The record-union., 1897-12-31

The other two members of the COM
pany evidently did not know What 10
think, but her brother, who had trans
ferred his hands to his pockets and was
whistling softly, understood her better
and showed no surprise. He knew tnat
as far as outward appearances go-and
that is good way-the man beIore
him was decided improvement on the
one he had just lost, and, as for ms
acting-why, he could soon see about
that, and, tossing the manuscript over
to the newcomer with a short read
that" he hauled out the chicken and
began to show how it was to play it's
part in the piece.
1t was a bright, witty little comedy,
and as Derringford read it over he feit
himself absorbing, appreciating, every
line of it, and felt that the part he
hoped to fill might have been written
for him. so exactly did. it form to MS
| own likings and talents.
BY the time Prescott'S energetic
Now, then, go over it with us, and
Wen show you the business" rang in
his ears, he was already molding him
self to the personality of the man IN
the piece, losing himself SO entirely
that he forgot everything-his sur
roundings, and the strange manner in
which he had come to them, but above
all he forgot how very much depended
on his doing well, and so forgot to be
nervous.
After they had gone over it once,
Prescott leaned back in his chair and
watched his new hero through half
closed eyes, while Patty rocked vigor-
| ously back and forth, smiling at her
own success and shaking her fist at the
Plymouth Rock, which was now held
in place by a Standard dictionary.
They both knew that the piece was
made. Prescott felt that here was a
real. living man who knew, understood
and could embody all the characteristics
he had given the imaginary one, and as
he saw the easy, graceful movements,
the bright suggestive by-play and heard
every word and line rendered with just
the shade of meaning he had meant it
should carry, his authors heart re-
joiced within him over such an unusual
treasure.
When they had finished, he stood up
and put both hands on Derringford' s
shoulders. MY boy" he said, you're
not a great actor-I shouldn't be sur
because you thought you were-but you
are good one, and though it may seem
ridiculous to talk of such thing in a
curtain raiser, you have created or
rather will create, a part. You're fixed
for one season anyway"
But now the excitement was over and
Derringford remembered and collapsed.
He realized all it meant at last and ne
felt very weak and faint as he asked
hoarsely, "Then you think Ill-do?"
DO? OF course you will. Now, you
just pony into those lines-letter per-
feet tomorrow If you can-it's an easy
part. Two rehearsals a day, remem-
ber-we've only three days and, oh,
say, you don't need anything but a
dress SUIT" and he went across to help
one Of the other members of the COM
pany into her coat, while Derringford
gave a little jump and looked around
for his bundle with a nervous glance
that made naughty Patty giggle as she
held it up. Safe" she whispered, as
her brother followed the others out of
the room.
Yes" said he, with a look in his
handsome eyes that made her flush,
safe in more ways than one. thanks
to you. I'll never forget it,
"Sq-u-a-wk," came loudly from
under the paper basket. and Patty bent
TO hide her scarlet face as she cried.
There, she objects Thanks to whom
thanks are due and" waving the in
dignant Plymouth Rock towards him,
Il think you'd better say Thanks to
the chickenr Mary A. Dickerson. in
Cleveland Plaindealer