The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1909-11-05
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The Leading Lady
By CHARLES L. DOYLE
Copyright. by W. G. Chapman.

hearsals and Gerald was surprised and
annoyed at the hauteur and disdain
with which he was treated by the girl
whom q few short months ago he had
looked upon as little more than a
child. There were moments when he
thought he could detect little more
cordially in her tone or glance. but
any encouragement thus derived was
quickly overbalanced by her coldness,
II he presumed on it. He overlook
her one morning as they left the thea.
ter.
Our ways seem to lie in the same
direction: may l accompany you?" he
asked, somewhat timidly.
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. Il am not particu.
larly fond of Marguerites, as they re-
mind me too much of my own name,
which 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
selves of the invitation aad pinned
clusters of the pretty blossoms on
their gowns, Gerald received a defiant
little glance from Margaret that con-
WINGED 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
presentation of the piece in public was
i 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 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 a 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 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! Mr.. Morrison" almost
screamed Margaret, in surprise and
Immense relief. 'Is it really you? ]
thought it was some awful highway.
man following me. Oh, l am SO
glad!"
$50 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 l 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 1 am
going to see you home"
Margaret slipped her little hand con
fidingly through his arm, and they
started of together. II was horrit
to you, Gerald" size said. falteringly
but l never will be again."
During the following week the an
nouncement was made in theatrica
circles of the engagement of Margare
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. suppose she
was in love with him all the time"