The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1907-11-14
VIM. F. MCDeyitt,
Dorset and south dorset, Vermont

Il don't suppose that you VIII object
TO Ashton understudyingr he asked
gruiiiy
Not IN the least" said Basil I'm
send for her this afternoon
He returned TO the stage. Those bet
Ter versed In the Beamish methods had
guessed that the stage manager had
been fighting for Audrey and had told
the girl So She flashed him n grateful
glance. but he merely took his place
by the table and ordered the rehearsal
OF the scene over again. II was not
until after the company had been dis
missed that Audrey had chance TO
speak 10 him,
"IIow can ever thank your she
said gratefully.
Basil looked down into the wistful
face. by doing as well as you pos.
sibly can" he said. Il want you TO
Justify my Judgment, and am certain
that you can. There will be an under
study here tomorrow, but don't worry.
II Beamish wants TO pay any extra
salary, let him. II is seldom that he
INDUCES In that luxury"
He turned away TO hide the real an
swer TO her question The temptation
was strong upon him TO take her In
his arms and tell her that he loved her
and Il was because OF his love that he
had fought. To do SO would seem TO
be presuming upon his action. Men
tally he cursed Beamlsh for raising
this barrier against his hopes
Miss Ashton appeared the following
morning. sitting IN one OF the front
seats and studying the business cnre
fully. but Audrey played without q
break, and at the dress rehearsal even
Beamish was pleased TO grunt a
grudglng assent 10 Basil's praise.
Then came the opening night. The
house was crowded, for II was an
early opening of the season, and the
other theaters We're still dark Beam
ish cleaned upon the crowd of nota
bles streaming into the house. It
knew that he had one of the strongest
plays of the hour. To score a hlt
would mean perhaps un MI season run
at the home theater and tremendous
advertisement for the road companies
But his hopes were dashed when
Basil came out front with a worried |
look upon his face.
Terry was thrown out OF her auto,
mobile on her way TO the theater,'
he reported "The physician thinks
she has fractured her skull"
"And we've got to lose all thlsY'
asked Beamish. with wave Of his cl-
gar. The accident TO his leading wo-
man appealed only TO his own selfish
ness and cupidity.
Miss Harwood is dressing for the
part" explained Basil, "She can play
II, ! am certain. II would never do
TO turn the crowd away. We could
never get them back on a later night"
Beamish nodded a grudging assent.
He knew that Basil had stated the
situation properly To get another
woman or wait for Miss Terry 20 re-
cover would upset the play and give
II a blow from which II could never re-
cover
"Go ahead" he said shortly. "lts a
last chance Perhaps the play viii
carry the girl Though"
Basil hurried behind the scenes TO
make the announcement, aud Benmlsh
lum bered in 20 lean over the rear rail
Of the orchestra floor. Al the end Of
the first act he went back on the
stage.
"Going great" he said shortly, Then
he turned upon his heel and walked
back TO his place Of observation.
In the second act Audrey had her
big scene, and, forgetful Of self she
threw herself into the part. She could
not act well at rehearsal, but now the
lights and the crowd acted as u slim
ulus. Neryed by the further desire to
justify Basil's confidence, she surpass-
ed herself At the end Of the act the
house rang with cheers, and her sue
cess was assured.
After the last curtain the crowds In
the restaurants were discussing her
wonderful work, but she still fingered
IN the dressing room. The other play
nrs had gone, and only the cluster OF
electric lights ia the center Of the
stage illuminated the place, emphasiz
Ing the dark shadows thrown by the
stacked scenery.
Beamlsh and Basil were talking as
she came down the dressing room cor
-idor and they did not hear her soft
'ootfalls as she approached.
II suppose you'll marry her, you're
70 stuck on her" grumbled the man.
iger.
"Your objection TO her work sealed .
ny lips" sald Basil coldly Il could
rot seem 10 demand her love as the
,rice OF her being retained Ia the com.
,any."
"Bosh~ said Beamlsh, with an un- |,
.asy laugh you're fool not 10 grab
\ p M \ ID