Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-06-15

However, since he was her lover in the play. 1t piqued her not a little to have him constantly missing his cue while making love to Elsie behind the scenes Instead.
 On one of these embarrassing occa. sions Jim Marshal came to the rescue with what seemed to him nothing sort of an inspiration.
 See here Polly" he exclaimed jo- vially as Polly. alone in the center of the stage. impatiently waited the dra- matic entry of Captain Wheeler aft CT his absence in the field" I've got simply corking idea. Bert and will change parts. You see. off the stage he's Elsie's lover. and on the stage he's yours. Now. why not fix it as it really is and let me be your lover on the stage as well as off? Don't you think that would work out well? I'd be on hand for this scene. you can bet your lifev'
 But Polly received his suggestion with anything but enthusiasm.
 Don't be foolish, Jim, and please hunt Captain Wheeler" was all she answered.
 Accordingly Bert. alias the missing captain. soon rushed in. and Polly ran to meet him. falling into his arms with cry of joy" as the stage direc- tions called for.
 "Oh. that will never do at all" com plained the prompter. You don't act as though you were really glad to see him. Miss Moves. And you don't stay long enough in his arms. You just jump away as if you'd been shot"
 Polly made up comical little face and tried the scene over again.
 "No," sighed the prompter That wasn't any better. Now. after you've rushed into Captain Wheeler's arms, Miss Moves, just stay until you're com fortable."
 There was general laugh at thiss and then Jim Marshall came forwards as usual. with an original suggestion.
 'T don't believe it's all Polly's fault" he said. Just let me try the scene with her. and then Bert can see how 1t ought to be done."
 But Polly sccrned the offer.
 "I'll try it with MT. Rogers" she said archly. You see, he's perfectly safe"
 The shout that went up at Bradley's expense did not daunt him.
 Everything comes to him who-ia modest" he paraphrased good na- turedly. So Polly tried the affectionate wel come home scene with Bradley-and strange thing happened. In each of the many times she had rushed into Bert | Crawford's arms she had felt embar- rassed and conscious. Her one impulse was to tear herself away again. But when Bradley's arms closed about her she felt strange thrill of happiness. and as she looked up into bis face their glances met in the discovery of an un- guessed secret.
 There" exclaimed the delighted prompter, that's something like! Now try it again with MT. Crawford, Miss Noyes.'
 But Polly wouldn't
 'T'm tired of the old scene." she said laughingly. determined that no one should guess how madly her heart was beating. "I'll do 1t all right the night of the performance truly. Now, come on, Mir. Rogers: you're my father again now. you know. and I've got to tease you into letting me marry Captain Wheeler. I'm going to be most ire sistibly persuasive tonight-to make up for my failure in u last act" she added gayly.
 And she was irresistible Twice Rog- CTS forgot his cue. so fascinated was he in watching her. At length came resting space. and Polly and Rogers found themselves ] alone in the music room.
 What did you mean, Miss Noyes," inquired Bradley half jokingly. half seriously. "by saying was perfectly safer"
 Polly blushed scarlet. though her tone was admirably nonchalant
 "why. that you're married. of course.@
 For a moment Bradley looked abso- lutely nonplused; then he burst out laughing.
 "wellr queried Polly. doubting her | senses.
 "'All the world has evidently be- come a stage with you. Miss Noyes.s be answered. smiling at her amusedly. ''Of course as your father in the play am married. but as your-as Bradley Rogers I'm a single man, on honor"
 "Then who are Mrs. Rogers and the baby7" demanded Polly, not yet con 1 yinced.
 My sister-in-law and child" Brad ley announced Surely you didn't think
 "But l did" broke in Polly. "T thought so all> along from the night of the very first rehearsal If I'd known"- She broke of suddenly in confusion.
 If you'd knownT" repeated Bradley. looking straight into her eyes.
 They heard the prompter calling them.
 Goodness" exclaimed Polly. we're missing our cue. Come on. daddy.s she added mischlevously.
 Polly entered with flourish. turned toward Bradley. who followed with his hastily assumed old man manner. and held out her arms to him appeal ingIy.
 "You will let me marry the man [ love. won't you. daddy7 Do say yea she pleaded