Daily Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1918-191?, 1918-03-27
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MINISTER'S CHUM /
s%tss%~s I
ny VINCENT O. PERRY. (


IL was just another OF Enie's disap-
polntments. but II seemed harder than
the rest. She had built 20 much on
the success Of her frst attempt at
directing an amateur theatrical pro-
duction and now she was faced with
failure. II was the night OF the sec
ond rehenrsal--so wretched an AFFAIR
that she was sure she would have TO
give up.
She was reused from her thoughts
by the sound OF the outer door open
Ing. A man stood In the doorway.
"Am I late for the rehearsal, Miss
McIntoshf he asked as he stepped In
side. II was Mr.. Sterling. the minis
ter's college chum. who was spending
a few weeks nj the rectory.
II am sorry, II II all over. You
promised 10 come and see that things
got along all right, Mr.. Sterling"
'Did theyr'
81 hoped II would be better" She
said.
THAT Is too bad he consoled. How
would II be II helped you in earnest.
] had n little experience In amateur
thoatricals when went 10 college"
why didn't think OF II beforef"
she exclaimed. "will you play the
leading partr'
"rll have TO hear the play before I
consent-suppose you read II to me
now"
They found n seat close 10 the stage
and Efle commenced reading. His
eyes never left her face for an instant
but she was so engrossed IN the lines
that she did not notice him. After an
hour Of steady reading Efiie closed
the book. Sterling watched her closely
for n moment and then exclaimed err
nestly. "Gad. young lady. you have tai
enti"
Thank you Efiie laughed. "wIT
you play the part OF Randolph
II don't like the play" he announced.
II have a copy OF a much finer one
In my trunk. II you win change to
II will be glad to take the leading
role and there Is a splendid part In II
for you-a part TO nc your talent more
than the one In this play"
The play was better than Efie had
imagined a play could be. The part
just suited her but she feared she
could not do II justice. Sterling
brushed the fears aside and a week
later rehenrsals were well on the way
for the new play.
As the date set for the performance
drew near. Efie's confidence grew. II
was going 90 be n big success. there
was little doubt OF that. Mr.. Sterling
had worked untlringly with her and
the others 90 make life and energy
appear In the lines. She knew his
criticisms were given just where they
were needed and II helped her 20 make
her part what she knew II should be.
He went through his own part like a
professional II n man with talent like
he had couldn't find a place on the
stage what hope was there for her.
Efiie often wondered.
The allimportnnt night arrived.
Effie's preparations made her arrival
late. When she entered at the rear
door and emerged on the stage she was
greeted with big surprise. The
stage was set with bright new scenery
and two stage carpenters were put
ting on the finishing touches. Mr..
Sterling was responsible for Il all, she
knew. and FASTENED 10 find him. but
he seemed TO be eyadlng her and she
had to give up 10 dress for the first
act.
The curtain went up on full house.
Ellie had time 10 see that before she
was lost In her part. The man who
was acting beside her was not the Mr..
Sterling with whom she had re-
hearsed; he was the character OF the
play. Ills acting was wonderful; she
realized that and II spurrcd her 10
greater effort. The applause that re-
sounded through the hall at the con-
oluslon OF the act told her her efforts
were appreciated and the play was u
success. Curtain call after curtain call
Sterling and she had 10 respond TO.
After Il was all over and Efiie had
partly awakened from the spell II had
tuot oNth htif rut rthkht 'ht oteAhhhs
lie did not eyade her this time.
He did not give her a chance TO
speak. "YOu did wonderfully. little
girl. That last scene wns one OF the
prettiest pieces Of work ! have ever
seen. II made me wish l was max
ing love 10 you In real earnest" he
said.
'Isn't that strange-your acting af-
fected me In the same way" she
blushed. "You were 30 wonderful
so like a real actor"
Then you wouldn't mind my max
Ing love 10 you-asklng you 20 marry |
me In real earnestr' he asked. taking
her hand.
"Oh. but you wouldn't-you are not
In earnest" she stammered.
Il was never more In earnest In my
life. love you and want you 10 90 |
hack 30 New York with me as my wife |
us.A ..aas. an. n..ma.s. ..lfl. -. A.. A..