The Master of Silence

n we ventured out for a walk with fear and trembling lest the newspapers had already increased our fame and our mortification. The twilight of a cloudless

hted foyer. Stepping in, he beckoned me to follow. I immediately saw what had attracted his eye, for on an easel just inside the entrance was the portrait of our woman. On a

here! suddenly

kely," I answered,

erformance and we hastened home, str

rned toward us presented a spectacle entirely new to Rayel. Shortly the curtain rose and the play began. Its first scene was a counterfeit of real stage life in an English theatre. An important performance is impending and at the last moment both the leading lady and her understudy are suddenly taken ill. The management is in a quandary.

in four hours or be postponed. It is found that the costumes prepared for the part will fit the young lady. They consent to try her, the company is hastily summoned together for rehearsal, and the curtain f

posite box. The diabolical little Frenchman was there, sure enough, sit

iting for silence. The lights have been turned down and I cannot see her face distinctly. Before the last ripple of applause is quieted, she advances down the centre of the stage and begins to speak her lines. That voice! What is there in it that thrills me so stran

too, was deeply moved

id he, in tremulous whispers. "I

d-by in the moonlight at her father's gate-long, long ago, it seemed to me now. Was the scene I had witnessed a passage in her own life since I had le

ane?" she asked, e

" I res

an old acquaintance of yours, whom you knew

er to-night, if

us until the performance is over? Hand this card to the n

he card, she gave it to me, a

ose. On the way home I noticed that he frequently turned about and peered through the darkness as if expecting some one to

you?" he asked, whe

for me; I shall not be

get there, or perhaps I can wai

horse cars going down-town, but suddenly a fierce gust of wind swept over me, sowing great drops of rain along the pavement. I looked about for a cab. The street was deserted and so dark that I could see nothing except the gloomy rows of brown stone that stood on either side. While I was looking backward another flash of lightning illumined the street. What man was that coming in the distance? Was it Rayel? No, that was scarcely possible. I had only caught a momentary glimpse of him in the quick flash. He was tall and erect like Rayel, and I thought the hat was his. But my imagination must have tricked me after all, for nothing showed clearly. I walked back a few steps and listened. I could h

I received a terrific blow on the back of the head. I fell forward, one side of my face striking heavily upon the pavement. Strangely enough, I seemed unable to make any outcry, but I had not lost consciousness, for, as I lay with my face resting on the wet stones, I could feel the rain drops falling on it. I could hear those quick footsteps coming nearer. Yes, I could hear Rayel's voice shouting in a loud and angry

ciousness. It was like the slow breaking of

es swelling O'er earth's green fi

e. I could hear a low moaning sound that came from my own throat. I could feel the hot tears rolling down my cheeks. A gentle hand was brushi

re a

spital," s

-who is sing

answered; "the services are

ayel

, he has been wit

w l

st a

ons, but a drowsy feeling o

ng beside me. As I opened my eyes

d-I knew you were not dead." I lay for a moment trying to collect my tho

ed my eyes and listened to the rustling of withered leaves outside the window, and the low humming of insects in the autumn sun. These were prophetic sounds, and they opened the gates of thought and memory.

ept a long t

asleep a la

eplied-"the lady you love. She

is sh

y, but she will so

ought m

treet. A policeman met me, and I told him what had happened. Then the ambulance came and we put you into it, and you were brought here. For a long time you l

uck me?"

he devil was in their heads-that is why I wishe

asked,

Montalle and

's answer

known your susp

waiting to talk

to any one," I said. "Le

sed to the point of explaining his suspicions. It seemed quite likely

ave fulfilled all her professional engagements, and would then return at once to New York. "I wonder," she added, somewhat coquettishly, "if you will be g

the opposite street, when the door of my room was suddenly opened. I supposed

ndr

somehow his voice did not seem quite

id he, advancing toward m

extended hand. We looked into each other's eyes for a moment without speak

tumn winds. We both stood staring out of the window in silence. For my part, I could not have spoken if I had known what to say. How she had changed! The blushing little

again-you have loved eac

stories, and also the vanity and pride that dwelt in them

ng time to me, Hester, for I have

lled with tears, and I drew her t

, Kendric," said she. "Your heart may chan

promising to com