The morning call., 1891-08-23

doOr-keeper always suspects one who asks
Indignation.
I'm member of Mr.. Kidare's company.
His manager, Mr.. Dash, directed me to come
here this morning for rehearsal at 10.
May-may l 90 in?"
She felt her lie a gift from him as she
went by Asking the direction to the stage
had been out Of the question. She followed
on chance the damp-smeliing passage be-
fore her till il opened into a big room. Here
sets of scenery were banked and various
properties hung.
doorway on the opposite side gave a
dyfky glimpse Of a segment Of the foOtlight
curve and Of a cotton-cloth draped box.
Marguerite was not above curiosity in a
about so she took a look at some
greasy tin armor, and thought what a great
life stage life is. The cold, however,
was cruel in still penetrating way. 1t was
draughty and more cruel on the stage itself
The front of the house, like the boxes, was
draped with white dust covers, and from the
windows ia the gallery streaks Of pale gray
light slanted into unexpected corners. The
dust atiUat in these streaks Of light was
thick and fuzzy, and one felt choky at the
fancy Of breathing air so laden. The stage
barred OF setting seemed much larger than
the auditorium, and the slant of the boards
was almost diUy apparent.
Over by one OF the boxes was a big roll of
carpet lighted by brilliant patch of sun
light the base of a slanting golden column
which was flung Jacob's-ladder-lik through
the dusty air from far-up window in the
flies. Marguerite instinctively made for
this patch. though it proved small comfort
against the penetrating curse OF the places
chill. 1t was not her first peep behind the
scenes, but the dismal horror of the great
bare hole weighed upon her. There is moth
ing picturesque about either the desertiun or
tie confusion Of stage. The one is for
bidding and the other is an ugly chaos. She
looked at her watch, a big silver one by
the way, that had been Fathers" Ten
O'Clock. Rehearsal was called at 10, yet not
soul besides herself had arrived. A panic
seized her. Possibly it wasn't called at the
Benton square at all.
At this point the sound of slamming
door treasured her. and a merry Greeting
old CrOsspatch! In Just the same old ugly
fl you were last time? Oh, my business is
all right, and you know me too; and Pm
here for rehearsal. By-by."
A moment later, after a crescendo clink
OF heels, trim figure poised itself in Mar
guerlte's view, came briskly on the stage,
took quick bird-like look from side to side
shot special glance at Marguerite and
then began brisk walk TO and fro Ii this
had been done deliberately to display a
stylish Inquire, graceful carriage, and a
well-poised gait, ii could not have done so
more fully; but evidently the intention was
to ward off the chill After turn OF two
she came toward Marguerite, saying IN q
crisp way:
You seem to have the only bit of sun
shine and"
Then she dropped her umbrella and the
manuscript part she carried, and, reaching
out both hands, cried; Good gracious, ifs
Daisy"
"Fredaw
However did you come here? ?" You
dear thing-therel Don't look scared be-
cause Rugged yor. I'm glad to see you.
Where did you come from? Are you going
to be IN the company? l pity you. l
thought you weren't going on the stage.
You used to say so at school. Did you
stick 10 the old place the year
after left What part do you
play There. dear; Pm enough to
confuse anybody. No, thanks; that car
pets pretty dirty. Besides It's so cold here
you ought to keep moving Pm in the COM
nany, you know. Oh. yes" laughing at
Dalsy'S perplexed glance around, There