The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1915-05-26

scarcely could believe IL was
I. Beth Barmore, who sat In res.
taurant opposite the great Perciyal
Barlowe, the famous comic opera
tenor. whose pictures had seen on
Lillboards and in magazines. And
not only did ! sit opposite to him
in friendly fashion, but he was ad-
dressing me in kindly. almost defer
entail tones. Apparently this won
derful person wished to win. my
good opinion. At first was SO over
come at his having deigned to no
dec me at all. that had great
trouble In answering him. And when
I could speak the words came halt
inrly. and | could feel my cheeks
Gushing and paling.
go this is your first theatrical en-.
gagement!" Mr.. Barlowe said. by
way Of opening the conversation.
And after had nodded to him he
went on In such kindly and under
standing way to question me that
almost before I realized It I had told
him OF Stella King; Of my visits
with her to the agencies and to 9th
er managers who we're getting Choir
uses together; OF even my financial
difficulties, and Stella's final solution
Of them.
"Oh. you would like her so much"
said warmly, after ! had sung
S.eIla's praises for a while. She
tries to join me here for luncheon
when she can. I think she's one Of
the finest girls ever met"
For a moment my enthusiasm was
dathed by the tone In which Mr.,
Barlowe answered me.
"Oh. yes. dare say" he said.
quite carelessly. Il know the type
quite we'll. They are all right III
their way, but" and he looked at
me keenly. They are very suspi.
cious creatures. your. Stella kind of
girl. dare say II you should tell
her about our lunching here togeth,
er she would think I had some dark
intent!" t-'
did not know what he meant,
but was chilled. However, rush
ed valiantly to the rescue OF Stella.
why. Of course she would not
think you had any dark intent!'" I
exclaimed. "You must not think che
q at all like that. Anyway. Mr.. Bar
lowe, as told you, she Is one OF
the incest girls know, and be-
cider" I laughed a little ruefully.
wv hat In the world could you want
of me? am sure haven't any jew
elry TO steal; or money. Isuess you
understand from what have told
you how little have till I can earn
some more. ...s 49,
We had finished our luncheon.
I'm that case" smiled Mr.. Bar-
lowe. II will pay our two luncheon
checks"
"Oh, not" I protested quickly. IL
could not let you do that. please.
I'D feel so much more comfortable
to pay; my own. It was awflilly pleas
ant to have you here. but think
I would rather, pay my own check, II
you don't mind"
The man was woridly.wise enough
rot TO staftls me by Insisting. I
could not help thinking how smooth
were his manneSs % he pushed my
little check across the table to me
md with = sood-natured smile said
II Abould be - wished. His ready
acceptance OF my wishes made him
seem like quite an old friend. a. We
left the restaurant together, and
tdrned back toward the theater..
We had gone but few steps. how
ever. when no stopped before .
street vender Of violets. who stood
displaying his wares on q tray by
the curb.
you would not let me pay for
your luncheon said Mr.. Barlowe,
"but you win lot me buy you one OF
these cBeap little bunches Of vto-
In ,vsn't yqals 4nqv1 80 -