The San Francisco call., 1905-02-02
BETTY SEERS
BY ETHEL B.ARRLNGTON.

Betty made a grimace. do you think
could? I'd appreciate him more If
believed 1t possible. Bob is so hope
lessly-mine."
The next week Betty's occupation be-
gan. In the morning she attended re-
hearsal and spent long hours In being
drilled and coached by an irascible
stage manager. In the afternoon she
studied by herself. When she had mas
tered the lines perfectly she commenced
reporting at each performance. At first
she felt her Importance. But as the
weeks passed into months and the lead
ing woman remained unnaturally
healthy doubts of her own usefulness
discouraged the girl. The only comfort
was the envelope" She missed her
friends and-Bob. She had not seen or
heard anything of him in two months.
these things Deering entered as though
there had been no lapse Of time.
"Oh. Bob-Bob-" If Deering had
absented himself for purpose 1t was
answered in Betty's glad cry. He
looked supremely happy.
Now you just must come to dine
with me-" he declared. The invitation
was accepted. Deering. Betty and her
mother were soon seated at q cozy
table in a fashionable hotel
How good 1t tastes" cried Betty.
It's so long since I've really dined."
Her spirits ran riot, her eyes grew
bright as they had not been for days.
Deering beamed with satisfaction.
They talked sense as though 1t were
nonsense, and nonsense seriously,
both ridiculously happy.
I've box for Mrs. Ftske. You
Will both come? 2"
After reporting?" agreed Betty,
remembering duty
Report what? Where?''
AT the theater. I'm understudy,
you know. But 1t won't take long.
go about or half-past."
Seven or half-past," repeated
Deering. well, it's too late nowl"
What will they say Betty hesi-
tated.
Nothing; just tip the doorkeeper
to say you called"
Doorkeeper-it's the stage man.
ager. and he Is bear"
What harm could 1t do to miss one
night when she had reported for
three months?
After the theater they went to sup
per. Betty had long forgotten every
thing but the passing moment. A
friend stopped to exchange greetings.
And where have you been to-
night7" inquired Betty.
Nowhere. Had tickets for the -.
But the leading lady was taken sud
denly LII. and they closed the theater.
Jolly strange they had no under
study" Then, bowling, he rejoined
his friends.
"oh. OH" gasped Betty when she
could get her breath. THE under
study Is here" Then she laughed
hysterically. Ia business womanl
And at the first taste of pleasure for
got everything"
It's my fault" protested Deering.
contritely.
The manager won't recognize your
responsibility he never gave you
an envelope"
"A what7"
They'll discharge mel What shall
I do?" There were tears in Bettys
=
eyes.
Enter into another engagement" ;"
suggested Deering promptly. zone
where you can't get your notice,
where you won't be understudy, but
the real thing
The next day the manager sat at his
desk when the Office boy brought him
card. Send her away, I'm busy"
commanded the manager, angrily
But it's most important" pleaded
| Betty. slipping past the boy. "I
don't suppose you will forgive me-
.It was so unprofessional that I
| have nothing to say, Miss Seers.',
Mrs. Deering," interpolated Betty.
| Mrs Robert Deering." The name
was well known. The manager turned
| to listen
You see, my husband" Betty al
most tripped on the word. feels 1t
was his fault. We were married last
| night. His lawyer will settle what
| ever monetary loss you sustained. He
thinks I'm cheap at that price-but
for myself must apologize-under
! the circumstances"
'I wish you every happiness" said
the manager, gallantly.
Thanks" cried Bob. appearing in
| the doorway. II want to shake hands,
| too. Her fear of you won me my
wife," Copyright. 1905, by Ethel
Barrington.)