Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1896-08-05
ANITA CORTEZ.

II was young MOrgan'S nfst appear
Rnce on any stage The city editor
wanted a two-column article on Mrs
Bluebeard from Behind the Scenes.
and Morgan was given the assignment
The press agent introduced him to the
stage manager, who grunted q response
and then turned his attention to weight
ier matters.
The stage was dirty looking; some
scenery, backed up against the wall
appeared garish and cheap-not at all
SO soft and bea autiful as when seen from
the front. A chorus girl brushed past
Morgan; she was plastered with rouge
and had two heavy black lines painted
under her eyes. Her lashes were thick
with some black stuff-and yet from his
seat in the parquet the other night he
had thought her beautiful beyond CON-
pare.
The play had already commenced and
the comedian was capertng around the
stage with the soubrette. A crowd of
men incased in brass armor leaned
against a stone painted wall, while
some chorus girls gowned as peasants.
were chatting and laughing a few feet
away.
What the devil are you girls CAD
ding about over therei" came the voice
of the stage manager. I've told you a
hundred times to stand I'm that second
entrance and wait your cue there. I'll
fine the whole crowd Of you If l have
to tell you again"
The girls moved in a matter-of- ia ct
nt, a
One Of the girls, light-haired little
thing, stuck her tongue out when the
stage managers back was turned.
"Cripps is an old crank" she said. The
other girls laughed
Young Morgan took n long breath
He was accustomed to profanity down
Mt the office but then there were no
women there
A burst OF music and the girls tripped
on the stage. just as the comedian,
painting and persiring. came tumbling
of. I'm going to cut that dance to-
morrow night, Cripps. It's too much
exertion for warm night"
Cut your whole business for all
rare," answered Cripps. IT'S not my
reputation you're making. The whole
blooming show can go to the devil as
far as / am concerned"
The comedian yawned Got 'em
again, Cripps?" was all he said
Six girls came jOstling of the stage
One OF them stumbled against bit of
projecting scenery and tore rent in
her gown. Who's got a pinf Who's
got a pin?" she shouted.
CriPps heard her Tore your dress,
did you2 That'n cost you a dollar
help you not to be SO careless, too
Take the dress TO Mrs. Ward after this
scene and tell her to mend It,"
Il couldn't help II, Mr.. Cripps. hurt
my side against the scene. too. I've got
enough to put up with without being
fined"
Cant help how the devil you did 1t.
was Cripps' unfeeling rejoindsr. You
girls come off that scene like a pack of
frightened sheep Take your time No
,ody's chasing you. Here. Gadsby,
mind your lights! Quick now-out
tghts-down with that drop! Shove
that wing around mOre-sO- -so-that's
enough. Don't take all night with that
table. That is a quick change, not q
funeral! Get out Of the way. you fool
'eporterl Push that chair on the stage.
Now up lights-up lights for the love of
heaven, and be quick about itr' And
sp went the lights as suddenly as they
went out, and Morgan heard burst of
applause from the front as the "Exter-
or OF the Kings Palace" gave way in
fifteen seconds to "A Room In Blue
beard's Castle" The girls were rush
ng up the narrow wooden stairs for a
.hanSe of costume-armOred knights
we're running past him toward the
tage-the orchestra was playing q wild
anfare-the stage manager was look
ng at his watch and grinninE triumph
unity. Made the change la four sec
,nds quicked time than last night" he
aid.
Have you pin, please Morgan