Театр

           HelistenedrespectfullytotheChancellorwhilehediscoursedonthestageandtoArchieDexterwhilehegavehisviewsontbepoliticalsituation.Juliawasatthetopofherform.ArchieDexterhadaquickwit,afundofstagestoriesandawonderfulgiftfortellingthem;betweenthetwoofthemtheykeptthetableduringluncheonlaughinguproariously;andaftertea,whenthetennisplayersweretiredofplayingtennis,Juliawaspersuaded(notmuchagainstherwill)todoherimitationsofGladysCooper,ConstanceCollierandGertieLawrence.ButJuliadidnotforgetthatCharlesTamerleywasherdevoted,unrewardedlover,andshetookcaretohavealittlestrollalonewithhiminthegloaming.Withhimshesoughttobeneithergaynorbrilliant,shewastenderandwistful.Herheartached,notwithstandingthescintillatingperformanceshehadgivenduringtheday;anditwaswithalmostcompletesinceritythatwithsighs,sadlooksandbrokensentences,shemadehimunderstandthatherlifewashollowanddespitethelongcontinuedsuccessofhercareershecouldnotbutfeelthatshehadmissedsomething.SometimesshethoughtofthevillaatSorrentoonthebayofNaples.Abeautifuldream.Happinessmighthavebeenhersfortheasking,perhaps,shehadbeenafool;afterallwhatwerethetriumphsofthestagebutillusion?Pagliacci.Peopleneverrealizedhowtruethatwas;Vestilagiubbaandallthatsortofthing.Shewasdesperatelylonely.