Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1914-07-23

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, habit he had when disturbed.
 The Englishman sat back ill 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- ry has of every character" whispered Oswald. Enoch did not speak. "Gil-
 bert resents my orders-in a fashion," l continued the Englishman. T told him to act on any suggestion that Mer- ry offered Gilbert would not say word if you went back and threw in an idea here and there; stage manager expects that from the author. I 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"
 Yes, but" Oswald glanced at his companion curiously, then he dropped the subject. Tt strikes me Merry has l changed The night spoke to him OH the l. he was like boy with some grand secret up his sleeve Today he takes nothing but half-languid iri- terest in the whole thing. He is going to give a remarkable portrayal of John Esterbrook,' hut 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 man of moods, gave up trying to understand him years ago."
 Even when 1t came to the question of salary he didn't show any interest. He wouldn't set figure. don't know yet if he thinks the price named was right He closed with my first offer, signed the contract, then walked out '
 Its 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 t?'}sasked Oswald suddenly. '"No, I'm going home. l may put your suggestion into shape while it is fresh in my mind"
 .s 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 strode out to the street moment later he felt a twinge of remorse. The mans congratulations had been heart. felt. He could not shake off the mem ory of a startled astonishment 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 the gaiety of childhood.
 He left Broadway, walking with quick, nervous strides until he found himself far over on the East side, wandering aimlessly through wretched streets, populated by the drift from nations. The sidewalks were thronged with children. Occasionally Enoch swore beneath his breath as he es- capped tumbling over them during his hurried, headlong progress. When he turned a corner he found his way blockaded by huge safe that was be- ing hoisted into a warehouse. He glanced at the street, it was ankle deep in slush. Suddenly the odor of hot bread was waited to him from 8 I little restaurant cavern below the side {; walk. He remembered he had eaten no breakfast, and it aroused a sudden sense of hunger. He ran quickly down the steps. The small dining room was remarkably clean. He sat down with a sense of satisfaction which seemed alien to such place
 Bring me coffee and a steak, a first. class steak done rare" he ordered, Cook it carefully"
 1 He was alone in the small room. It was quiet except for the shriM voices l of children on the sidewalk. He had not known moment of peace or solf tude for months. All his life he had scoffed at nerves as a delusion. He wondered if he had been wrong, whether nerves might not be a stern
 reality. If they were, he had them.
 His mind went flashing over the events
 of the past fortnight, since the night,
 when, weary, harassed, and hopeless,
 he returned from Montreal to be met
 by Dorcas with the news that Merry
 had returned and was ready to begin
 rehearsals. It still exasperated him
 when he remembered how stubbornly
 she had, refused details of Andrews
 homecoming. All he learned was that
 the actor had seen Oswald and was re-
 hearsing from morning till night.
 A few days later, in the foyer of the
 Gotham, when he came face to face
 with Merry. the plan of their future
 intercourse was determined instantly,
 Wentworth had been in mood to welcome reconciliation and friend
 ship; Andrew was cold. courteous. and | s3, o~1s nhok 1n >oh, ,~