Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1910-04-28

creatures these he said musingIy and
continued his journey downward.
Much work had accumulated during
Stanton's absence, and he was very
busy for some time after reaching
home. Then he returned to the book
once more. walking TO and FRO as was
his custom while thinking out the de-
tails of a story. Often he would pause
before the picture of Liza Ann which
had been placed upon the mantelsheif
He seemed to gain inspiration from
the witchery Of her laughing face.
Another picture stood near in gold
en- frame-that OF a woman serene ana
beautiful who was wearing a wonder
full gown. The author ended his walk
abruptly this evening and seated him.
self to read the paper; then. with
sharp exclamation, he looked more
closely at the printed page The pic
ture from the mantelshelf In some
unaccountable way had been trans
ferred to the paper before him. Liza
Ann, seated upon a fallen log. the OLD
sunbonnet framing her tangled curls,
smiled happily out upon the world
with childish wonder in her eyes. Be
meath the picture Stanton read. miss
Judith Jerrold, who is appearing at
the Star theater this week in The
Transformation of Liza Ann.
Feverishly the man turned to the
theatrical notes: Miss Judith Jer-
rold comes to the Star theater this
week in a new play which has been
written expressly for her by Henry
Clayton. Miss Jerrold has been spend
ing the summer months in remote
part of the mountains. resting after an
exhausting winter season and study
ing the speech and mannerisms of the
simple folk who will live upon the stage
in Mr.. Clayton's production of The
Transformation OF Liza Ann There
are many emotional actresses. There
is but one Judith Jerrold. and she will
move US to laughter and tears with
the mishaps of Liza Ann"
Stanton jumped to his feet. 1t was
late, but he must see her tonight. must
know for a very certainty the truth.
Half bewildered. he entered the the
alter and sat through the performance
as one in a dream. The great actress
was holding an impromptu reception
upon the stage after the play. so he
pressed forward through the crowd
which surrounded her. She advanced
to meet him and graciously extended
her hand. but a mocking light shone
in her dark eyes.
49," she said laughingly. 81 am dis
covered. My only apology is that.
having been in seclusion so long, the
desire to act a part became irresistible.
had read many of your delightful
character studies and longed TO see
If could impersonate the unsophisti-
Gated mountain girl so truly as to de-
ceive even you, a student Of types
The result has been satisfactory to
myself, but disappointing. fear, to
the author. as you will find that many
of the original and ingenious sayings
which so amused you At the time
were merely quoted from the play
which you have seen tonight"
Stanton's face grew very stern. "A
greater part Of the book will have to
be rewritten" he said. THE incident
has been an unfortunate one for me-"
The actress was wearing the trailing
lace robe in which she appears. you
will remember, during the last act
when the half wild little creature is
transformed suddenly into a great
heiress. but she looked up at the man
now with the soft, wide eyed reproach
Of the innocent mountain girl. Again
ne seemed to see her lying prone in
the moonlight.
Eyes," she said slowly. 1T may have
been unfortunate for your book. Mr..
Stanton. that this ignorant, lovable
child never existed. but It was rather
fortunate. don't you think. for poor
little Liza Ann?"
With a bright nod she dismissed
him and turned TO greet new ad-
mirer. Stanton turned TO follow her.
hesitated a moment. then silently made
his way out into the night