South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-01-26

~ impotent and foolish about a thing
that had probably happened several
months ago when the scene was
filmed, he sat down again. But she
had fallen downstairs. or there would
have been no picture. And falling
downstairs hurts. Mr. Murtland was
sure that the twist OF pain in her
face and the limp with which she
hobbled away were genuine.
II wasn't right, it wasn't fair for
there was a living in 1t. and a bit OF
fame even, but IL was a darned hard
way TO make a living. ne reasoned.
Mr.. Murtland watched the picture
closely. lie always did when he
came 70 see little Annie Van Buren,,
and he came to see her every time
her name was on the boards. Why.
he could not have explained. II
only narrowed his feelings to see her
abused, yet he couldn't stay away.
There was a feeling OF kinship he
could not explain. Perhaps because
the world had buffeted him. too. for
so many years before he had found
the highroad to success through hard
work. But il had taught him shy
ness and reserve. He had learned
10 shun society-feminine society
particularly. The few friendships he
had made with men ended with their
marriage. He was deathly afraid OF
their wives.
SO he had formed the habit Of
taking his pleasures in solitude.
The picture progressed. Then
something happened 10 delight Mr..
Murtland. Annie was hungry and
stole a bag OF peanuts! Another tiei
She loved peanuts! Mr.. Murtland
dug into the paper bag again and
ate with her. A person OF discrimin-
alton certainly was Annie.
But things went wrong after that.
/ Annie, poor little soul, fell in love
with the hero. And the hero. hav-
ing already placed his much sought
affections elsewhere, it was hope
( less situation.
Mr.. Murtland waxed wroth. SAY"
He turned TO his next neighbor. He
was greatly excited or he should
never have spoken to any one he did
not know. a girl at that. What do
you know about that? After she
saved his life and proved she was
the decentest lot in the whole blame
shooting match, 20 be turned down
that way! Poor kid. IL seems moth
/ ing good ever happens to her"
The girl next 10 him smiled. and
even in the dark Mr.. Murtland could
see how il showed her white teeth
and brought a dimple into play. He
/ liked that smile. He warmed to its
geniality before she had spoken a
word. II was quite unusual to feel
so in the presence of a woman. 1t
never occurred TO him TO be abashed
or I'll at ease for a moment, as he
usually was
7 But it's only a picture" she re-
minded him. Don't take it too seri-
ously."
He might have known she'd have
voice like that. 1t went straight
to his heart and stayed there. But
he had a part to play, He must
champion his little friend of the
screen. and he was loyal.
! "Oh. yes know he said. quickly.
Il know It isn't real. I'm not such
ninny as all that. but I've watched
that poor child get kicked around
through enough films TO know that
they give her all the dirty parts in
stagedom to play. And she can't
| help hating il. IT must be democrat
/ izing 10 be a permanent Cinderella
with never a decent dress. Just be-
cause she does II well they keep her
at IL. Shame, so it is! Like pea
nuts?" offering the bag.
"T love them" declared his
pretty neighbor. helping herself to
the proffered delicacy. I've been
furnishing for some ever since you
started to eat"
Help yourself Here, take these.
I always bring a supply" And Mr..
Murtland, exploring another pocket,
brought forth a fresh bag.
They chatted away continuously
after that, and Mr.. Murtland soon
began TO watch so anxiously for his
/ little neighbours smile and for the
dimple that came and went in the
half light that poor Annie Van Blu
rem was compelled 10 add one more
grievance TO her already trimming
cup, that Of neglect on the part of
her erstwhile admirer and SYM
\ pathizer.
The conversation had long since
left the path Of the movie stars be.
fore them, and traced a path Of its
own upon the undiscovered ground
of new friendship. They were talk
ing about friends in the army when