Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1905-07-01
CHAPTER ".

the stage door of the Theater Royal,
WakefoTd. She had decided to call her
self by her mothers maiden name of Am
brose, adding her second Christian name
of Violet.
She found her way up on to the semi
dark stage, which was at that moment
entirely deserted. She had never been
acquainted with anybody in the theatre
cal profession, and, not knowing how
easy of approach the average actor and
actress become, she was naturally nerv-
Gus of the reception her new companions
would give her.
Before long the members of the com
pany began to arrive on the stage in
twos and thrccs.
Miss Ambrose, / believer" said the
stage manager, thin, careworn-look;ng
man with long hair, soiled collar, anl
hurried marl.er. Mr. Croat wired TO
us to expect you. Miss Darville's acct
dent has upset everything. Here is her
part: Romano, the gypsy girl. Quite
short, but very snowy. She only speaks
in the last act; till then you will have
the evening to yourself. Have you a
song2 That's right. For Saturday night
you must sing it with piano accompani-
ment only; we can get the band parts for
next week. Now then, please. Begin
ners last act. Miss Ambrose, you make
your entrance from the center"
The rehearsal proceeded. Muriel did
her best to conceal the fact that it was
her first engagement, thankful that she
had been thoroughly taught elocution,
and that, in her first situation as govern
ess, she had. more than once, been re-
quired to take part in amateur theatri-
Gals. 1t seemed, somehow, to lessen the
strangeness of the situation.
She realized that she had now n
chance which might never occur again,
and she determined to make the most of
it. Nobody seemed to notice her I'M
familiarity with stage terms and "busi-
ness" or, if anyone did, it was charita.
bly, put down to nervousness. She went
through her two scenes twice, reading
her part, and found herself quite sorry
to hear the rehearsal dismissed.
The stage manager FASTENED off, hut
the rest of the company remained Cos
siping
A little woman, with a large head,
deliberately dressed hair, and pert b,t
pretty and good -natured face, came up to
Muriel.
Good morning, DEAR she said bright
ly. Trying things, first rehearsals,
aren't they? But you got on splendidly
By the-bye, I'm Mimi DelaineI play
the gypsy boy-and that's Miss Bel
lenger, our leading lady. OF course, Bay
ley didn't introduce any of us-the bear
he never does. It's lucky I'm not shy"
"Is Mr. Bayley the stage manager r.
asked Muriel.
"Yes," said Miss Delaine. You'll find
him good old sort, if you take him the
right way. That tall fellow in the blue
snit is Harvey Riddell, our leading man
Most women rave about his looks, though
l can't see it myself; but, then, I've
known him too long, and too we'll, per-
haps. You want to keep wour spikes
out when Master Harvey's about, / can
tell you. Don't you put up with any of
his nonsense, my dear; he always had an
eye for good looking woman; but you
can't believe word he says. Like as
not he'll try to make you believe he's
single"
"And isn't her" Muriel asked, wonder.
ing a little how all this could affect her
HE looks such boy"
"Boy!" echoed Mimi merrily. "Why
he's IS if he's day! That's the way
with this profession, thought takes
years off the mems ages, and adds it on
to the women's. Oh. Harvey's married
right enough; though, no doubt, he
wishes he were single again. Not that
he sees much If his wife-she never tours
with him!"
Don't they live together. then?'
"Why, no. Harvey wouldn't be both
cred with a wife and children on tour
She lives somewhere in Manchester
We're due there next week, so then.
suppose, they'll meet, and it'll be the
first time in six months"
"How dreadful for heri Is she fond
of him Z" said Muriel impulsively.
Fond of him?" echoed Miss Delaine
''Why, yes; worships him, believe. She
used to be in the profession herself, but
she got her face badly SCARED in an acct
dent. They say she rowed him about
something, and he threw a lamp at her
don't know the truth of it; but ! dc
know she'll never act again with that
mark on her!"
Muriel did not try to conceal the hor.
ror she felt.
now awful! she exclaimed.
Mimi Delaine laughed.
Hes all right" she said you'll like
him. He won't throw lamps at you
Mr. Riddell," she called, "let me intro.
duce you to Miss Violet Ambrose, oul
new lady"
Harvey Riddell came across and shook
hands with Muriel. He was tall. with
light thrown hair, blue eyes, and regular
features. A slight weakness about his
mouth was the only flaw in his face His
figure was perfect, and his manner pc
cuiarly engaging
Muriel felt at once that. if she had
known nothing OF his history, she would
have been irresistibly attracted to him
As it was, she shook hands coldly, and
turning away, asked Miss Delaine the
favor of an introduction TO the rest OF
the company.
why, of course" said the little WON
an merrily. Harvey, bring 'en up!'