The Southern herald., 1916-09-01

hind the scenes. His hand shook and
he was blushing like a schoolbOy when
Stella greeted him. He looked proud
and terrifcaIly in earnest as the mana
ger introduced him to the company as
the backer Of the enterprise. OF course,
Dale invited them all to celebrating
supper at the village hotel.
After that the ambition Of the mana
ger essayed some lofty flights. He
made much Of Dale. He introduced
him to "eminent tragedians" when
they opened up at the Classic opera
house in the city. He constituted
Dale their "press agent" He managed
to get fulsome writeups on "the gifted
young owner of the show"
One day while Dale was alone in
his Office at the theater pale, refined
young fellow, none too warmly clad,
approached him with a manuscript. He
had written a play. He frankly con-
fessed that it had been rejected at a
number Of theatrical sources. Dale
consented to have the author read the
play to him and took him to his room
at the hotel.
Of its dramatic merits Dale knew
little, but one point attracted him in
tensely. This was that its heroine ex-
actly fitted the capabilities Of Stella.
He paid the poor playwright thou
sand dollars for the manuscript and
sent him on his way rejoicing.
The manager was furious when he
heard Of "this reckless waste of
money! Stella felt complimented
from the fact of the play pleasing Dale
because the portrayal Of its heroine
suited her abilities. She read the
manuscript.
at has great possibilities" she hon
estly told Dale.
"Then lose no time getting 1t on the
stage" directed Dale.
ut will cost five thousand dollars to
get the play started" snarled the man
ager to Stella.
"Well, it may better 60 on a promis-
ing experiment than on a sure dead
loss" retorted Stella. "Why don't you
tell Mr.. Arnold that our stock com
pany venture is a rank failure"
at looks as if you was acting guard
ian angel to get him to marry your
snarled the manager.
ard take him, if he'd have me-" pro
vokingly answered Dale's champion
'He's q good man. l respect him"
The crash came with a Suddenness
that prostrated Dale. He had giveI
the manager carte blanche and the lat
ter had used 1t to the limit. The mana
ger eloped with the last few thousand
dollars left to Dale, and behind him {
trail Of debt. Dale was taken with {
fever that night, was dellrOus fol
three weeks, came back to life at thu
end Of two months, weak and ENACT
ated.
They told him at the hospital tina
after paying the theater debts he haC
bare five hundred dollars left, TIL,
troupe had disbanded. The star, Stella
had called at the hospital severa
times, but rumor had it had gone t
New York city to secure a new engage
ment.
"Ah, well, I've had my experience! !!
sighed Dale, but his phllOsophizIng di
not carry him past many heart pan
as he thought of Stella.
Dale was well along In his GONZALES
cence when one day he was informe,
that a lady was waiting him in tn
parlor Of the hotel. He went down
to meet Stella. She was radiant.
II could hardly keep 1t from you al
this time" she burst forth in her in
passloned way, warmly clasplng hi
hand, "but oh! I have been so bus
with the drama you bought. 1t ha
been marvellous success in the Eas
l have made-look Look" and sh
drew forth and showed Dale pan
book.
Twenty thousand dollars from m
starring and a sale of the dram
rights !" she cried. 1--WE are quite rich,
"WeT Queried Dale.
"My dear good man who did so muc
for me! Surely, we are partners?"
"You-you have thought of me in q
this?" murmured Dale brokenly.
"All the time-and ever will" can
the steadfast reply.
Her glance fell, for she saw arise
his eager face the glow Of hope thu
answered that of love in her ow
beautiful eyes.