The Monticellonian., 1919-03-21

| to iNebell. oLltH S CIldIulS anu NASl- illnesses made up large part of his wares in trade.
 Have you had any experienced"
 None"
 "Studied elocution?"
 Never. I never spoke piece in my life"
 Good! Amateur theatricals?'
 Never. l never seemed to care for them"
 Better yet! What makes you think you want to act now?"
 Money. I want to earn money get rich"
 "I see" said Reben, and fell into a profound meditation, studying Daphne searchingly. Duane seized the opportunity to rise and say: Well, I'll leave you two to- gether to talk terms It would be in- delicate for me to know just how rich Miss Kip is going to be-
 He had no sooner gone than Reben's manner changed slightly and Daphne's courage vanished. Reben paced the floor as he talked. His path kept slowly closing in around her like the walls in Poe's story.
 You look like Miss kemble," he said. You have somewhat the same l temperament. You like her style of play. That may be your line. I can't tell. Of course l don't know how well /, you can act. Perhaps you never could. K aInE ta is eba of ', old theatrical family. Of course you have one great capital-your beauty :; 1 for you are very beautiful, Miss Kip, very. Let me see your eyes r He had q right to ask if he were going to hire her eyes, but sine looked up cravenly, for the burly satrap was leaning over her. His left hand was on the arm of the chair, his right on the back of 1t. His left hand was grad ually enyeloping hers II was n fat, hot hand. and his face was so close that It was blurred in her vision
 Then she remembered Duane's words. She controlled herself enough to put them to the test.
 She pretended 10 look coldly into Reben's face, and she said. with a brave show of calm: "Mr Reben, didn't come here to fiirt with you and l don't intend to. l came here for a job as an actress. If this sort of thing is necessary part of the job I'll go somewhere else"
 Reben backed away and stared at her. He was rendered foolish by her rebuff and he stammered, Why, l. I meant no harm"
 She went on with the Duane system of treatment: "I know you didn't. You meant to be polite, but you don't have to be so polite to me. I don't expect it and l don't like it.'
 All right, all right '" Reben growled, pacing the floor again, but in con- stantly receding path. He did not speak He felt that he had made a fool of himself. and he was embar- rassed.
 Daphne was so frightened with her success that she got to her feet, say ing: T suppose this means that you don't want me to work for you. It's true, then, what they say about the stage"
 Nonsense Of course not. Rot never see most of my people except | at rehearsals or performances. I've never spoken to three-quarters of 'em. If you want a job you can have it, and no concessions are necessary. You don't have to make love to me. You make love to the audience, and if you can capture that you can slap my face every time you see me-"
 Daphne was astounded She was engaged! She was exultant and thrilled with gratitude to Duane for introducing her to this marvellous op- pOrtunlty and for the wisdom of his counsel.
 Reben said: "The general under study of the Kemble company has grown tired of waiting for chance to appear in public. She's quitting me this week for small part in road company. You can have her place If you want it. Do you?"
 You bet-er-indeed I do. How often does an understudy play?"
 "As rarely as possible"
 Daphne's joy turned to lead.
 Reten added But we don't pay by performances. I'll pay you twenty five week. You wanted money There's a little of it for start Do you want it?'
 "Will if lead to anything better?"
 'It might"
 Am I to understudy Miss Kemhle?"
 ''Yes, and all the other women roles."
 And when do you suppose I'll get chance to play Miss Kemble's part? Soon?"
 "Never, I hope"
 That's encouraging
 If Miss Kemble fell i'll we'd ordi- narily refund the money. because she's the star. But sometimes We might have to give performance at short notice. Chances in the other parts might come any day"
 And you'll give me q better chance when you cam
 Indeed I will. If you have the gift. the sooner find it out and the harder work 1t the more money I make. The more you earn the more make. I'd like to pay you ten thousand q week
 I'd like to have you. All right, I'll try"