The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1914-09-24

Eyes, certainly" Enoch laughed
grimly. Still it is an anomaly you
don't often see in real life"
"It is" assented Oswald. Here's
Miss Paget-watch her in the scene
I've mentioned"
The eyes of both men followed the
woman as she moved slowly across the
stage. She dropped into chair and
waited for her cue. She did not look
the traditional adventures. She had
a curiously pale, transparent skin, into
which, during excited moments, the
blood flushed rosily. Masses of yellow
silky hair were brushed back in sim
pie waves from her forehead. She
used little makeup or artifice Of any
sort. Her eyes were intensely blue.
There was lovely cleft dimple in her
chin. Although well along in the thir-
ties she retained her girlish face and
figure.
Wentworth turned to Oswald with 3
flush of irritation. cit doesn't seem fair
to make degenerate of such a wom-
an; she doesn't look it."
That's where the mischief lies"
answered Oswald quietly.
The rehearsal went on. Miss Paget
took her cue. Both men watched her
critically. Wentworth drew long
breath when the scene with "Cordelia"
in the second act was over. The wom-
an certainly could act!
She'll d." said Enoch heartily.
only" he added after a moments
hesitation, "how does Dorcas strike
you? Is she strong enough? 1t doesn't
seem to me as il she saw all the pos
sibilities of 'Cordelia.'
Wentworth, your sister is going to
surprise you. Take my word for it.
She is nervous now, but
"It's a devil of risk. 'Cordelia's
such a big part and Dorcas has had
no training"
"She does not need training-the
conventional training you have in
mind"
IF she fails it puts me in nasty
light with the public-producing play
simply to exploit my sister" Enochs
tone was curt.
"She won't fail" Oswald spoke with
quiet assurance. Think over my sug-
gestion about Mrs. Esterbrook's' part
1t is there where 'Cordelia' leaves her
the mother knows the daughter we'll
enough to realize it is good-by forever
that you want to cut out every spark
of mother1y feeling. Once or twice
she almost pulls on the audience for
sympathy. When 'Cordelia' shows her
contempt for the mother and skaters
her every ambition, there could not be
solitary throb Of pity. remorse or
love-it is not in her."
Oswald dropped the subject. Went
worth began to twist his hands nerv-
ously, a habit he had when disturbed.
The Englishman sat back in silence.
watching the rehearsal intently. Mer-
ry stood leaning against stucco pill
lar In this act he did not appear, but
occasionally, against the sharp COM
mands of the stage manager, his voice
rang out in brief, concise suggestions.
What remarkable conception Mer-
~ has of every character" whispered
Oswald. Enoch did not speak. Gil
bert resents my orders-in a fashion"
continued the Englishman. Il told
him to act on any suggestion that Mer-
ry offered. Gilbert would not say a
word if you went back and threw In an
idea here and there; stage manager
expects that from the author. should
think you would do it occasionally"
TT isn't in my line" Wentworth
spoke sullenly. Every move Is put
into the manuscript as plain as pike
staff"
Eyes, but" Oswald glanced at his
companion curiously, then he dropped
the subject "It strikes me Merry has
changed. The night spoke to him on
the L he was like boy with some
grand secret up his sleeve. Today he
takes nothing but half-languid in
terest in the whole thing. He is going
to give a remarkable portrayal of
John Esterbrook,' but when he is not
acting he seems to have no interest in
life. What do you lay it to-"
Don't ask me-" mumured Went
worth. Hes a man of moods, 1 gave
up trying to understand him years
ago."
Even when it came to the question
of salary he didn't show any interest.
He wouldn't set a figure. I don't know
yet if he thinks the price named was
right. He closed with my first offer,
signed the contract, then walked out. "
tits the biggest wad he ever drew"
Hell prove himself worth every
. ha'penny of it,
Wentworth rose and pulled his hat
from under the seat.
Don't you want to see the rehearsal
out?" asked Oswald suddenly.
mo, I'm going home. l may put
your suggestion into shape while it is
fresh in my mind"
!. Enoch paused in the theater to light
a cigar. A newspaper man, who was
an old friend, approached, full Of eager
inquiry about the progress OF the play.
Wentworth brushed him aside quickly
and strobe out to the street. A moment
later he felt twinge Of remorse. The
: mans congratulations had been heart
felt. He could not shake off the mem
! DRY Of startled establishment that
came into his face at the brusque re-
: ception. He was good fellow, there
had been pleasant companionship with
! him in the old days. The old days
seemed ages ago. further back than