THE FORCE OF CIRCUMSTANCES She had expected the probability of such a happening, yet her face perceptibly paled while perusing the brief note handed her by the stage manager upon coming forth from her dressing-room.

Her first impulse was to refuse compliance, to trust fortune in an endeavor to keep beyond reach, to turn and run from this new, threatening danger like a frightened deer.

But she recalled the financial necessity which held her yet a prisoner at the Gayety.

This writer was partner in the gambling rooms, possibly in the theatre also; her chance for escaping him would be very slender.

Besides, it might be far better to face the man boldly and have it over.