We use Optical Character Recognition (OCR) during our scanning and processing workflow to make the content of each page searchable. You can view the automatically generated text below as well as copy and paste individual pieces of text to quote in your own work.
Text recognition is never 100% accurate. Many parts of the scanned page may not be reflected in the OCR text output, including: images, page layout, certain fonts or handwriting.
VANE DECIDES TO GO TO LONDON TOWN ON BUSINESS
her even over the lights. It was the look that makes a woman feel her womanhood most. It roused the dormant spirits of wild adventure, of vari-hued romance, of primitive maternity; it made her reckless and timid and glad.
Kitty Clive, one of Peg's supporting actresses, watched the silent drama with venom in her heart.
"Another one," she muttered to herself; "when will pretty Mistress Peg be satisfied? So fond of the men as she is, why doesn't she leave the stage to those who crave its laurels? I 'd like to stop some of her triumphs. "
"Kitty," Peg said, coming up to her suddenly, "come take this curtain call with me. The applause is tremendous. ' '
"They're calling you, I expect."
"No, no — both of us. Come!"
As the two appeared before the lights, bowing gracefully to the ringing applause, Vane threw an enormous floral offering at Peg's feet. Before she could stoop for it, Kitty had it and was acknowledging the receipt of it graciously.
"For Mistress Woffington!" hissed Vane, the words reaching the stage
30
unmistakably ; and Kitty surrendered the tribute, with an added rancor in her soul. Strange how for some life was all effortless taking; for others, all pain-driven giving.
"Zounds! man, wasn't she magnificent?" exulted Vane, as the curtain fell for the last time and the house began to unpack.
"She's a wondrous actress," admitted Pomander, secretly envious of the all-conquering Vane, "but as a woman I'd advise letting her alone."
"Not Ernest Vane," laughed that gentleman. "Hark you, Pomander, I'm going to know more of Mistress Peg Wofiington. We are going to the Green Room now, and there, my fine buck, there will be such a supperparty as you have never attended, with Ernest Vane, bachelor, as host!"
The powerful attraction between Peg and Vane was more than obvious to Pomander and to Kitty Clive. In his inmost soul Pomander exulted. He knew that hearts are caught on the rebound, and he dreamed that, with tenderness and sympathy and some judicious ardor, Mistress Mabel Vane might learn to yield her red lips to Mm. He saw that, with Vane,