The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1896-09-19
ANITA CORTEZ.

II was young Morgan's first appear
ance 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 a response
and then turned his attention to weight
Ter matters.
The stage was dirty looking; some
scenery. backed up against the wall,
appeared garish and cheap-not at all
80 soft and beautiful as when seen from
the front. A chorus girl brushed past
Morgan; she was pastered 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 com
pare.
The play had already commenced and
the comedian was capering around the
stage with the soubrette. A crowd of
men incased In brass armor leaned
against stone painted wall, while
some chorus girls gowned as peasants,
were chatting and laughing n few feet
away.
''What the devil are you girls CAD
ding about over thereY' came the voice
of the stage manager. 'I've told you
hundred times to stand In that second
entrance and wait your cue there. I'll
fine the whole crowd of you II have
TO tell you again"
The girls moved in matter-of-fact
sort Of way to the entrance designated.
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 long breath.
He was accustomed to profanity down
at the office, but then there were no
women there.
burst of music and the girls trippcd
on the stage, Just as the comedian.
painting and persiring, came tumbling
of. I'm going to cut that dance to-
morrow night, Grips. It's too much
exertion for warm night"
NuN eVuA W nOAt Uuclntcc lOl ull 1
care" answered Crlpps. ITS 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. Crippsy was all he said.
Six girls came jostling OFF the stage.
One OF them stumbled against bit of
r,rnfagflncr L.,
her gown. who's got a pin? Who's
got pln;" she shouted.
Grips heard her Tore your dress.
did you? That1l cost you dollar
help you not TO be SO careless. too.
Take the dress to Mrs. Ward after this
scene and tell her to mend It,"
II couldn't help II, Mr.. Grips 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 IT,"
was Grips unfeeling rejolnder. You
girls come or that scene like n pack of
frightened sheep. Take your time. No
body's chasing you. Here. Gadsby,
mind your lights Quick now-out
lights-down with that drop. Shove
that wing around more-so- so-that's
enough. Don't take all night with that
table. That Is quick change. not a
funerall Get out Of the way. you fool
reporterl Push that chair on the stage
Now up lights-up lights for the love Of
heaven, and be quick about itr' And
up went the lights as suddenly as they
went out, and Morgan heard burst Of
applause from the front as the "Exter-
Tor OF the Kings Palace" gave way In
fifteen seconds TO "a Room In Blue
boards Castle" The girls were rush.
ing up the narrow wooden stairs for a
change OF costume-armored knights
were running past him toward the
stage-the orchestra was playing wild
fanfare-the stage manager was look
ing at his watch and grinning triumph
antly. MADE the change In four sec
onds quicked time than last night" he
said
"Haye you a pin, please Morgan