The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1916-08-24
CANINE, ACTRESS

I One was Harland, the other
She stared thunderstorm, an,
then, shaking with anger, swep
out to meet them.
| Elsie! That dress! Go anC
change it,"
Elsie smiled indulgently. In
stead OF her dark, handsome first
act gowns, she was wearing tn,
one intended for the third-s
dainty null affair, so faintl,
green that II was practically
replica of Anne's, and Harlant
himself frowned with consterna
ton as he looked from one to the
other.
Il can't. dearest" she sait
sweetly. II tore the other. put.
ting It on. And there's moi
time"
The curtain can be held. Tel
Ellis, Mr.. Harland. Elsie"
But Elsie stood placidly still
and argued. She couldn't dres.
In hurry. And what did II
~"ssSA, ohyuO
Natter" Anne cried in al
agony of impotence. "That w,
look like twins and are dressed
like them?"
III Ellis or Inslee had beer
mere, either one would have up
held her decisively, but Harland
In his inexperience, hesitated.
And while he wavered. tn,
overture ended, there was a sud
den rustic. followed by a hush
and they heard q voice from the
stage.
"Goodby: The curtains uni
Elsie whispered, and tugged a
MS sleeve. Come on. Mr.. Har.
land! That settles IT."
| Waltz" Anne halted them ner
emptorfly, as they sprang TOWARD
an entrance together. "You ma,
De willing to risk your own sue
cess. Mr.. Harland, but you shan
throw mine away. | refuse to &c
on"
You won't go on?" He. stared
at her stupidity, perspiratior
breaking out on his face. YOU'D
make us ring down? Now? Re.
cause you don't like somebody's
dress?"
Don't like it? Ask Inslee
what he thinks! Ask Ellis. Ask
anybody who knows. It was bad
enough to have her in the cast al
all but made up like that-a du.
plfcate Of me! Oh, we'll.
cant argue!" She waved It ava,
with a despairing gesture. "Only
I'm done. Settle it however YOU
choose"
As she turned away, he caught
at her hand desperately.
Anne! You wouldn't ruin m,
play! The opening night? After
after everything? Inslee. too,
He's put a lot in it" With the
sweat running down his cheeks
now. he begged and implored il
broken, fncoherent whispers.
Meanwhile, the act was pro
crossing relentlessly, bringins
her entrance nearer and nearer
1t was maddening how fast ant
now fnexorably speech followed
speech.
"oh, all right, all right! Have
this your own way, tool" Anne
said, at last. Eyes. I'll go on
But whatever happens, remember
I've warned you!"
He darted off after Elsie. ant
she went mechanically to the
doorway through which she was
TO enter. Ellis appeared from
somewhere, and stood near her
1t was only minute or two latel
that Elsie's cue came.
AS she stepped into view. Ellis
gasped, and looked around, as II
to make sure Anne was still be.
side him.
"Pd swear 1t was you!" he
whispered.
1t was no wonder others made
the mistake. The ushers and GER
tain discreet helpers who we're tt
start the stars reception yer,
necessary expedient where tn,
actor is not widely known-hat
been drilled to recognize a red
haired woman dressed in white
There was sound as IL every.
body drew quick breath of ad
miration, and then, led by the
unsuspecting clacque, the ap
plause broke in a great wave.
That's killed your entrance
whether they know you or notp
Ellis groaned.
Anne nodded her hand.
crushed against her heart.
! Never you mind, thought" h,
went on hastily, patting hel
shoulder. You'll show 'em who's
who! Next lines your cue.
Steady now. Make 'em ashamed
He had to give her little pusf
before she moved. Then she
stepped out into the glare.
There was the same audible
breath that had greeted Elsie, but
this time surprise brought It, and
a silence followed.
Anne stood for a second, fight
ing against a sense of irretriev.
able defeat. To make matters
worse. the familiar, dreaded
blackness was settling around
her.
Then o strange thing happened
As plainly as II he stood before
her, she saw Harland's face
white and drawn. projected or