The Huttig news., 1914-06-27
sssssssssssssssssssssssss, ]: ROMANCE AND REELS
By BELLE K. MANiATES.

was now confronted with the serious problem of earning her living. Her father had died suddenly, and when the estate was settled there remained for Joyce the sum of $100.
 T suppose" said a sweet girl friend, who had always been envions of Joyce, that now you are poor Herndon Thay- CT will propose
 Joyce winced. Herndon Thayer's adoration of her had been an open se- cret, but he had never told her of his love. He was a struggling young law yer, and he had frequently voiced his contempt for poor men who married rich.
 He had gone West a few months before, but Joyce had not heard from him since his departure.
 T am not going to marry" she re- piled seriously. T am going to earn my living
 There were numerous suggestions from friends along this line, but Joyce had a latent undeveloped amount of the practical.
 'I'll go to Marie," she finally de- cided, flor lodging and advice
 Marie was a former maid who had married chauffeur
 Marie welcomed her former mis- tress with French effusion, and was delighted to shelter her in the extra room."
 We are goingto a picture show, Al. fred and l." said Marie that evening. Wouldn't you like to come?"
 Joyce went with them and received an inspiration.
 That girl at the piano plays about the same style of music that I do. Maybe I could get 6 similar position"
 Marie chanced to have an acquaint- ance with the young woman and they remained until the close of the little theater. Joyce had most satisfac- tory interview with her The pianist was very anxious to Hay off for week and had been looking for the right substitute. Joyce was engaged in her place and acquired the trick of the reels so easily that she secured a permanent position in little theater.
 It was a very unpretentious tbeater Besides the pictures and Joyces piano playing there was only soloist. One afternoon Joyce took up, as usual, the to the song that was to be rendered. A pang of homesick- ness seized her, for the song was fa- hn hol asked her to play for him. As she played the prelude memories of other days came so vividly that her eyes filled with tears and she did not look up at the singer. When the first strains rolled out from a deep bari tone, lJoyce's fingers stopped suddenly she looked up and her wildly wide eyes met Herndon's ardent gaze. With 8 mighty effort she pulled herself to- gether and played the accompaniment At the close of the song there was an interval of a few
 Herndon came down into the little pit where the piano was.
 What are you doing here?" she How do you come to be singing in cheap picture show?"
 T might with more reason ask how you come to be playing in such a place, but when 1 came to New York yesterday I learned for the first time of your misfortune. No one could tell me where to fad you. I remembered Marie, and how interested you were in her marriage, and somehow I thought she would know. I remembered that she had married Morton's chauffeur, and Morton knew his name. So this l looked in a directory. You were out, and bade Marie not tell you l had been to see you"
 'But," she reminded him, you have not answered my question. Have you given up law, and why did you take up singing as professional"
 'I haven't When I left Marie's came here and fixed it up with the .o- loist and the manager to let me take his place for the afternoon"
 "Why?" asked Joyce.
 That's why" he replied, pointing to  the picture that was being displayed to portray the efforts of young cow boy to discover whether his love was reciprocated.
 Once" he continued, T almost dared hope that you cared So I thought l would take you unawares and see if you did. I have loved you so long, Joyce. Do you csrea little?"
 You have just time,' said Joyce, plaeidly, her heart beating rapidly, to get mp on the stage in time for your solo
 He sang to her, but she wouldn't look up at him. tt the close of the last performance he was waiting for her.
 Marie told me to come home with you to dinner, and won't you answer my question, Joyce?"
 You said you had loved me so long. Why didn't you tell me so, back in the old days? Was 1t because l had money?'
 Because I had none. That is why gave up law