A MYSTERY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVII, Issue 72, 24 March 1906, Page 14

A MYSTERY.

J Calve was in fine voice and "Carmen had always been- one of my favourites. Still, that night. I could uot keep my attention on the stage. My eyes were j fixed on a young lady in the box next to j mine.

When the auditorium was lighted up, I her face was all animation and pleasure, but, as soon as the house was darkened, the expression changed. A troubled look came into her eyes, and the smile died on her lips. "What was the cause of this uneasiness," I asked myself over and over again. She was surely in some great trouble, yet tried not to show her distress. Perhaps a gelation or her sweetheart was ill; perhaps it iva3 something more serious—guilt—a crime even! Her simple, childish face told mc that that was out of the question. Still, my curiosity increased .every moment, for her expression grew more and more troubled, until, at length, a look of deep agony and a deadly pallor overspread her countenance. I knew the crisis had come. . Suddenly she rose and left the box. The chaperon followed her. I was on my feet in an instant! I was going to see the affair to its close! Hastening to the door of the -waitingroom I paused to listen. A soft voice whispered: "Have you a pin?" I called my cab and went home. Grand opera had lost its charm for voe.