The Durham recorder. [volume] (Durham, N.C.) 1879-19??, 1908-05-29
hanging First
Impressions.
a. FIJI @Ba In ~
BY LULU JOHNSON.
BY LULU JOHNSON.
Copyrighted. 1908, by Associated
Literary Press.

Maiden company Dick Grantley had
never given derogatory thought to
his padded stomach and his chin beard.
They were simply parts of his funny
makeup, like the great grease paint
and the long haired wig which COM
pleted his resemblance to the German
character type found only upon the
stage.
In fact. Grantley had been rather
proud of his makeup. There were GER
tain little tricks and articles which
the other comedians did not seem to
know and which completed his Iudi-
crous appearance. Grantley rarely left
the dressing room without taking a
self satisfied glance at himself in the
mirror.
But Nettie's coming had changed all
that. A score of chorus girls had
come and gone since the company had
opened, and their presence or absence
had not affected Grantley at all. As
the comedian he was not called for
the rehearsals held for the benefit Of
the new girls. The stage manager
drilled them in their songs and dances.
ana 1t was not always that Grantley
noted new face in the chorus ranks.
But Nettis Baden was different
from the rest. She was an ambitious
girl. with a desire to take her place
some day among the principals. Her
fresh young voice rang true to key.
and she did not so through her work
with the mechanical dullness displayed
by the other girls. Grantley. coming
on the stage for his first entrance.
glanced up and down the chorus line
to discover the identity Of the girl
whose clear soprano held the others
together. ~ f -.'
As they were waiting for the next
big entrance Grantley spoke to Nettie.
He uttered only Il few words OF self
introduction and a bald remark In
praise OF her voice. but in SO doing he
stammered like schoolboy, glad that
the heavy coat of paint hid his bushes.
Even in that brief moment he had
fallen in love. and love was new SEN
sation to the comedian.
Nettie smiled her thanks and then
rushed of with the other girls, leaving
Grantley to follow more slowly, as his
part demanded. .e*
Even the other members Of the cast
who usually were intent only upon
their own work. noticed that Grantley
tonight was exerting himself TO do his
best. and various were the speculations
as 10 the cause. Perhaps he Ind a
friend "out front" This was the easi-
est and therefore the accepted solution.
But Grantley know he was playing to
the new chorus girl. while Nettie was
spending every moment she could spare
from her changes of costume in watch
ing the show that she never would see
in its entirety Once or twice sup
pressed laugh from the wings meant
more to Grantley than the roar o. ap-
plause from the audience. and rs they
were all waiting for the last act cur
tain he turned to the new girl.
What do you think Of the show?'
he demanded.
Its splendid" was the enthusiastic
Response. Il think sou ought 10 he on
Broadway with Il tlleater of your own"
Thinking that has spoiled a lot Of
good men," answered Grant!ey. with
shake OF the head. but he was none the
less pleased with her praise. and there
was a warm glow about his heart the
rest Of the evening.
After that Grantley saw much Of
1.-THE newest girl" as the others called
her. There were several moments In
the play when they stood on the same
side OF the stage waiting for cues. and
1t was always 10 Nettic that Grantley
directed his conversation. though the
other actors crowded around. enjoying
the fun. Grantley. for all he headed
a cheap company, was comedian at
heart rs well as by training. and he
could give a humorous twist TO the
most serious Of statements.
Though they became fast friends.
weeks passed before GrantIey put his
fate to test. They were making u long
railroad jump. and Grantley. passing
through the day coach given over to
the chorus. dropped Into the seat be.
side Nettle. whose chum. Bessie New.
Ins. was restlessiy pacing the aisle.
Its funny place for a PROPOSAL &c
he said abruptly. but there Is such a
racket In the car that no one can hear
what the others are saying. Besides.
you won't give a fellow a chance 10
catch you without that everlasting
Bessie NevlHs along. love you. Net.
tie. and want you TO marry me. Will
you. dearT
The girls face grew troubled. and
she put her hand upon bis for an in.
slant.
I'm sorry you asked me-" she said
softly. II am sorry TO hurt you. Il was
for that reason that THAT ! have
stuck 20 close 10 Bessie"
Then you don't carer he demand
ed.
"Tn n way. yes" she began. "But
am sensitive 10 first impressions. and
somehow ! can't look at you without
recalling that property stomach and
the absurd chin whiskers. You have
been awfully good, butch. can't love
-a-funny man"
"But didn't suppose you thought
n