The Press., 1907-11-27
Agreeing Mltb
 Beat11iSb.
By LULU JOHNSON.
Copyrighted. 1907. by Jessie Morgan.

On the stage the open fire skylights flooded the bare space with light and created a grateful draft. but the body of the house was swathed in white thin cloths over the rows of the round ed backs of seats, suggesting an order ly row of tombstoneS.
 In the broad foyer back of the bal cony one of Manager Beamish's No. 2" companies went through its re- hearsal, while still another touring or ganization occupied the side lobby downstairs, but 1t was the Avenue stock company. the pride of Bea- mish's attractions, that occupied the stage. Audrey Harwood smiled at the thought that this season she was re hearsing with the crack company on the stage instead of one of the less i'm portant companies in the lobby.
 The year before she had labored through a small part with road com pany, and 1t had not been until the last of the season that Basil, the gen eral stage manager for Beamish. had noticed her work on one of his trips of inspection and had promoted her to the metropolitan company.
 "Its been the graveyard of many blasted hope" retorted Maida Terry, the leading lady. with laugh. land Beamish is the ghoul that goes prowi' ing around the place seeking whom he may devour. There he comes now, she added as the burly form of the manager was discerned descending the staircase leading from the balcony, where he had been watching the re- hearsal of the minor company. Now he settled his huge bulk in seat at the rear of the house, his pudgy hands clasped across his fat stomach, while he viciOusly chewed the end of an unlit cigar. Beamish was an inveterate smoker, but he lived in dread of fire that might put his house out of business for time, and he never smoked in the theater even in his own office.
 His presence made itself felt to How ard Basil, though the latter stood with his back to the auditorium. Some Of the actors played better with the man. ager's eyes upon them, others grew nervous and confused. and Audrey, coming under. Beamish's notice for the first time, failed utterly in her scene. As her voice faltered and broke there came a gruff shout from the rear of the house, and the company eyed the girl commiseEatingly, while Basil drop ped the rehearsaI to answer Beamish's summons.
 Get another girl for that part of was strong upon him to take her: Tn his arms and tell her that he loved her and 1t was because of his love that he had fought. To do so would seem to be p1esuming upon his action. Men, tally he curSed Beamish fer raising this barrier against his hopes.
 Miss Ashton appeared the following morning. sitting in one of the front seats and studying the business care Mona," was the teFse command. "That stick you've got there is rotten"
 "She will play all right" was the re- sponse. 'tShe rehearses badly, and then she is nervous because you are out here"
 "I want another girl" was Beam ish's emphatic answer. "It's only a bit that she plays. but 1t comes in Terry's big scene, and we can't have that spoiled Get rid of her."
 "If thought that she would spoil it, should not have engaged her" answered Basil quietly. "The girl will remain in the cast" =.
 "Give the part to Ashton" ordered Beamish. -"Let this girl out tOmor- row."
 "I have full control of the compa- nies," said Basil, whose face had grown very white. Miss Ashton can play the part at a pinch. Miss Har- wood can live the part. If she goes I go."
 i've got you under contract" sput' tered Beamish.
 'T just mentioned the important clause of that contract" retOrted Basil "You will break it by your own ac' tion."
 The younger man stood quietly for 6 moment, while Beamlsh chewed hta cigar vicfously. Basil was a man hard to replace. Moreover, he had seen the English production of the piece and had read the play with the author. It would never do to let him go on the eve of a production. Beam. ish rose heavily to his feet.
 'T don't suppose that you will object to Ashton understudyingT he asked grufly.
 Not in the least" said Basil. ''I'l send for her this afternoon"
 He returned to the stage. Those bet ter versed in the Beamish methods had | kAn cfo been fighting for Audrey and had told the girl so. She flashed him a grateful glance, but he merely took his place by the table and ordered the rehearsal of the scene over again. It was not until after the company had been dis missed that Audrey had a chance tc speak to him.
 How can I ever thank youY' she said gratefully.
 Basil looked down into the wistfu face. "By doing as well as you pos sibly can." he said. "I want you tG justify my judgment. and I am certain that you can. There will be an under study here tomorrow, but don't worry If Beaamish wants to pay any extra salary, let him. 1t is seldom that hE fndulges in that luxury."
 He turned away to hide the real an aver to her question The temptation
 fully, but Audrey played without
 break. and at the dress rehearsal eve
 Beamish was pleased to grunt
 grudging assent to Basil's praise.
 Then came the opening night. Tn
 house was crowded. for 1t was a
 early opening of the season, and tn
 other theaters were still dark. Beam
 ish gIeamed upon the crowd of nota
 bles streaming into the house. Fl
 knew that he had one of the stronges
 plays of the hour. To score a hi
 would mean perhaps an all season rul
 at the home theater and tremendou