Charlevoix county herald., 1909-11-27
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The Leading Lady
By CHARLES L. DOYLE
Copyright, by W. @. Chapman.)

mo, 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 Margaret's
society. One morning on his, way
to rehearsal he noticed in a 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 to
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. II am not particu-
larry fond of Marguerites, as they re-
mind me too much of my own name,
which l 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.
clusters of the pretty blossoms on
! their gowns, Gerald received defiant
little glance from Margaret that con-
vinced him that she had discovered
the donor, and that her dislike for
Marguerites was of recent and sudden
growth. The dress rehearsal which
took place on the night preceding the
| nrQGanfatinn IF 10 MIC IN, 10
a 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
ed. Every football in the distance
made her start, and when she fancied
she heard a cautious step behind her,
as of some one following in her track,
her heart beat painfully. She glanced
| hastily back and caught sight of the
tall form of man who was evidently
watching her.
She fastened forward breathlessly
conscious all the time that her pur-
| suer was also hurrying on. At last
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 pursuers feet close be-
hind her. Desperately she reached for
| nd h<,, -, q
familiar voice said:
DO you wish to see anybody here?
have a latch key handy"
Gerald! Mr.. Morrison" almost
screamed Margaret, in surprise and
immense relief. as it really you?
thought it was some awful highway
man following me. Oh, am so
glad"
so am l." said Gerald, earnestly,
glad because the barriers are broken
down between us, even If you were
little bit frightened. You foolish
child, did you imagine that would al
low you to wander through the streets
alone at this time of night? And, of
course, Fate ordained that you should
run up here, where | live. Now | am
going to see you home"
Margaret slipped her little hand con-
fidingly through his arm, and they
started off together. Il was horrid
to you, Gerald" she said, falteringly,
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, Il thought she hated that chap,
but you never can tell. l suppose she
was in love with him all the time"