Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1911-08-24
Eagerly Manfred watched the prog

Eagerly Manfred watched the prog
ress of the game. He managed to
convey to Kilmer the impression that
his severity was in aid of Kilmer's
hopes and though Kilmer at times
longed to thrash him, he could not
very we'll interfere with the man who
was trying to do him service.
1t was not until the last rehearsal
that Kilmer was able to report sue
cess
I've won out" he declared happily
on one of the brief resting spells.
TITS been tough game, but Loretta
has promised that she will marry me
after the first performance. You can
take Miss Crostic along to step into
the part, but Loretta wants to play it
just once"
THAT will be all right" agreed Man
fred cheerfully. "I'll notify Miss Cros,
tic to come along. Why don't you
come too?"
I'm coming" explained Kilmer.
Loretta wanted me to come and see
that she could play the part"
Manfred turned away to conceal a
smile. 1t would be an exhibition be-
You'd question. 1t was pitiful that the
girl should suppose that she could
act after her rehearsal experiences,
but the first week was to be spent in
one-night stands for the purpose of
getting the company in trim for the
city opening, so it would not matter.
When the train went out carrying
The Contest" company both Kilmer
and Miss Crostic were aboard. Lor-
eta thrilled with excitement at the
thought that her brief stage career
was starting and she seemed to lose
some " the nervousness that was
her great fault.
AT rehearsal she was as bad as
ever, but in the evening she was quite
another person. Manfred, standing in
the entrance by the curtain arch,
stared in amazement at the little
MAZDA" who ran upon the stage just
after the curtain rose.
The cold, colorless personality had
taken on the mask of the character
In makeup the girl was dazzlingly
pretty and she carried the scene with
force and nerve that brought round
of applause on her exit.
Bayes hurried back from the front
of the house and approached the
stage manager.
THE kid has fooled us ALL" he
cried delightedly. "She was a bad
rehearser' that's all. She needs the
excitement of the audience to get her
out of her trance, but she makes lit
tie Crostic look like a stick
Il know it, groaned Manfred. "I'd
give hundred dollars to have her
play the first night in town-but she'll
be on her honeymoon"
She'll stay; she'll have to after
this. Go and talk to her in the inter
mission"
Manfred talked-through the inter
mission and halfway through the next
act. He even left the stage to run
itself-and went out to argue with Kill
mer 1t was all of no avail. Klmer
announced that they had been married
that afternoon and were determined
to go on their honeymoon.
The train with the company was
about to pull out and Loretta was say.
ing good-by to her friends of few
weeks. Kilmer wrung Manfreds
hand.
Il never can tell you how obliged
l am" he said as the cry CT "All
Aboard" rang out. Both Loretta and
are grateful to you"
You're welcome" said Manfred
grimly, but as the train pulled out and
left the star of night standing on
the platform he cursed the diplomacy
that had cost him so dear and Bayes.
standing by, murmured softly II told
you so'-which is cold comfort for a
diplomat