The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1919-11-07

UNAWARE
BY AGNES G. BRoGAN.


BarriS sat before confusing litter
of papers, and passed his hand in trou-
bled fashion over his forehead.
Allan Barris was a play-writer, as
well as manager of various depart
ments connected with that work. His
ambition was to present new and
truly great actress in one of his orig
inal plays. That desire gave no prom
Use of fulfillment. Matter-of-fact af-
fairs continually claimed his time.
Here among the litter, were pitiful
letters, begging work of almost every
kind-those Of confident would-be
"stars" he found it necessary to IL
more. The city seemed to be filled with
inexperienced girls certain Of their own
histrionic ability.
Here was one, from young wom-
an who had at first written in the en-
thusiasm of sure success. asking for
certain part in one of his prominent
plays. Though she was unfamiliar
with theatrical work." she frankly
confessed, "she knew that she could
portray his character of 'Normand'
faithfully" Her request for per-
sonal interview and trial had been ig-
nOred.
The second letter which came from
the aspirant was decidedly humble;
she would be glad Of "a few speaking
lines"
The next appeal was for an inter-
view only, and the last, which claimed
Allan Barrjs' amused attention, was
for Office work of any kind which he
could give her. She had suffered
strange misfortune" she wrote, and
her need was great"
The appeal touched him, not so
much by its pathos as by it's cheerful
persistence. He wrote the girl, ask
ing her to call upon the following day,
and he had almost forgotten his indul-
gence when she was announced.
In his mind, Barris pictured his
frank applicant as glowing creature
CARRIED in popularity approved fashion.
Instead, 1t was small gray-clad fig
ure which awaited efficiently his invi-
tation from the doorway. The gray
dress was softly clinging, with quaint
kerchief about her shoulders, and 1t
was the girls shy, glancing purple eyes
ubinh Arcf S,,,proccad b;v,
She had spoken advisedly, she was
unusually good looking"-''unusual"
was the word.
"Can you do stenography and type
writing?" he asked.
The girl sadly shook her head.
IF you could give me other things
at first, would learn that later" she
spoke In sort of soft eagerness.
Heretofore, had no opportunity
Of learning. My life was-all ease"
She caught her breath TREMENDOUSLY and
threw out her hands in hopeless
gesture. The wistful eyes were misty
with tears.
Everything changed for me In one
moment That was the strange, hard
part of It,"
Quickly she brushed the tears from
her eyes and leaned toward Barris.
"Can you believe me-" she asked,
that l have now between me and
starvation just twenty-five cents?"
At his astonished stare, she smiled
suddenly, very bravely, Barris thought.
IF you will give me some work to
dc at once that part Of the trouble will
soon be disposed Of" she told him.
The busy man, whose sympathy and
anxiety were usually bound up in his
own intricate work, found himself
moved now as he had never been
moved to pity and admiration. The
girls sincerity could not be doubted;
her plucky willingness to work herself
out of discouraging situation won
his Immediate championship.
you might begin" he suggested, 'by
answering that irritating telephone:
use your Judgment as to whether re-
Spouse upon my part is imperative, or
may be postponed. Tn maddeningly
busy"
The girl, her hat swiftly removed,
was already at the telephone.
Barris noted approvingly the soft ar
rangement of her hair, in keeping some
way with the trim gray frock and So.
rious eyes. For time he was not
disturbed by the telephone, continuing
his dlctation to an observant Young
woman typist, Subconsciously, at last
he sensed the strangers troubled gaze
in his direction. Mutely, she seemed
to be signaling his help.
Barris abruptly dismissed his stenog. |
rapher and turned to answer the girls
silent appeal. Her eyes, as he looked |
down upon her, were darkly tragic.
Il must CO." she said, breathlessly
i must leave you; and, oh, did so
want to stay-my first chance-and tbe
crying need for money" Her voice
broke in its despair.
Again Barris was moved. deeplv
the secret, the mystery of her unwin. |
ingly gripped him.
Explain yourself he said tersely
Are you, after all, an impostor. or an !
innocent mistakenly enduring some
trouble?"
He was surprised at his own emo. |
kion.