Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1905-07-01
cu.pTER III-(Continued. }
q q q q q q Is !

f. what part shS N'
h,d obtained her first situation as
--..erness through the recommendation
81 tbe vicar in Lynn's Lea, more than a
.,,r previously, but since then the old
~. had died: and Muriel knew how
s,' ' Il would be to apply for employ
-, in a family without a single refer
",ne ne to her character and abilities.
Reciting or singing at private houses
49, concerts occurred to her as possible
Means of earning living. She had been
,rcU trained, and references, she reflected,
,yould hardly be necessary, IL she were
willing TO give the agents an exhibition
FiIled with this idea, she arrived at her
hotel. and, having paid the cabman, ven
tnred to ask him timidly if there were
any concert agencies near.
Cant say was the dubious answer.
there's heaps of theatrical agents
round this neighborhood, if that's any
can you give me any of their ad-
dresaesf"
oWell, there are half dozen up the
Strand; you'll see the names on the door
mates. Then there's more in Bedford
street and Wellington street, and Maiden
lane. St. Georges is there-'e's one of
The bicgest-try i'm" and, with a friend
" nod, cabby whipped up his horse and
drove off.
Nuriel made her way to Maiden Lane
the next morning, and there found tall
building, bearing, at the side of the door,
q brass plate with the inscription, "St
I'D Is han boz,
and concert business negotiated. Second
floor"
A knot of seedy-looking men and
snowy women stood talking excitedly to-
cether near the entrance.
The girl slipped past them and crept
UP the stairs. Reaching the second floor,
she went timidly into what seemed to
be a waiting room. Numbers of people,
similar in appearance and conversation
TO those she had seen outside the street
entrance, were hanging about, and in a
corner. at table covered with papers,
sat thin, sharp-looking girl, with a
Typewriter in front of her, while pho
tographs of actors and actresses in every
description of pose and costume covered
the walls.
Niuriel waited a few moments, and
then. as no one seemed to notice her, went
up to the corner table.
Can l speak to Mr.. st. George?" she
asked timidly.
IN see. What's your liner" said the
typist.
MY line" asked Muriel, puzzled.
your line of business"
II want concert engagements" said
Muriel, slightly bewildered.
The typewriting girl looked doubtful.
"T'll ask him." she said. Hes got a
manager with him now"
As she spoke, the door leading into an
inner room was opened, and the great
agent himself appeared, ushering out a
fat little man with clean-shaven cheeks
and a coarse mouth.
Right you are, my boy" observed the
latter, "see you this evening. Ta-ta"
AS he crossed the room his glance fell
on Muriel. He stopped short, looked
again, hesitated, and finally turned back.
Who's that in black-tall girl, red
hair 2" he said to the agent.
Never saw her in my life before.
Don't look like a professional either.
Shall we have her in" asked St. George.
Yes. If she sings, and doesn't ask too
big a price, she'll do nicely. That face
would draw big houses, even without her
fine fgurel"
st, George beckoned to his new client,
who crossed the room, feeling that the
eyes Of everyone there were upon her.
DO you singi" he inquired, as soon as
the door between the two rooms was
closed.
Yes" replied Muriel shyly. 81 want
ed to know if you could get me some
concert engagements"
Concert engagements be blowed!" in
terripted the manager. "See here, my
dear, I'm running tour of The Gipsy's
Revenge.' It's at Wakeford this week.
One Of my ladies has broken her ankle.
Had wire this morning to say they're
showing an understudy on tonight,
doubling the two parts. That's all right
Tor Wakeford, but we must have a full
cast at Manchester next week You
would play splendidly, I'm sure-any
now, you look the part, and that's the
man thing | shall want you to intro
duce song-any ballad will do; we pro-
vide the gypsy's dress. Rehearse tomor-
FoW, and play Saturday night. Now,
what salary are you asking?"
Il don't know" stammered Muriel,
Perplexed by the rapidity of his arrange
ments. How much ought to sayf" she
asked st. George.
That gentleman turned away to hide a
smile at her inexperience
All, that is matter for ysu and Mr..
oFoSt to SETTLE" he replied
thirty shillings was the price I paid
ny last lady" put in Mr.. Croat prompt
~ but, of course, she was an expert
eAeed actress. / could hardly pay a
novice so much. I can give you twenty
L''e shlllings a week, and shall ask you
lor no premium. pay your fares from
one town to another, and theatrical lodg-
l9sss are very cheap. Come, don't miss
l1e chance. You'll be able to command
any salary once you've played part;
lot my friend, Mr.. st. George, will tell
you I'm the only manager in the King
0om who would engage beginner with
Vdt asking a premium, and even I
couldn't do it, only that I think / may
re able to give you big part in a new
p-eoe I'm producing in London shortly