The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1908-08-30
tened 70 be .old nan,s plea and aecopl


any explanation from the wrongdoar.
For nearly two months Jack persisted
IN his endeavor to set things straight
and Mamie grew pale and nervous un
der the strain. Even her father, alb
sorbed in business affairs. saw her dis
tress and in his clumsy way sought Il
help her.
His help took the form of theatci
tickets, and several times she met him
downtown ON Saturday afternoons and
went to matinee with him. One aft,
ernoon he regarded her with eyes that
twinkled.
Were going to be real frivolous this
afternoon" he declared. Il got seats
for the variety show, There's a chap
ON the bill met the other day. He
ID something of bore when he wants
to talk about himself which Is most
Of the tlme-but otherwise he's a good
Sort and I'd like to see what he does"
Mamie nodded. Her father had often
sacrificed his own inclinations to take
her to serious plays, which she liked
best 1t was only fair that he should
have his afternoon of vaudeville. Once
ensconced In the comfortable chairs
abe found the entertainment rather di.
verting.
The chief attraction was playlet of.
fered by Hugh Wassingford, who had
achieved reputation on the dramatic
stage, which he was now selling to ad-
vantage in vaudeville.
Mamie started at his entrance. Al.
lowing for the changed appearance in
makeup, 1t was the man of the ele-
waited platform. The voice, the man.
nerisms were all the same. and pres
emily the story Of the sketch developed
the tale of deserted daughter, and,
In the same words that had been scared
into Nannie's brain, the old man made
his plea, but this time to q paid actor
and not to Laurance.
The trembling appeal had its effect,
and the curtain fell on the two men
starting in search Of the girl. AS the
applause died down her father turned 1
to Mamie and smiled approvingly as
he saw that the girls eyes were filed |
with tears.
Great work that" he commented.
THAT fellow is a real actor. He re-
cited the whole Of the sketch for me
at the club the other night, and, by
Jove, | almost cried myself. Jack
Laurance brought him over to a little
the boys got up. Jack says
the first time he heard the act was on
an elevated station. He was In a
hurry to get downtown, and Wassing-
ford held him there for half an hour,
with Jack scowling into his face and
ooking at his watch every three min
ltes as hint that he was late. But
Wassingford held him to the very end.
lack picked the winner of two sketches
ne had the first time he played In
and now Wassingford
kinks that he can't put on sketch
Until Jack thinks it's all right"
do you suppose that Jack is here
his afternoonT asked Mamie eagerly.
HE told Wassingford he would come
lown. He may be back in the dress
ng room"
"Will you please see If he is and ask
lim to come here?" said Mamie, and 1
ler father started of, pleased at the
equest. He liked Jack and was glad
hat there might be a chance for the
reach to be healed.
he stood by the back rail while Jack :
ook the seat he had occupied. Mamie
cached out her hand and clasped his. :
lad that the house was darkened for
be motion pictures.
Il sent for you to ask you to forgive j.
ne and to tell you that your friend 4
Fl. Wassingford is great actor" she
whispered. II was ON the elevated sta
ion when he told you that sketch, and l
heard only his appeal-and believed.
III, can you forgive me, JackT' {
"Can IL" echoed Jack. "Well, l guess
can. You wait until we get home,
nd watch me. I'm so happy, dear,
nat won't even hold it against you
nat you could believe evil of me. Was
ngford is a convincing sort of chap,
ut | do wish he would cut out those +
onologue rehearsals on the street. :,
hey are bound to make trouble" '
"It was good thing, after ALL"
hispered Mamie. "After this / shall 8
ot believe evil Of you, no matter how o
'nvincing it may sound. | have had J,
y lesson" .