Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1914-07-25
CHAPTER XIII.
A Sealed 1arualn.

A Sealed Bargain. Wentworth sat in a small room at the theater, which he had appropriated as his own. It led directly off the box office. He was glancing over heap of press clippings when the door opened and Merry walked in.
 Good morning." There was a sur prised glance on Enoch's face while he spoke.
 Andrew nodded response, then he drew g package of manuscript from his pocket. Wentworths eyes turned on him curiously while he flattened it out on the table before him. No unneces- sary courtesies passed between them.
 T rewrote the scene as you sug gested," said Andrew carelessly.
 That was good of you" In his sur prise Wentworth showed an impulsive friendliness. He stretched out his hand for the manuscript.
 There was no cordiality in Merry's face He glanced quietly through the written sheets. VI .5, .<
 "You count this change in the. play a necessity" he asked brusquely.
 T guess that's what it might be called" Wentworth's voice was impa- tient. and a frown chased across his face "Oswald's been asking for it this morning. When a quiet fellow like him makes up his mind to. have thing, he's apt to be confoundedly in- sistent"
 ,r"Then you want it?" Certainly"
 q sat up until daylight to write this. It's an improvement on the other act; can see that myself. Oswald will tell you, think, that 1t carries out his ideas exactly. Before hand it over I. want to make dicker with you"
 Wentworth stared at him blankly. "A dicker?" he repeated. "Is it money?"
 Money" Andrews face grew harsh with scorn.
 What is 1t then?"
 "I was dining last night at Colgaz- zi's. I--''
 Wentworth's face grew suddenly scarlet. then 1t Wh1tened.
 II saw you there." Merry's voice. was relentless. T don't know. a blessed thing about the Paget woman, for or; against her. do know this, though; :. every man who has lived among good women knows she is not fit company for-your sister for instance" :.
 Who said she was?" snarled Went. worth. T had not thought of throw ing her into my sisters society Dorcas would not have to tolerate even a pass, ing acquaintance with her behind the. scenes if l had my way"
 She is not fit to be, seen with a de+ cent man." j
 You give me the credit then of be- ing-a decent man?" sneered Encch.
 ITO certain limft-I do." J
 "Well. what do you want?" Went, worth turned an apprehensive glance. upon him.
 T want you to promise, before I turn over this manuscript. that you will have nothing to do with Zilla Paget except in business way"
 Why, are you interested in her yourself?"
 My God, Enoch!" Andrew stuffed the roll of paper in his pocket and jumped to his feet.
 Here, sit down. I want this affair strengthened out-now."'
 Merry did not answer. He walked across the office and stood beside . table where litter of photographs lay. He picked one up carelessly and glanced at it. It was an exquisite DOT trait of Dorcas. Her eyes gazed into his with straightforward look which was characteristic of the girl.
 "Will you tell mo-" there was stern demand in Wentworth's voice. will you explain why you are so concerned about my morals?"
 T don't care a damn about your morals" answered Merry contemptu- ously. "I was thinking about your sis. ter. l am still fool enough to believe that you have some decency left I will hand over this act, rewritten as you want it, when you promise to have nothing to do with Zilla Paget" 1 When Merry stopped speaking he took seat opposite Enoch and waited for reply.
 A visiting card lay on the table. Wentworth picked 1t up and tore it | into halves. He sat tearing and re- tearing it in perfect silence. When it was reduced to fragments. he gathered them into the hollow of his hand and | dropped them in the waste basket; then he looked across at Merry. , That :wassMiss Paget's card" he said harshly. I'm through with her" Merry took the manuscript from his pocket. laid It on the table before