New Britain herald., 1916-01-21

locks financial interests thrust their steely tentacles into a hundred differ ent endeavOrS, not the smallest or which was the theatrical world. It was a saying that what Dave Pollock wanted he got, and heaven help the man that stood between; but back of his want of Mary hovered an in tangible doubt and--when he was sOber-the bigger question of his own worthiness; and now as he stood watching her the harsh lines of his mouth and chin softened and there was an unfamiliar note in his voice as he said musinSly:
 "I wonder what she'll say when she hears I've backed her to the limit that I bought her stardom for her? Has she asked about that side of it?"
 "No," said Daniels. a little nervous ly. Shes such a little kid about some things she sort of takes it all for granted. But see here, Dave. don't you go tellin' her today. Stars, the Lest of 'eln, are temperamental as the deuce, and she's worn out with hearsin'. For the Lords sake don't let's have any tears till tonight is over!'
 Pollock laughed shortly
 Don't be an ass,'' he retorted, I'm going to tell her tonight-at the ban quet, after the play
 ''Fine!' Gaid Daniels, but somewhat uneasily. Are you going to stick around @ while? I'm going to get drink.''
 TT guess I'll go with you,' said Pol lock With alacrity, then suddenly he gripped the others shoulder.
 "Since. when,'' he snarled, 'have outsiders been allowed in the wings at a dress rehearsal?"
 "W-what?' stammered Daniels, swinging about. "Why. a mosquito couldn't get past Jerry.'
 Well, a lawyer has, retorted Pol lock. lover thereto the right
 Daniels stared wrathfully.
 Don't that beat the dickens?" he snorted, "who is it?''
 Philip Langdon. said Pollock, grimly. and again Daniels eyes mar rowed shreWdly. for it was common gossip that these two men, so strk- ing a contrast in type and character, were rivals for the favor of the lovely young actress.
 |'Maybe Miss Page left word for him to get in,'' he said, with a sly smile and the hot blood rushed to Pollock's face.
 eff I thought that he muttered, taking a quick step forward. But Daniels taught at his sleeve.
 "T was only kidding. Don't be focl'' he said soothingly. Rehearsal is about over, anyhow, and five min- ute talk with that fellow isn't going to hurt Mary. Let 'em alone.'
 1,O,1'ro Ch pO11ocl, a T. mitted. Come on, lets go get that drink.
 At the door, however, he glanced back over his shoulder and set his teeth grimly as Marys glad welcome to Langdon foated out to him. How wonderful sie looked.
 Phil. How in the world did you get in?'
 Bribery and corruption and a fun ny story,' he laughed taking her hand in his. 'Is rehearsal over?'
 Yes thank goodness:' She nodded, as the players with friendly little smiles brushed past them. Did you see any of it? ?'
 Enough to realize how fine you are as Nora," he said with sudden gray ity, and she smiled up at him With a flush of pleasure at the words as she dropped wearily into the chair of the garish throne that held the centre of the stage.
 "I'm glad you like it, she said simply adding with a quiver in her soft voice. "Oh, Phil, Phil, Pm so happy-to think its-it's come at last-this wonderful dream men call success!'
 Success can build big wall," he whispered, "bctween a star and a poor lawyer
 "Nonsense.' she protested. "Oh, Philip, you musn't feel that way. Nothing-nothing in the whole wide world could come between you and me. Why-you've always been the 'bestest' among my friends. Do you rem Der those days when you used to come and take me to the school wouldn't go because I didn't have pretty frocks like the other girls? And how poor we were? And now nOW-"she spread out her slim hands with triumphant laugh, and Philip, to attune himself to her mood, i smiled gaily in reply.
 And now" he cried you are a queen upon a throne and I sit at your feet as becomes a humble vassal."
 You humble.' Mary mocked. ''This is indeed a change.' '' There is no King upon his throne, l
 No seer or Soldier. proud and stern; But what loves call can reach their l
 hearts.
 And make them humble-each in 1
 turn" quoted Philip. and just for a moment l Mary's fingertips rested on his shoul ] der caressingly and her face glowed l like rose, as she looked out over his i head at the empty theatre.
 They were almost alone now, and l with a little laugh she strengthened l suddenly in her royal chair. Poetry and memories and a throne,' l she sai gently make one forget that l