sullenly waiting. Ann. clasping the program IN
her hand, also waited.
No one saw it happen not even Colin.
He glanced towards the stage as the curtain
rose on the final act of the opera and, when he
looked back again, there was man seated in
the vacant place by AIMS side. Taking stock
of him with kind of critical fury, Colin found
him hard to place. He was obviously for
eigner, with that peculiar pallor which only
Italians appear to achieve. He was unusually
short and stocky, with broad shoulders and
legs which scarcely reached the floor His
eyes were large and deep set. They seemed to
wander everywhere, and see nothing. He had
the air of man who is nervous and iii at
ease, and yet he gave one the impression of
man whose soul is at rest, who has achieved
something which has been his lifes desire.
Il L. tn