Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1909-05-06
A VALUABLE PLAY.
,ooooooooooocoooooooooe
BY BERTHA D. ALSOP.


copyright. 1903. by American Press Asso-
cia1ion.I
AdOph Stentarton at thirty had
made such rapid strides as u theatrical
manager that he owned two theaters.
Everything seemed to come his way.
including requitetl love. for he was en-.
gagged to Miss Mildred Linn. the daush-
ter Of AlUnzn Rankard Linn. 4 retired
merchant. perfectly able to portion her
OF on the day Of her wedding Every
thing was moving on oiled wheels with
Mr.. Sienterton when trouble came as
result Of II bit Of carelessness for
which he had no one to blame but
himself
Mr.. Linn was possessed Of literary
tastes. which on his retirement he pro-
ceeded to cultivate He wrote a novel
that proved quite success. Then
his prospective son.iD-law suggested
that he try his hand at a play MIR
Linn demurred on the ground that. not
having a knowledge OF stage require
ments. he would not know how I" ft
his play for production ON the boards.
Mr.. Stenterton told him that he would
gladly collaborate with him In that re-
spect. Mr. Linn consented. and the
play was written.
At the time its author handed 1t in
for perusal the marriage between Sten-
tertun and Miss Linn was being
planned to take place in the near ia.
ture. Then for the first time 1t oc-
Cured to the yonng manager that a
criticism on production Of one whose
son-in-law he was about TO become in
volved u rather delicate situation. Mr..
Linn had not shown himself amenabI
to adverse criticism and II II were Of
fered might take offense and turn
against the critic on the eve OF his
wedding. Mr. Linn WAS amiable. even
jovial. but a trif1e vain Of his talents.
Stenterton, when he went to his rooms
on the evening he received the manu-
script. took 1t with him. He stopped
on the way at one Of his theaters and
didn't reach his rooms till midnight.
1t was week before he found an np-
portunity to read the manuscript, then.
after hunting for 1t in every nook and
Granny Of his rooms. came to the con-
cusion that 1t was lost. This was
the bit Of carelessness that brought
trouble to the young expectant bride
groom.
The first thing he did was to make a
casual inquiry Of the author If he had
duplicate copy Of the play. When he
received mo" for an answer the bot
tom seemed to drop out Of the universe.
and when Mr. Linn added. 1--WE done
lot Of work on that play, and II you
lose it III never forgive you" the
young man nearly swooned. He
couldn't attend to business during the
day and couldn't sleep nights. Finally
a plan-a desperate plan. 1t Is true
suggested itself. He told Mr.. Linn thar
he had read his play and had found 1t
immense. There was. however, want
OF smoothness In 1t consequent upon
Its putting together. All that would
disappear under a rewriting. He ad-
yised that this be done without seeing
the original manuscript. Mr.. Linn
considered the matter but finally de-
cided not to adopt the suggestion.
Stenterton's last hope was dashed.
Weeks passed and the play was not
mentioned. The young couple set
day for the wedding. The parent de-
INJURED. He wanted to know when he
was to receive a reply to the accept
ance Of his play. "These managers
he said to his daughter, "are making
us playwrights tired with their mat
tention II my own son-in-law Is ca
pabie Of treating me thus I'd rather
he wouldn't be my son-in-law.
One day Mr.. Linn, yielding to his
daughters solicitations. consented to
forego the treatment he had received
from her fance so far as 70 permit
the wedding to take place. But he
said that for a wedding gift they must
be content with the play. He meant
to force Stenterton to get out OF It
what there was III IT..
OF course this was a disappointment
to the young couple. but great reilef.
Arrangements for the wedding We're
made. and now that Mr.. Linn had sat
isfied his pride In the matter or Ills
nlay. he seemed more amiable with re-
spect to the approaching nuptials.
Your wedding present will make you
rich. Mulie," he said Its worth $5O.-
600. and | know It," Rats" exclaim-
ed Stenterton when he heard this.
HE talks just like every other anna
teur playwright. They all think there
Is fortune in their work. But. thank
heaven, I'm out Of the scrape. I'm
satisfied"
On the morning Of the wedding MT.
Linn handed the pair box which. he
said, contained their wedding present.
But thought your play was to be
our present from you. para" said Mil
dred. "Have you relented!'
Not at all. said my play was
worth $4,000. You'll get nothing from
ME except that"
Meanwhile Mildred opened the box.
There was the missing manuscript
"For heavens sake" exclaimed the
girl.
How did you get it?" asked the
young man, turning all the shades
healthy flesh can turn.
You left 1t In carriage the even
ing gave 1t to you. 1t had my name
on 1t and was returned to me-"
Meanwhile Mildred turned up the
first leaf Of the manuscript. whats
this? A check! For $5O.OO0!'
Didn't tell you my play was worth
that sum-" said the playwright.
Mildred threw her arms about her
fathers neck. while her lovers face
wore all sorts of expressions from SILL
ness to JOY.
After the wedding the manager read