The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-16

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" "Fine!" said Daniels, but somewhat uneasily. Are you going to stick around while? I'm going to get a drink
 q guess I'll 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?'
 "W- what?'' stammered Daniels. swinging about. "Why, a mosquito couldn't get past Jerry"
 "Well lawyer has, retorted Pol lock. "Over thereto the right-see-"
 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 striking 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.
 If I thought that" he muttered, taking a quick step forward. But Daniels caught at his sleeve.
 'T was only kidding. Don't be fool" he said, soothingly. Rehearsal is about over anyhow. and five minute talk with that fellow isn't going to hurt Mary. Let 'em alone"
 q 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 Langdon fioated out to him. How wonderful she looked! Phil! How in the world did you get in?'
 Bribery and corruption and a funny story" he laughed, taking her hand in his "Is rehearsal over?"
 "Yes, 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 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.
 'T'm glad you like it, she said simply, adding with a quiver in her soft voice, "Oh, Phil, Phil, I'm so happy-to think it's-it's come at last-this wonderful dream men call success"
 Success can build big wall," he whispered, "between 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
 bestest among my friends. Do you remember those days when you used to come and take me to the school ball. games? And how sometimes 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 a triumphant laugh, and Philip, striving to attune himself to her mood, smiled gaily in reply.
 And now," he cried, 'syou are a queen upon a throne and I sit at your feet as becomes humble vassal."
 YOU humble!" Mary mocked. "This is indeed a change!" ] ""There is no King upon his throne, No seer or soldier, proud and stern; } But what loves call can reach their hearts,
 And make them humble-each in , turn,'"
 quoted Philip, and just for moment Marys fingertips rested on his shoul- der caressingly. and her face giowed like a rose, as she looked out over his head at the empty theatre. T They were almost alone now, and with little laugh she strengthened suddenly in her royal chair.
 Poetry and memories. and a throne" " she said gently, make one forget that
 'tempus' is always fugiting'; and I must hurry and dress. Will you wait , and take me home, Phil?" His face. which had fallen at her
 change of mood, frightened at the words, and, promising, he walked with
 her to ner QreSSlnS TOO1u QoOT. 0dlleiS was standing by it as they came up. At sight of Philip he drowned. Its against orders, MT Langdon," he said brusquely, flor outsiders to be be- . hind the scenes today. l don't know how you got in, butt" But I'm now going out" laughed Langdon carelessly. Mary, I'll call a ] taxi and be waiting for you when you a come"
 All right" she called back, and went l in, closing the door behind her.
 For an instant Daniels seemed about 9 to knock; then he walked thoughtfully out towards the stage and stared as if ! puzzled at the gaudy garden pictured
 on the back drop, and then again walk :. ed back to Mary's door, indecision writ @ large on his heavy face r Its a mean business" he muttered t "but I don't see that I've any choice e and, struggling his shoulders. he rapped 6 sharply.