The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1902-09-02
''ErHE1P' HE CRIED IN AMAzEMENr.

new production which was to go under
rehearsal this very morning, when
Rowland entered abruptly and ten
dered his resignation. Pyatt looked
worried. Rowland was a dependable
chap and had been with Pyatt two sea.
sons. No good juvenile was to be Sc
cured west of Chicago. Pyatt chewed
his cigar and frowned. He was feel
ing for the motive which prompted
the resignation, and while he thought,
Rowland left the office, formerly the
star dressing room and opening direct
ly on the stage.
Pyatt was puzzled. Here was the
best part ever offered ''the kid" to say
nothing of a chance to make love to
the very girl he was popularity sup
posed to be wooing in real life. And
yet he had offered his two weeks no
tice with a finality which left no op-
portunity for argument. The solution
was nearer at hand than Pyatt
dreamed.
He had just lighted a fresh cigar
when Ethel Godfrey slipped quietly
into the office. Her eyes were red
trimmed from weeping. Pyatt groaned.
Rowland had been announcing his
intention of quitting broadcast with
out giving the resourceful manager a
chance to Fix things" His wrath
changed to amazement, however, when
Ethel spoke.
II want to go home Saturday night
! I am tired out and l need a rest"
'TWait till after the new piece comes
out" urged Pyatt, who began to fear
his entire company had gone mad.
Then the truth came outl
"What! Stay here and be made love
to by that man Rowland! Neverw
Pyatt whistled and beat an irrele-
want ragtime tattoo with his pencil.
/ This was why Rowland wanted his
I part changed. A lovers quarrel! Both
preferred sacrificing a good engage
ment to opening the wounds afresh
twice daily by mimic lovemaking. Ply
att glanced out on the stage where the
company was assembling for rehears-
al. Rowland was chatting carelessly
with the light comedian
The manager laid his hand sooth-
ingly on Etheps bowed head and said:
eff that's the trouble, l can fix things
in jiffy. Just you wait here for
minute"
He went out on the stage, closing the
door behind him, and made straight
for Rowland, who had not seen Ethel
enter the Office.
"Gene," he said cordially 81 think
that matter you just spoke about can
be easily arranged. Suppose you step
into the office for a minute. I'll be
with you directly"
Rowland, with overcast brow and
gloomy eyes, stallzed into the Office,
inwardly insisting that it was the sort
Of thing that never could be fixed. AS
he closed the door his eyes fell upon
Ethel, still sitting with bowed head
and a moist handkerchief rolled in one
trembling hand.
"Ethel," he cried in amazement,
what are you doing here?"
She rose with a woeful attempt at
dignity.
81 fail to see that this is any affair
of Mr.. Rowland's, but since he is so
curious l have come to tender my res
ignation to take effect at once. l do
not feel that l can do myself justice
playing opposite roles to Mr.. Row
land"
"You needn't have done that" he re-
piled evenly. 81 appreciated the way
you would feel and asked the governor
either to give me another part or let
me out"
Gene, you mustn't" she burst out
impulsively. Then she checked her
self. Surely that was not the way to
address a man whose ring she had re
turned that very morning with an icy
note. II mean that l can better be
spared than you. Your part is SO i'm
portant, and you are a favorite with
the audiences. l am new to the com
pany and would not be missed so
much"
Nonsense" be broke In with affect
ed brusqueness. You are woman.
/ can huAtle for myself if l have to.
Pleasing Pyatt in this new part of
yours means life job, and you must
not give it up. I'll join the Spooner
eastern company andD-
But that means travelling all the
time, and you hate it, l know
"Oh, I'm comfortable here all right"
he responded, with a half smothered
sigh, but you would be miserable if
l stayed, and so I'm going. No, don't
try to argue the question You treated
me shabbfly last night, but for the
I sake of our old love III overlook it
and leave you in peace"
There was every indication that the
ingenue's blue eyes would be clouded
in tears again. She rolled her hand
kerchief into an infinitesimal ball and
stared unblinkingly at the huge red
rose in Pyatt's rug. Then there were
two roses, then three, and finally a
great blur spread over the gaudy rug.
Don't cry. Ethel. I'm not worth one
Of those precious tears" The caress-
! ing voice was dangerously near her
pretty pink ear. II think if you'd just
give me a chance to explain what /
meant last night our designations might
be recalled. Don't you think so, Eth
elY'
She nodded her head slightly, and
Rowland, smiling, drew her to his side
'You see, dear, what l meant was
this
She placed one hand on his lips
''Never mind it now What we'd bet
ter do is to tell the governor I've taken
you back on probation No''-as he
tried to protest-"you will have to go
on probation for whole year."
For an instant his face fell, then
lighted up. We'll" he said resignedly,
"Tu wait year If l have to, but it
win spoil a splendid chance to square
with the governor"