Hopkinsville Kentuckian., 1908-09-08

mo. signed the prOmpter THAT
wasn't any better. Now after you We
rushed into Captain Wheeers arms
Miss Noyes. just stay until you're com
fortable."
There was a general laugh at this
and then Jim Marshall came forward
as usual. with an original suggestion.
Il don't believe it's all Polly's fault. p"
he said. Just let me try the scene
with her, and then Bert can see how 1t
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-is
modest" he paraphrased good ma
turedly,
SO Polly tried the affectionate wei.
come home scene with Bradley-and a
strange thing happened. In each of the
many times she had rushed into Bert
Crawfords arms she had felt embar-
rassed and conscious. Her one impulse
was to tear herself away again. But
when Bradleys arms closed about her
she felt 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
"I'm tired Of the old scene" she said
laughingy, determined that no one
should guess how madly her heart was
beating. I'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. Pm 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 a 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 I 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.
"Well?" 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
baby2" demanded Polly, not yet con-
vinced.
my <sisterln-law and child" Brad
ley announced Surely you didn't
think"-
"But did" broke in Polly. ~
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.
Goodness" exclaimed Polly, ''we're
missing our cue. Come on. daddy"
she added mischievously,
Polly entered with q flourish, turned
toward Bradley, who followed with
his hastily assumed old man manner.
and held out her arms to him appeal
ingly.
"You will let me marry the man l
love, won't you, daddy2 Do say yes"
she pleaded.
Bradley gave his reluctant paternal
consent and Polly threw her arms
about his neck affectionately.
"You dearv' she half sighed, half
whispered.
The prompter and the rest Of the
cast applauded, unaware Of the real
love scene going on behind the cur
tain.