Evening journal., 1916-02-12

deuce. and she's worn out with rehears-
in 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"
"Finel" said Daniels. but somewhat
uneasily Are you going TO stick
around a while? I'm going TO get a
drink"
Il guess tn go with YOU" said Pol
lock with alacrity then suddenly he
gripped the others shoulder
"Since when" he snarled. have out
siders been allowed in the wings at a
dress rehearsal"
-what?" stammered Daniels.
swinging about. why. a mosquito
couldn't get past jerry"
well. a lawyer has" retorted Pol
lock cover thereto the right-see-"
Daniels stared wrathfully.
Don't that beat the dickens!" he
snorted. ''who is it?"
'Phnip Langdon." said Pollock
grlmly, and again Daniels eyes mar
rowed shrewdy. FOR it was common
gossip that these two men. so striking
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.
III I thought that" he muttered,
taking quick step forward. But
Daniels caught at his sleeve.
Il was only kidding Don't be a
fool" he said. soothingly. Rehearsal
is about over anyhow, and five
minute talk with that fellow isn't
going 70 hurt Mary. Let 'em alone"
Il guess you're right" Pollock ad-
mitted Come on. let's go get that
drink"
At the door. however. he glanced
back over his shoulder and set his
teeth grimly as Mary's glad welcome
to Iangdon foated out TO him. How
wonderful she looked!
"Phnl How in the world did you
get in?"
Bribery and corruption and a funny
story" he laughed. taking her hand in
his us rehearsal over?"
eyes. thank goodness!" She nodded.
as the players wit 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 grav-
fly. and she smiled up at him with a
flush OF pleasure at tho words as she
dropped wearily into the chair OF the
garish throne that held the centre OF
the stage.
I'm glad you like H." she said
simply adding with a quver I'm her
soft voice, "Oh, Phil. Phn, I'm so
I happy-to think its-its come at
/ last-thls wonderful dream men call
successi"
Success can build big wall" he
/ whispered. between a star and a.
poor lawyer"
"Nonsense," she protested. "Oh.
| Philip. you mustn't feel that way.
Nothing nothing in the whole wide
world could come between you and
me. Why-you've always been the
'hestest among my friends. DO you
remember those days when you used
TO come and take me to the school
ball ll-games? And how sometimes I
wouldn't go because didn't have
pretty frocks like the other girls? And
how poor we were? And now-now-"
she spread out her slim hands with a
triumphant laugh. and Philip. striving
to attune himself to her mood. smiled
gaiiy in reply.
"And now" he cried. "you are a
/ queen upon a throne and sit at your
feet as becomes a humble vassai"
"YOU humble!" Mary Knocked
I This Is indeed a changel"
$ There is no King upon his throne.
No seer or soldier, proud and stern
But what loves call can reach theii
3 hearts.
And make them humble-each II
e turn"
! quoted Philip. and Just for momen
I Mary's fingertips rested on his shoul
der caressingly. and her face glowe'
like a rose, as she looked out over hi
head at the empty theatre.
They we're almost alone now ant
with a little laugh she Strengthened
suddenly in her royal chair.
Poetry and memories. and a throne.
she said gently. make one forget tina
tempus' is always 'fugiting'; and
must hurry and dress. VIII you wal
and take me home, Phil?"
His face which had fallen at he
change OF mood, frightened at tn
words, and, promising, he walked witt
her TO her dressing room door. Daniel
was standing by IT as they came up
At sight Of Philip he frowned.
It's against orders, Mr.. Langdon," h
J said brusquely "for outsiders to be be
hind the scenes today. ! don't know
how you got i'm. but"
But I'm now going out" laughed
7 Langdon carelessly. Mary I'll call Z
y taxi and be waiting for you when yoi
n come"
l. An right" she called back. and wen
IN closing the door behind her
For an instant Daniels seemed abou
TO knock; then he walked thoughtful,
. out towards the stage and stared as /
90 puzzled az the gaudy garden picture,
l.. ON the back drop. and then again walk
y ed back TO Mary's door. indecision v,ri
"e large on his heavy face
or IT'S a mean business" he rnuttcre5
n but don't see that I've any choice
ne and Struggling his shoulders. he ranne
The sharply