Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 58, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 March 1913 — A Night’s Enchantment [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

A Night’s Enchantment

By HAROLD MacGRATH

Author oj “The Man on the Box,” “The Goose Giri,” Etc.

(Copyright, by the Bobbs-MerriU Company)

O much depended on every one’s utter lack of nervousness and embarrassment that Shaw, the stage manager, decided my presence at the final rehearsal would only add to the tension, and was therefore unnecessary. The “star”

complained that her efforts to interpret my lines to my satisfaction were wearing her thin, while the "leading man" declared that he could not enter naturally into the spirit of the comedy so long as he knew I was watching from across the'front. To tell the truth, I was not unagreeable. There were many things I wanted to change, and I knew that if J once got headway I should have to write the play all over; and that was not in the contract. My room was better than my company. So Shaw gave me a card to The Players and left me there in the care of a distinguished fellow dramatist. I We had a capital dinner, and our exchange of experiences would have made a book equal in -length to "Revelation.” I played a game of billiards indifferently well, peered into Booth’s room and evoked his kindly spirit to watch over my future, smoked incessantly, and waited impatiently for Shhw’s promised telephone call. The call came at 10:30, and Shaw said that three acts had gone off superbly and that everything pointed to a big success. All' at once I determined to .run uptown to the theater and steal in to see the last act. So I called for my hat and coat, apologized to my friend, and went forth into - the night —and romance! Gramercy Park Is always still at night, quiet even In the very heart of turmoil. Only an indefinable murmur drifted over from the crowded life of Broadway. I was conning some lines I thought fine, epigrams and fragmentary philosophy. “Hurry! We have only half an hour!” The voice, soft and musical, broke the silence ere my foot had left the last step. Amazed, I looked in the direction whence came this symphony of vocal allurement. A handsome coupe, with groom and footman, stood at the curb. A woman in evening gown leaned out. I stopped and stared. The footman at the door touched his hat. I gazed over my shoulder to see if any one had come out of the club at the same time that I had. I was alone. "Hurry! I have waited at least half an hour. We haven’t a moment to waste.” Some one in the upper rooms of the club lifted a shade to open a window, and the light illuminated her features. She was young and very handsome. To this day I cannot analyze the impulse that led me into that carriage: Fate in the guise of mischief, Destiny in motley and out for a lark, I know not which, nor care. “I am sorry to have kept you waiting,” said I. “I thought you would never come,” she answered. , Thought I would never come? I ’ was silent because I had nothing to say. "One after another they came out. I thought you would never,’ never come. I had all I could do to keep from going Into the club after you!” She tore oft her long, white gloves and flung them (savagely, I thsught) into her lap. Going Into the club after me? Heavens! What a scandal I had escaped! What the deuce was It all about, anyway? Who was I? What was expected of me? My nerve lost a particle of its strength, but I could not back out now. It was too late. Iwas in for some sort of excitement. "You will never forgive me, I know, for waiting outside a club for you.” She snuggled over to her side of the carriage. , “Yes. I will!” I replied with alacrity. Who wouldn’t forgive her? I moved closer. s “It Is all so terrible!" Her voice was tense; there was a note of agony in It that was real. She was balling her handkerchief, and I could see that lher Angers were long and white and without Jewels, though I caught the Intermittent glimmer of a fine neckllace ringing an adorable throat. ’What a fine chance for a rascal! I wondered If she would have me arrested when she found out? Was I married, single, a brother, a near tfriend? What the deuce was her (trouble? Ought I to kiss her? My (double was a fortunate duffen. How I an vied him! "Women are so silly sometimes. I (do not know why I was dragged Into khls,” she said. Dragged into what? Had a crime been committed, or had some one run away with another man’s wife? Heavens! we might be eloping and I not know anything about It! I shivered, mot with fear, but with a strange elaftion. , - . “How could I have done ft? How icould i? Terrible!" “It must be,” I admitted readily. No, a woman does not elope in her ball gown. Perhaps we were going after the trunks. “To think that he would force me Unto a thing like this!”—vehemently.

“I see that there is nothing left for me to do but to punch his hdad.” I thought I was getting on famously. She gave me a swift, curious glance. “Oh, I-am brave enough,” said I. I wondered if she had noticed that I was a passably good-looking man, as; men go. “What ls done is done,” —wearily. “Retrospection will do us nd good.” “What do you wish me to do?” I asked presently. It was like writing a composite flovel, no one knowing what the other chapters were about. I had already forgotten that I had written a play which was to be produced the following night! I forgot everything but the potent charm of the njystery which sat beside me and which I was determined to unravel, as they say in detective stories. "What do you wish me to do?" 1 repeated. “I will tell you when the time comes. For your own sake, be v advised by me and do nothing rash. You are so impulsive.” For my own sake do nothing rash; I was so impulsive! My hand wandered toward the door-latch, and fell. No! I would stick It out, whatever happened. "You are hot afraid, are you?” she asked “Afraid of what?”—adroitly. .... *7 was right in waiting for you,”—simply. Maybe; that remained to be seen. “Are you wise in taking me there tonight?" I asked. This was very cunning of me. - She coughed slightly and peered from the window. "Ten-blocks more! Oh, if only we dared go faster, faster, and have It all over with!” "A policeman would delay us no Inconsiderable time,” I cautioned. “And think of its being reported in the papers! That wouldn’t help matters. They are had enough as they are.” Doubtless they were! She said nothing. “Courage, courage!” I said; “all will end well.” At least I sincerely hoped It would end well. I reached over and touched her hand. She withdrew that member of an exquisite anatomy, as suddenly as If my touch had stung her. Then a horrible thought scorched me. I had more than a thousand dollars in my wallet. I snuggled over to my side of the carriage. The newspapers were teeming with stories of new bunko-games, and this might be one of the classics of getting-rich-qulck on other people’s money. I slyly buttoned up my coat." Anyhow, It was chilly. On, on we rolled; light after light flashed into the window, gloom followed gloom. More than a thousand dollars was a large sum for an author to be carrying about; and If the exploit turned out to be a police affair I might be seriously questioned as to how an author came by so large a sum. Yet, as I thought of her hecklace, I felt my cheeks grow red with shame. It’s so hard to doubt a beautiful young woman! Still, tho jewelry might not be real. Had she really mistaken me? Ha! I had it I would find out what she was. I leaned over quickly and kissed her cheek. There was not a sound, only I felt her shudder. She wiped with her handkerchief the spot my lips had touched. I was a cad and a wretch. When she did speak her tones were even and low. “I did not quite believe that of you ”, \ "I could not help it!” I declared, ready to confess that I was an Impostor; and as I look back I know that I told the truth when I said I could not help it I didn’t care where the carriage went, nor what the end would be. “And I trusted you!" The reproach was genuine. I had nothing to say. My edifice of suspicions had suddenly tumbled about my ears. 'T am sorry; I have acted like a cad. lam one," I said finally. “I 'was helpless. One after another the men we trust fail us,” she answered despondently. “Madam, lam a wretch. I am not the gentleman you have 'taken me for. I have had the misfortune to resemble another gentleman." *7 never saw you before In all my life, nor any person that resembles you." I gasped., This was what the old dramatists called a thunderbolt from heaven. I felt for my wallet; It was still in my pocket. Inconsistently, I grew angry. “Then, what the devil—!” “Do not add profanity .to ill manners,” she interposed. “Perhaps I .have no right to complain. There is the door, sir; you have but to press the button,'.atop the driver, and get out. I am in a terribly embarrassing position tonight, one which my own folly has. brought me to. It was absolutely necessary that >a gentleman should accompany me In this carriage to my destination. When you came forth from your club—the only club the exact location of which I am familiar with—you appeared to be a gentleman, one I could trust to accompany me. To attract your attention, and at the same time arouse your curiosity, I had to resort to

equivocal methods. It Is an adventure, sir. Will’ - you see it to the Tend, or shall I press the button?*’ She seemed really in earnest. ® “Permit me' to ask a question or two!” I was mightily confused at the turn of things. ' “Perfect confidence in me, or I shall open the door.” “In any other city but New York —•" “Yes or no!” —Imperiously. “Hang it, madam!” * Her hand, went toward the electric button. . ■ “To the end of the world, and no questions asked.” Her hand dropped. “Thank you,”— gently. “Curiosity is something we can’t help; otherwise I should not be here, ass that I am! Chivalry isn’t all dead. If you are in trouble depend upon me; only I must be back In New York by tomorrow night.’’. , “You will not leave the city. You have no fear?” “I should not be here else.” “Oh, but you must be imagining all sorts of terrible things.” “I am doing some thinking, I’ll admit. How easily a woman can make a fool of a man!” “Sometimes.” “I am a shining example.' How you must have laughed at me! A pretty woman has more power over a man’s destiny than all the signs of the Zodiac put together. And it’s perfectly natural that he should want to kiss her. Isn’t it?” ‘7 am not a man.” “A saint would have tripped. Put yourself in my place—” “Thank you; I am perfectly satisfied.” “A beautiful woman asks me to enter her carriage—” “And, thinking that I had mistar ken you for some one I knew, ( you kissed me!” —derisively. “Well, I believed you to be some classic adventuress.” “And you are sure I am not?” "Positive now. You see, I have considerable money on my person.” "Wouldn’t it be wise for you to hand it over to some policeman to keep for you till tomorrow? Do not take any unnecessary risks. You do not dream into what I am leading you.” The carriage suddenly stopped. “The journey is at an end,” she said. “So soon?” A moment later the- door opened, and I stepped out to assist her to alight. She waved me aside.. We stood in front of some millionaire’s palace. It was golden with illumination. “Follow me,” she said, as she lightly mounted the steps. I followed. . . . Here, in New York, the most unromantlc city in all the wide world! I was suddenly seized with nervousness and a partial failure of the cardiac organs to perform their usual functions. She turned to me. “There is yet time.” “Time for what?” ® “Time to run.” “There was a moment. . . Lead on,” —quietly. I thought of the young man with the cream tarts. She touched a bell, and the door was quickly opened, admitting us into the hall. A servant took our belongings. “Dinner is served, miss,” said, the servant, eying me curiously, even suspiciously. 7 It appeared that I was to dine! What the deuce did it all mean? A dinner at supper-time! I followed her Into the dining-room. -Fortunately, I was in evening dress. I should at least be presentable, and as cool as any man in the room. Around the table, covered ’with exquisite linen, silver and glass, sat a party of elegantly dressed men and women. At the sight of u» the guests rose confusedly and made toward us with shouts of laughter, inquiry and admiration. They gathered round my companion fend plied her with a hundred questions, occasionally stealing a glance at me. I saw at once that I stood among a party of ultra-smart people. Somehow I felt that I represented a part in their mad pastimes. _ “Where did you find him?” cried one. ; “Was it difficult?” asked another. ‘771 wager he didn’t need much urging!” roared a gentleman with a rubicund nose. “He is positively good-looking!" said one woman; eying me boldly. I bowbd ironically, and she looked at her neighbor as if to say: “Why, the animal understands what I say!” “My friends,” said the girl, waving her hand toward me, “I have paid my detestable forfeit” Her tones did not bespeak any particular enjoyment. A wager! I stood alone, my face burning with chagrin. I could feel my ears growing, like the very ass that I was. A wager! “To table!” cried the gentleman with the rubicund nose. Evidently he was host. “We must have the story in full. It certainly must be worth telling, girl has brought home a gentleman, I’m hanged!” The guests resumed their chairs noisily. , The girl faced me, and for a space it was a battle of the eyes. “Will you do me the honor?" she said half-mockingly, nodding toward the only vacant chair at the table. “Would it not be wise for me to go at once?” I asked quietly. "If you do not sit at the table with me, I lose. But please yourself,’’— wearily. “It has all been very distasteful to me.” *7 shall stay to the bitter end. My conceit and assurance need a drubbing.” I offered her my arm. The host rose, and, leaning on his flnger-tlps, he addressed me: “Sir,

all this doubtless strikes you as rather extraordinary.” ' - "Very extraordinary," I replied. “To dine under such circumstances to not accorded to eyery man.” ‘ “To which do you refer: the honor or the modus operand!?". “Both. Now, an explanation is due you.” ~ . “So I observe,”—gravely. “The pleasure is mine. To begin with, permit me to Introduce you to my guests.” One by one he named them, the ladies and gentlemen/ I had heard of them all. Money had made them famous. “As for myself, I am Daniel Ainsworth; this is my home. I dare say you have heard of me." _ “I have won money on your horses, sir,”—with all the gravity of expression I found possible to assume. My remark was greeted with laughter. My host, composing his lips, resumed. “And now, sir, whom have I the honor to address?" “I am the author of many a famous poem,"—tranquilly. “Ah!” “Yes; anonymous. Sir, my name would mean nothing to you br your guests; I am poor.” There was a trace of admiration In the girl’s eyes as she turned her head. “Besides,” I went on, “I want a little revenge.” “Good!” bawled my host; “good! You’re a man of kidney,' sir. A gentleman is always a gentleman; and I do not need to look at you twice, sir, to note that my niece’s choice has been a happy one.” “You have not Introduced me to your niece,” said I, "who is, next to myself, the most Important guest at the table.” "Hang me! The young lady at your Side is Miss Helen Berkeley, the best horsewoman in the state, if I do say so myself.” Great applause, as they say in the press gallery. I looked, squarely at the girl, but she was idly busy turning her empty wine-glass -slowly round and round. "I appreciate the honor, sir,” I said; “but now will you favor,me with the modus operand!, or, to be particular, the reason of all this mystery?" ’7 approach that at once. This Is leap year, as you will recollect. On January first I gave a leap-year party, and in the spirit of fun each lady present declared her intention of bringing to a series of late dinners a gentleman whom none of us knew, either by sight or by reputation. He was to be lured into a carriage by some story or other, and was not to know the true state of things till he sat at the table. My niece was the last on the list. Those who backed down were to give a house-party of a week’s length. Women detest house-parties, and that is the one reason why this comedy has gone down the line without a failure. "Now, Nell, tell us how you lured Mr. Anonymous into your carriage." Very quietly she recounted the tale. .She omitted but one incident. “In front of a club!” cried the ladies in unison. “Why In the world didn’t we think of that?” "Miss Berkeley has omitted one thing,” said I maliciously. “And, pray, what?" asked Miss Berkeley’s uncle. 'Tiemember,” she whispered, "you are supposed to be a gentleman.” I took umbrage at the word “supposed.” “Miss Berkeley must tell you what she has omitted in the course of her narrative.” “And I refuse to tell.” “Hang It, Nell, I’ll wager Mr. Anonymous kissed you!” cried her uncle. “Caught!” cried one of the ladies. "Allow me a word,” I Interposed. I was already sorry. "There was a method in my action which must not be misconstrued. I believed, for a moment, that Miss Berkeley might be a new species of bunko-steerer. If she objected noisily to my salute I should find my case proved; if she cried, I was wrong.” “And?” “She did neither.. She rubbed her cheek.” “171 warrant!” my host bawled noisily. “Oh, this la rich! A bunkosteerer!” "Miss Berkeley," I whispered,X‘‘we are quits." \ “Not yet,”—ominously. S It was almost time for me to go I "I was going to ask your pardon," said the uncle in his hunter-voice; "but I think you have been paid for your trouble. Is there anything you would like?” "Three things, sir.” “And these?” he asked, while every one looked curiously at me. I was still an unknown quantity. "My hat, my coat, and the way to the door, for I presume you have no further use for me." My reply appealed to the guests as monstrous funny. It was some time ere the laughter subsided. My host seemed to be* threatened with an attack of apoplexy. "My dear sir," said he, *7 beg of yon to remain, not as a source for our merriment, but as the chief guest of honor. < I believe you have won that place.” ' I turned to Miss Berkeley. "Do you bld me remain?" Silence. I placed my hand on the back of my chair, preparatory to sliding it from under me. She stayed me. "Do not go,”—softly. '7 haven’t had my revenge." I sat down. I was curious to learn what color this revenge was going to take. "Mr. Alnswdrth, my compliments!" —raising my glass, being very careful not to touch the contents.

; "Bully!” cried my host, thumping the table with his fist "James, a dozen bottles of ’96. There’s a gentleman,”—nodding to those nearest him; “you can tell ’em a mile off. A tittle shy of strangers," humorously falling into horse-talk, "but he’s money doming down the homestretch." Then everybody began to talk at once, and I knew that the dinner proper was on the way. “Aren’t you just a little above sucil escapades as this?” I asked of the girl. “Do not make me any more uncomfortable than I am,” she begged. “But having gone into it I had too much courage to back down.” "The true courage would have been to give the house-party.” "But men always insist upon your marrying them at house-parties.” "I see I have much to learn," — meekly. "And the men are right” “What an escape I have had!” “Meaning house-parties, or that I am a gentleman?” "If you had not been a gentleman! For, of course, you are, since my uncle has so dubbed you. If you had not been a gentleman!” “It you had not been a lady! If you had been a bunko-steerer! And I still do not know that you are not one. Do you believe me? I kept my hand on my wallet pocket nearly all the time.” “I understood you to say that you were poor.” “Oh, I mean that I am too poor to hunt for excitement in bizarre things." “Confess that you look upon me with a frank contempt! ” —imperiously. “Never!” “You neither eat nor drink. Why?” "I demand to retain some of my self-respect.” "You must think us a pack of fools.” “Oh, Indeed, no; only rich.” “That Is almost an epigram,"— warningly. “You will lead me to believe that you belong to smart society In some provincial town.” “Heaven forfend!" —earnestly, “But speak all the thought. Nothing prevents truth frqm either of us tonight” “All of what thought?” “We are not fools, only rich.” "Well, I lower the bucket, then; and if I can bring truth to the top of the well you will promise not to blush on beholding her?” “I promise.” “It ip maddening and unhealthy to be rich and idle. The rich and idle do such impossible things in the wild effort to pass away the dragging hours. Society is not made up of fools; rather knaves and madmen. Money and idleness result in a -mild attack of insanity.” ’"I have always been rich. What is poverty like?" "It is comparative.” • "It must be horrid." “Poverty is ugly only when man himself is the cause of it." - ' "Another epigram. I have always been under my uncle’s care." —with the slightest droop of ’the lips. "Ah! His knowledge begins at the, table and ends at the stable: vintages and horses. If a woman had crossed his path he would have been a great man.” “Poor Uncle Dan! To him I am his favorite filly, and he has put huge sums on me to win the ducal race. Everybody says that I’m to marry the duke of Roxclift.” "And you?” I do not know why my heart* sank a little as I hesitatingly put this question. "I? Oh, I’m going to balk at the quarter and throw the race. Tonight, what would you have done in my place?” "Hailed a gentleman exactly like myself." " She dallied with a rose, brushing it across her lips. "I do not know why I desire your good opinion. Perhaps it’s the novelty of sitting beside a man who does not believe in flattery." "We are getting on capitally. When I left the club tonight the wildest stretch of my fancy would not have placed me here beside you.” "Yes," —irrelevantly, “most of us are mad. Everything is so terribly monotonous.” "Tonight?’’ "Well, not tonight” "You have not asked me who I am.” : "Then you are somebody?"—drolly. She contemplated me, speculatively as it were. I laughed. This was the most amusing and enchanting adventure I had ever had the luck to fall into. "The world thinks so,” I replied to her question. “The world? What world?" < "My world • . . and a part of yours.” "Are you one of those men who accomplish something besides novel dinners?” "so I am led to believe." "In what way?” “Ah, but that is a secret” She shrugged. Evidently she was incredulous. “Are you an actor?*’ suddenly recollecting where she had picked me up. "Only in ’All the world’s a stage.*” “I will ask you: Will you do me the honor of telling me who you are?" "My self-respect denies me that pleasure:** "Fiddlesticks!” This was very human. *7s it possible that I am Interesting you ’’’—surprised. "You are a clever man, whoever and whatever you are. Where did you learn to read a woman so readily? Who told you that when you confront a woman with a mystery you trap her interest along with her curiosity? Yes. you are clever. If you told ma

your name and your occupation I dare say 1 should straightway become bored.” “Does your interest in episodes like tonight always die so suddenly?* —nodding toward the others, who Had long since ceased to pay me any particular attention. “Nearly always." .. / "Very well; since they have forgotten us let us forget them.” I leaned toward her, my voice was not so» steady as ft shotfid have been. “In what manner would it benefit me to tell you my name'knd what my occupation in the great world is? Would it put me on the list of your acquaintances?" She eyed me thoughtfully. "That depends." "Upon what?" ' “Whether you were worth knowing. I addressed other gentlemen in front of your club. They politely said X had made a mistake." "They were old or married." “That wasn’t it.” “Then they didn’t see you to the light, as I did.” “What difference would that have made?” "All the difference in the world. But you have tabooed flattery.” I directed my gaze toward the door, and she surrendered a smile. “You might be worth knowing,”—* musingly. “I promise to be.” "Eat,” she commanded '7 am not hungry; I have dined.” , “Drink, then." "I am not thirsty." She took my glass and poured the contents into hers, then handed it to me. "Now!" she said. "Why?” "You make me think of Monte Cristo; what terrible revenge are you going to take?" *7t will be upon myself; that of never forgetting you.” “One single sip!” ’ ’ I accepted the glass and took one sip. “Now I have lost what I desired to retain —my respect So long as I touched nothing at this table I held the advantage. My name is— —** She put her hands over her ears. "Don’t!" "Very the woman, tempted! me.” “Haven’t you/a better epigram?" "Perhaps I am saving them.” "For what?" "Who knows that I am not writing a play?” “I live here; a eard win find me on Thursdays after four." “I shall come Wednesdays, thereby saving you the trouble.” "That is not wit; it is rudeness. Do not come either Thursdays or Wednesdays.” “How shall you know who ft is?” “Trust a woman.” "Ah, here comes .the butler with the liqueurs. I am glad. Presently I should be making love to you; now I am about to be free.” "Are you quite sure?"—with a penetrating glance. I believe she knew the power of her beauty. "Well, I shaU be free to go home where I belong,”—compromising. And I rose. Perhaps the drollest episode of the dinner took place as I started for the door. “Ever heard of Starlight?** cried Uncle Daniel down the room. "No? Well, she’s down on the winter books at fifty to one. Stack your money on her now; ft’s a hunch." ’ “Thank you.” "Good night,” said I to the girl bowing. “Good night” smiling. The curtain fell on the first act, and the thrilling sound of beating bands came to me dimly. "They are calling for you," said Shaw excitedly. “What am I to do?”—nervously. “What? Haven’t you thought out something to say?"—disgustedly. “Nary a word!” "Well, just lead out Miss Blank and bow. You’re not an old hand; they will let you off without s speech." So I led the young woman who had helped to make me famous to tho footlights, and bowed. Ido not know what caused me to glance toward the left upper proscenium, but I did . . . and felt my heart stop and then throb violently. It was Miss Berkeley. Heaven only knows how long I should have stared at her but for the warning pressure of the actress' hand over mine. We disappeared behind the curtain. I was confused by many emotions. While the hands were shifting about the next "set” a boy handed me the crumpled margin of a program. I unfolded it and read: "Will 'Mr. Anonymous* do Miss Berkeley the honor of visiting her box?” "Mr. Anonymous” presented himself forthwith. Miss Berkeley was with an elderly woman, who proved to be her grandaunt I was introduced. "Aunty, th to to the gentleman I told you about Isn’t it terrible?" • "Terrible? I should call ft wholly enchanting. Sir, you Will pardon the child for her wildness. My nephew doesn’t know as much as his celebrated horses. Now, go ahead and talk while I look over the audience.” If only all elderly ladles were as thoughtful! “And I have read your books; I have witnessed your play!” Miss Berkeley said. “Thursday, after four?” "No. Everybody calls then. Come Wednesday.” *7 have a confession to make.” said I. "You dropped a rose on the floor last night. I stole it Must I return it to you?” “I never do anything without a Purpose." was all she said. So I kept the rose.