Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1914-06-12
THOROUGHBRED"

When Ethel May Terrell walked out
of the fremont theater. Boston. on the
night of June /. her breath came in
little starts and her eyes were blurred.
Ethel was an actress and--a senti:
mentalist. ..
To say good-by to persons or things
that she loved always brought choke
into her voice and lump into her
throat Tonight Ethel was saying
good-by to the stage forever. Outside
q motor was waiting to take her to the
hotel. Then. the wedding and the sup
per- Then. a honeymoon in Europe.
Then, the well-ordered. conventional
life Of . rich mans wife.
Young actresses that Ethel knew en-
We'd her. More experienced women in
her profession shook their heads and
sighed. Ethel cried little, but she
had chosen. She loved Richie, and she
was ready to give up the thing that
had been the breath of life to her to
be-his wife. "a ).
Sweetheart. you were very slow to-
night" he said, as he kissed her ten.
Derby and. with one arm about her,
ordered the chauffeur to drive to the
hotel.
Richie. dear. there's always 30
much to think Of when It's good.by."
Silly child! Just as II there might
be a regret for leaving the empty,
tawdry life OF the STAGE"
That isn't 1t, Richie. And 1t isn't
empty nor tawdry. It's something that
has been good to me. dear, and that
has supported me and made me happy.
Oh, can't you understand how feel?"
Il can understand that you ought to
thank your stars that I'm taking you
out Of It," A.
The girl looked sharply at her lover.
I'm afraid that you don't understand
how it is with girl when she deserts
profession that has made her what
she Is. 1t isn't that l am sory-ex.
actly-to leave-it's just the senti-
ment of 1t, dear, and--a matter Of 10y
alty-the being grateful for and true
to work, work that 10 big and broad
and fine." ala tr@ a
The man did not answer.
ITS SO serious being married.
Richie, and closing the door on. old
friends. I'm scared. and nervous, dear"
But when they reached the hotel
and the lights flashed up. Ethel Mays
courage returned. 1t was like the call
Of "hrst act" then overture" The
role Of Mrs. Richard Brown was hers
to play, and she was-ready.
Mr.. and Mrs. Richard Brown re-
turned from Europe the first Of Sep
TENDER. They had had happy time
together, It was Ethel Mays nrst trip
abroad and there was not an hour that
had not been full of wonder to her.
It was after . formal dinner given
by Richie's uncle that Ethel Mays
husband said to her:
Ethel. you looked . little bored to.
night"
"Oh. I am 20 sorry, Richie, but l
was bored. I dislike Formally. dear.
! hope we won't have to 20 10 many
more dinners-like-that. VIII we?"
-As my wife, you must live. up to
my position, Ethel: You looked beau.
tiful tonight, but you are . little cold
and reserved" .eE&
ITS because I am chilled 10 the
hone. The dinners have known have
all been 20 different The life have
known has been 20 independent and
spontaneous. And. Richie We had such
happy times together-just you and
alone. Can't We do that again
Can't We live for ourselves. dear7"
I'm afraid not, Ethel, II l am to be
a-successi" ..
And 30 the years went by. To-day
they call Richard Brown Z successful
man. His friends say the credit is all
due to his wife. He 10 too prosperous
to be- much interested in the woman
who bears his name and his-children.
His motor 10 sti1l seen near the stage
entrance of the fremont theater,
where he occasionally coaxes young
girl from that empty, tawdry life" to
an apartment de luxe for varying
lengths Of time.
But Ethel May never gives sign.
That's why those old friends that she
never sees always speak OF her az
the thoroughbred" They know the
role Of Mrs. Richard Brown has
broken her heart but not her-spirit.
They know that Ethel May Terrell 10
Of the blood that 10 always courageous,
true. loyal. She can't throw down her
role. She can't quit. ~ T..
But there are those who wonder
sometimes II It's worth while being
Observation-Disclosures More, in the
Buffalo Express. -. 81
l.