Smyrna times., 1908-06-03

: - \ .fk -
long enough in his arms. You just
jump away as if you'd been shot"
Polly made up Il comical little face
and tried the scene over again.
mo" sighed the prompter. THAT
wasn't any better. Now after you've
rushed into Captain Wheeer's arms,
Miss Noyes, just stay until you're com
Portable"
There was a general laugh at this,
and then Jim Marshall came forward,
as usual. with an original suggestion.
81 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 it
ought to be done"
But Polly scOrned the offer.
'I'll try it with Mr.. 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's
modest" he paraphrased good ma
turedly.
SO Polly tried the affectiOnate vel
come home scene with Bradley-and a
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 a strange thrill of happiness,
and as she looked up into his face their
| glances met in the discovery of an I'M
| guessed secret.
There" exclaimed the delighted
prOmpter, that's something like! Now
try it again with Mr.. Crawford, Miss
Noyes"
But Polly wouldn't.
''I'm tired of the old scene" she said
laughingly, determined that no one
should guess how madly her heart was
beating. ''l'll do it all right the night
OF the performance truly. Now, come
on, Mr.. 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 the last act" she
added gayly.
And she was irresistible. Twice ROg-
ers 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 l was perfectly
safe?"
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.
"WellY queried Polly. doubling her
senses.
"'All the world has evidently be-
come a stage with you, Miss Noyes, -
he 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
baby?" demanded Polly, not yet con
vinced.
"NIy sister-in-law and child" Brad
ley announced "Surely you didn't
think"-
"But l did," broke in Polly. 81
thought so all along from the nigh
Of the very first rehearsal. If TC
known She broke off suddenly il
confusion.
'If you'd knOwn?' repeated Bradley
looking straight into her eyes.
They heard the prompter calling
them.
Goodness" exclaimed Polly, were
, missing our cue. Come on. daddy
she added mischievOusly.
Polly entered with a flourish, turned
toward Bradley, who followed will
his hastily assumed old man manner
and held out her arms to him appeal
. ingly.
, You will let me marry the man
love, won't you, daddy? Do say yes
she pleaded.
Bradley gave his reluctant paterna
t consent, and Polly threw her arms
; about his neck affectionately.
"YOu dear!' she half sighed, hal
whispered.
{ The prompter and the rest of tn,
; cast applauded, unaware Of the rea
5 love scene going on behind the cur
tain.
Three Great Rivers.
l. The thraa rivers which may hp re