The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-04-04


rs though you were really glad to see
him. Miss Noyes. And you don't stay
long enough in his arms-you just jump
away as II 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 Capt. Wheeler's' arms,
Miss Moves, just stay until you're COM
Portable"
There was q general laugh at this.
and then Jim Marshall came forward,
as usual. with an original suggestion.
II 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 natured-
".
So Polly tried the afectionate well
come-home scene. with Bradley-and q
strange thing happened. In each OF the
many times she had rushed into Bert
Crawford's arms. she had felt embar-
raised and conscious. Her one impulse
was to tear herself away again. But
when Rradley'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 un-
guessed secret.
There" exclaimed the delighted
prompter, that's something like! Now
try it again with Mr.. Crawford. Miss
Noyes''
But Polly wouldn't.
Pm tired OF the old scene," she said
1aughingly, determined that no one
should guess how madly her heart was
beating. .Pn do it all right the night
of the performance, truly. Nov. come
on, Mr.. Rogers, you're my father again
now, you know, and I've got to tease
you into letting me marry Capt. Wheel
er. I'm going to be most irresistibly
persuasive tonight-to make up for my
failure in the last act" she added gay
ly.
And she was irresistible. Twice Rog-
ers forgot his cue, SO fascinated was he
in watching her.
At length came a resting space and
Polly and Rogers found themselves
alone in the music room.
What did you mean, Miss Moves"
inquired Bradley, half jokingly, half
seriously, "by saying I 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 nonplussed, then he burst out
laughing.
"well?" queried Polly, doubling her
senses.
".AlI the world has evidently become
stage with you, Miss Noyes," he an
swered, smiling at her amusedly. "Of
course, as your father in the play am
married-but as your-as Bradley Rog-
ers I'm a single man, on honor"
Then who are Mrs. Rogers and the
baby?" demanded Polly, not yet con-
WINGED.
MY sister-in-law and child" Bradley
announced. Surely you didn't think
"But did," broke in Polly. Il
thought so all along-from the night of
the very first rehearsal If I'd known"
She broke off suddenly in confusion.
IF you'd known" repeated Bradley,
looking straight into her eyes.
They heard the prompter calling
them.
"Goodnessr' exclaimed Polly. ewe're
missing our cue. Come on-daddy,rs
she added mischievously.
Polly entered with q f1ourish-turned
toward Bradley, who followed with his
hastily assumed old-man manner, and
held out her arms to him appeahngly.
you will let me marry the man
love, won't you, daddy? Do say yes"
she pleaded.
Bradley gave his reluctant paternal
consent and Polly threw her arms
about his neck affectionately.
you DEAR she half sighed, half
whispered.
The prompter and the rest Of the cast
applauded, unaware Of the real love
scene going on behind the curtain
copyrighted, 1908. by Associated Liter
airy Press.)