The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1916-08-23
ii,naHHiHsiiia OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
Nspt Week
A Novel The Secret of the Reef
A Week - BY .,,o.a
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INV kAtN ARbh VIZ Nv AFA#
She came and put her arms
around her mother. laying her cool,
scented cheek against hers. You
love me- Don't yuu7"
Anne drew her close and held
her.
"of course do" she said. with
unconscious vehemenee.
And you want me TO be happy.
don't your Yoail help me TO bof'
I'm do my best. always have,
dear"
Then iisten," aho whispered
eoaxingly. TIN going to be an
actress. ron know. And want TO
start IN my own mothers company
want 20 be in The Victory with
you"
IL was so ingenious. so like the
little girl who used to beg for
ponies when bread-and butter was
a problem. that Anne laughed with
sudden relief
you are baby yeti Pray.
what could you do In = Broadway
production
Elsi-'s arms frightened.
Il could play an ingenne part.
mamma. I've done it. was with
stock company in San Francisco
all last summer. and they said |
was the eieveres,--"
you were where" Anne drew
back. slowly and stirfiy. No.
don't kiss me now. | must under.
stand rhis-what YOU are SAVING"
Elsie pouted. There was a flicker
OF apprehension In her eyes. but
she told her story with a brave
front.
Yes, II was quite true that she
had been playing with a city com.
pany. she said. She had always
meant TO be an actress. So rs
soon ns she had graduated--Annt
Phoebe wouldn't hear TO II before
they had gone to San Francisco.
and she had found an opening In
n stock company there the first few
weeks after shc had played all the
lngenue parts.
And all the while thought you
we're ut home--iust schoolgirl "
Anne looked at her in sofnber won
der. your iettsrs--they came
from there"
All their mail came and went thru
Grovelands. Elsie explained giee-
fully. A nelghbor there forwarded
II both ways. She had claimed that
herself. and wasn't /; cleycrr
so you sec. It's not so silly,
after all. for me TO want 10 be In
The victort'i" she laughed. You'll
get mo q part. won't you mumaeyF
Please Please. dearrsi'"
Anne pushed her gently away.
''It's out OF the question" she said
YEARLY. The cast was filled long
ago. Anyhow, have nothing 10
say about engaging people"
but n you asked II az a very.
very special favory II You asked
Mr.. Harland' Hes such friend
OF yours"
Harland--, The name shot
rocket.lIks thru Anne's mind. She
went quickly to the phone and
asked for MFR. Hariand-
He answered with eagerncss.
Had her caller gone at last Could
he como up now
I'm afraid not. Phil. She's stay.
ing with me over night I'm sorry
but you'd better not come up
again"
sOh, mamma" Elsie walled.
Call me mp In the morning Phil"
she flnlshed. In desperate haste;
and hung up the receiver without
waiting for his reply.
Elsie's eyes were full OF angry.
disappointed tears.
THAT was horrid os you.
mamma" she flashed out You
knew wanted to see him I'D have
asked him myself TO give the q
part"
Dear child. please don't talk
about that It's impossible. Abso-
lutely impossible. for more reasons
than one" Anne spoke kindly but
with decision. what is more, you
must go home tomorrow. and stay
there till"
60 homeg Oh Oh. won't do
IT."
Then Elsie burst into tears. and
threw herself down on the couch.
You you're unkindl" she
sobbed. You don't love mel"
A grim shadow OF smile edged
Anne's lips for n second. The re-
proach was as familiar as the voice
that uttered 1t. just 20, in their
honeymoon days had Blair North
ended every argument In which he
was beaten. But she sat down by
the girl. and tried patiently to con.
sole her.
why. you'll be here again In
November, child! Perhaps sooner.
Don't cry so. What are few
weeks out OF n girls lIfe7"
BY degrees Elsie's sobs quieted.
Presently. with her face still
buried. she began 10 coax to stay
till Saturday, anyhow.
Anne was honestly distressed,
but every minute OF II stiffened her
resolve. Already her nerves were
on edge. and what state would they
be In II this kept up for three or
four days7
NO. dear. No. You must go
tomorrow" she repeated over and
over, TIL Elsie saw pleading was
thrown away. and sat up. subdued
and mournful, but resigned.
The next morning Ammo awoke
late after a restless night.
Elsie was up, however. and In
the sitting.room.
did wake you. mammal | tried
not tol" she exclaimed. and cross
Ing to Anne, kissed her on both
I've been up agesl"
You must have been, TO do your
hair so beautifully" Anne smiled.
But aren't you famlshed7 I'll be
dressed In ten minutes, and WE'LL"
Don't hurry. dearest Take all