The Democratic advocate., 1909-02-12

eEeuCe ludl ne SuOWSu outS " auAtits'
the dramatic critic, and Murphy, the
sporting editor. The sporting editor
could call all the baseball players by
their first names, but Hartley had only
to write on slip Of paper and II
would take Jimmie into the much de
sired show" Such spall fry as ed
itors and star reporteiS were not at
all in the same class with man who
carried passes In his pocket every day.
1--WE told you a hundred times to
get the name, Jimmie" was the testy
response. Hartley was Ill at ease with
the whole world that morning.
II know" admitted Jimmie, with
unembarrassed truthfulness. but say,
Mr.. Hartley, she's a peacherino for
fairn
"Tm not interested in fruit was the
cold response as Hartley turned to his
desk. He hated all women at the mo-
ment, for he had had to do a thing
which would probably cost him the
love Of the one woman he really did
care for.
He had had to tell the cruel truth
about Norma Heating as an actress,
and he felt that the high spirited girl
never would forgive him.
Jimmie, the persistent, hung over the
desk.
"She don't look like an actress" he
declared, using the argument he knew
to be most potent. "An' she's pippin
for fairr
II can't see any one who does not
send in card" declared Hartley as
he turned TO his work again, and jim
mie dashed out presently to return
with bit Of pasteboard.
With a start Hartley read Norma's
name and gave orders that she be
ushered in. II was better perhaps
that since there was to be a quarrel
they should meet on his own ground
Somehow, with the familiar sur.
roundings, he felt more safe than be
ever could In the parlor. Of the little
actress suit at the boSel. With
sternness that indlfferentiy masked the
misery that he felt he prepared to re.
eeive his caller.
He had expected that she would
come storming in 10 denouDce him for
his criticism and to declare him biased
and unfair
He was braced for tho shock and
lily prepared for the sight OF the de.
5ected little woman who came timidiy
into his dingy once. her rich fus
forming q strange contrast TO the bare
walls and cheap furniture.
Jimmie slipped away after one last
admiring glance. and then the girl
raised her eyes to Hartiey's and met
the pity In bis brayeiy.
II did not ceme 60 reproaeh you for
your notice" she said, with q quick
appreciation Of his attitude. TT was
your right 20 say what you pleased.
paid a big price for the special per.
formance In order to get the metro
politan notices. and in doing 30 I ex-
posed myself to every form Of critical
attack.
II suppose that you are expected TO
be severe on beginners, to ridicule
them and beat them down and force
them into their proper places.
"You demand that we start at the
bottom. can see now that 1t was alb
surd to think that could win favor.
able comment from the great men who
have made their reputation more
through the savageness Of their at
tacks than through their ability as
critics"
"And yet you said you had not come
to reproachf" he asked gently. Even
In her bitterness he noticed a new
note In the rich voice. II hurt him 10
think that he was In part responsible
for that little catch OF pain which
would sound. try as she would TO be
hard and cynical.
It was az II her whole Quiyering
soul was laid bare in spite OF the dress
Of words with which she sought to
elothe Il.
"I did not mean to say that" she
cried. II only meant TO come ard asl;
you II you would let me have my pho,
tographs back. You and the rest OF
your confreres have beaten me. I am
IN retreat am going as far from
New York as gan. want to take
with me everything that is mine"
you should have sent your agent
and spared yourself he reminded her
gently. II will see that the pictures
are found for you. VIII you slt
DOWN.
He indicated n chair as he rang for
q boy. and presently Jimmie wen,
away with instructions that Miss
Keating's photographs were to be re
turned by the art department at once.
Neither spoke until the boy had laid
the package down and had departed
for the outer Office. Then Hartley rose
and placed them on the chair beside
her.
There is another one" she said un
certainly, "the one that gave you
May have It back. pleasef"
'Tf you WISH" he promised RS hG
turned again to his desk TO draw from
one Of the recesses photograph Will
q flowing autograph across its face
"Does your anger go so deep that yol
are unwilling to leave me even thl'
souvenir of friendship that shall
always treasure in my memoryT ht
asked. "May / not keep itT'
ITO add to your sacrificiai heap" sh,
retorted bitterly. 81 suppose you mus
have goodly collection of those yor
have fiayed."
II have few photographs-and few
friends among the women OF the pro
tession," he said simply as he opened
drawer for an envelope. II hat
hoped to number your first amoni
those few"