The log cabin Democrat., 1909-11-11
@sG[Mggsz . asAI J4gs9 C1 9NA lsG . gss.[ lEaga The Leading Lady
By CHARLES L. DOYLE
Copyright, by ". c. Chapman )

1 ''No, thank you," she answered, in- differently
 Despite his repulse, Gerald, who by this time was willing to admit to himself that he was really in love With her, continued to seek Margarets society One morning on his way 1 to rehearsal he noticed in florists window a pretty bunch of Margue rites. Acting on the impulse of the moment, he purchased them, and on arriving at the theater sent them tc Miss Deane's dressing room. When she stepped on the stage she carried the box containing the flowers in her hand.
 Some foolish person sent me these." she remarked to the company who stood around her. q am not particu. larly fond of Marguerites, as they re- mind me too much of my own name, which 1 have the misfortune to dis like. Won't you all help yourselves? ? l might not be so generous if they were roses.'
 As the ladies present availed them l clusters of the pretty blossoms on ! their gowns, Gerald received defiant little glance from Margaret that con- viGced him that she had discovered the donor, and that her dislike for Marguerites was of recent and sudden 1 growth The dress rehearsal which took place on the night preceding the presentation of the piece in public was long one, and it was nearly one o'clock when the weary performers emerged from the stage door. Mar garet Deane felt decidedly nervous as she walked along the lonely cross streets, which were practically desert i ed. Every footfall in the distance made her start, and when she fancied she heard cautious step behind her. as of some one following in her track, her heart beat painfully She glanced l hastily back and caught sight of the tall form of man who was evidently watching her
 l She hastened forward 6reathlessly, conscious all the time that her pur. | suer was also hurrying on. At last 1 the thought of calling a policeman entered her mind, but there was none in sight. A light in the window of a house close at hand caught her eye, and she decided to appeal to the in mates for aid Mounting the steps, she was mortified to hear the rapid ap. proach of her pursuer's feet close be- hind her. Desperately she reached for the bell, and was about to pull it, when familiar voice said:
 Do you wish to see anybody here! l have latch key handy" Gerald, MT. Morrison" almost screamed Margaret, in surprise and immense relief. 'Is it really you? thought it was some awful highway man following me. Oh, I am so glad!"
 So am l." said Gerald, earnestly. glad because the barriers are broken down between us, even if you were a little bit frightened, You foolish child, did you imagine that would all low you to wander through the streets alone at this time of night? And, of l course, Fate ordained that you should run up here, where 1 live. Now I am going to see you home"
 Margaret slipped her little hand con- fidingly through his arm, and they started off together q was horrid to you, Gerald" she said, falterngly, but never will be again. During the following week the an nouncement was made in theatrical circles of the engagement of Margaret Deane, leading lady of the Sterling Stock Company, to Gerald Morrison. Queer" commented the stage man. ager, "I thought she hated that chap, but you never can tell. I suppose she was in love with him all the time."