The Penn's Grove record., 1896-07-31
ANITA CORTEZ.

1t 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
SO soft and beautiful as when seen from
the 'front.'. A chorus girl brushed past
Morgan; she was plasteTed with rouge
and had two heavy black lines painted
under her eyes. Her lashes were thick
with some black ~stuff-and yet from bis
scat 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 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 thereT' came the voice
Of the stage manager. I've told you a
hundred times to stand in that second
entrance and wait your u there. I'll
fine the whole crowd of you If l have
to tell you again"
The girls moved in a matter-Of-fact
sort of way to the entrance designated.
One of the girls, a light-haired little
thing, stuck her tongue out when the
stage managers back was turned.
"Cripps is nm old crank" she said. The
nther girls laughed.
Young Morgan took a long breath.
He was accustomed to profanity down
at the office, but her there were Ro
women there.
A burst of music and the girls tripped
on the stage, just as the comedian,
painting and persiring, anne tumbling
of. "l'm going to cut hat dance to-
morrow night, Grips. It's too much
sxerti0n for a warm night"
"Cut your whole business for all l
care" answered Cripps. ITS not my
reputation you're making, The whole
blooming show al go to the devil as
far as l am concerned"
The comedian yawned. Got ZEN
again, CrippsT" was all he said.
Six girls came jostling off the stage.
One of them stumbled against a bit of
projecting scenery and tore a rent in
her gown. who's got a pin? Who's
got a pin?" she shouted.
Cripps heard her. 'Tore your dress,
did your That'l cost you d dollar
help you not to be so careless, too.
Take the dress to Mrs. Ward after this
Bcene and tell her to mend It,"
Il couldn't help 1t. Mr.. .Cripps. I hurt
my side against the scene, too. I've got
enough to put up with without being
Aned."
Cant help how the devil you did It,"
was Cripps' %unfeeling rejoinder. "You
girls come OF that scene like a pack of
frightened sheep. Take your time. No
body's chasing you. Here. Gadsby,
mind your lightsl Quick now-out
a~ghts-down with that dropi Shove
MAT wing around more-so-so-that's
enough. Don't take all night with that
liable. That is a quick change, not a
funeral! Get out of the way, you fool
reporter! Push that chair on the stage.
Now up lights-up lights for the love of
heaven. and be quick about itP' And
up vent the lights as suddenly as they
went out, and Morgan heard a 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
ihange of costume-armored knights
we're running past him toward the
~ltage-the orchestra was playing a wild
antarctic stage manager was look
ng at his watch and grlnning triumph
unity. Made the change In four sec
nds quIcked time than last night" he
aid.
Have you a pin, please " Morgan