nsatisfied, slave.

For the first time she felt the tigress instinct to defend what she
held to be her own, right or wrong. She could tear this woman into
pieces--the little poverty-stricken nobody, an understudy in an opera
troupe! And yet if she should succeed to-night--the thought was
suffocating--to-morrow her name would be on the lips of thousands and a
new star would be shining in the musical world.

* * * * *

Stuart took Harriet to the stage door on his way for Nan. As the cab
wheeled up Broadway he was in a fever of excitement over the outcome of
the night's work.

"It's horribly unfair, little pal, for them to thrust you into such a
position with only a few hours' rehearsal."

"I'm only too thankful for the chance, Jim," she answered serenely.

"Let me see if your hand is trembling."

Ho took her hand in his and held it a moment, looking tenderly into her
expressive eyes.

"I never saw anything like it in my life!" he exclaimed. "You're as
cool and unconcerned as if you were going to hear me sing instead of
making your first appearance in one of the great roles of an immortal
opera. You haven't the slightest fear of failure?"

She smiled with joyous eagerness as she replied:

"I know that I can sing to-night, I may not make a deep impression or
create the slightest excitement, but I can't fail."

"If you should, dearie," he said, with deep tenderness, "promise me not
to take it to heart. Such a trial is not fair to you. Even the greatest
star could not do her best under such conditions."

"No, they couldn't be induced to sing under such conditions. But I am
divinely happy over it. I promise you that not a tear shall stain my
face if I fail. I shall only laugh and try again."

Her faith was so serene, Stuart was reassured.

At the stage door he held her hand in parting and whispered:

"My soul and body will be yours to-night, dearie, remember that! I've
permission from the manager to meet you behind the scenes after the
last curtain. Be sure to wait a moment before you go to your dressing
room."

"No, I'll see you in my room. I shall be so proud of it--the star's
room for one night at least! The maid will show you the way."

"I will be in the Bivens's box, the second from the stage on the right.
Don't forget to glance that way, now and then."

A look of pain clouded the fair face, but he could not see it in the
shadows, and with a last warm pressure