The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1920-06-04

course, IL uOSS nave " ram, tuere
nc denying that And there really
is nothing so very unique about the
performance Besides it is necessary
for corn and grain and all sorts of
uninteresting things.
But when you have only one pair OF
shiny shoes, when you've been going
without lunches for days in order to
buy a certain fluffy hat, and then,
after months of waiting, you are to
don the fluffy hat to see the biggest
theatrical manager in New York,
when all this happens and it rains
you'll admit it's rather serious.
A taxi was. as far from Elaine
HOLSTERS thoughts as trip to Eu-
rope would have been. So it was with
a serious look in her big, brown eyes
that she watched the downpour.
"Oh, I'll manage somehow, l sup
pose" she said, and turned to the con-
temptation of the small room she
shared with Betty Buddeli. 'If only.
the maline on that hat hat doesn't
slump before get to the theatre"
cts the limit, that's what it is to-
day of all days when it means so
much and the small roommate
scowled anxiously.
Elaine threw herself on the tumbled
he'd. She was lovely picture, lovely
with youth, and grace and red-gold
hair, but the look in her great brown
eyes was so troubled.
For life to her did not meant teas
and alteration and petting and all
that ought to go with, youth and red
gold hair 1t meant privation and
Gisappointments and a struggle to
exist. For she was a little, unknown
actress from the West. And today
was to be her day of days. She was
tic see the great Robertson, himself,
the greatest manager in the country.
"Well, rain won't hurt the coat,
anyway" went on Betty. "And it
makes you look like million dollars.
Will you surely be back with it by
four?" she added. Il hate to bother
you" dearie, but I've got to have it by
5 then. My dancing appointment is for
four, and if Pm good night"
"Oh, I'll know the worst long before
that, Pm to see Mr.. Robertson at two,
ycu know"
Elaine got up and began brushing a
fur coat, carefully hung from the gas
jet. do you suppose well ever own
two fur coats between us and be able
to go out at the same timer" she
asked.
Never, old DEAR" promptly ans
wered the small roommate, proceeding
to darn an exceedingly thin silk stock
ing. BE thankful to have half
coat"
Eyes, we were wise to invest in
this when we had the money" Elaine
was loosening the thick waves Of her
hair until it fitted demurely under the
new hat.
Il can't even buy pair Of rubbers
now" she added. Then she threw
back her head and laughed won
derful, tinkly, silvery laugh, with a
hint OF tears not very far away.
as it as bad as that?" Betty
asked anxiously.
AS bad as that" answered Elaine.
Then she walked quickly to the
window and gazed out at the driving
rain. Down in the street below,
limousine was gliding quietly along.
Elaine wondered vaguely if it held a
girl with red-gold hair, a girl who
didn't have to worry or pinch or work.
a girl who had father and brother
to adore her, a girl who could be just
girl.
Elaine turned her back to the rain
and-t limousine.
"Oh, hope l haven't been a fool, T"
she burst out, trying to get in New
York production. Do you know what
it's cost me? Four long months of
horrible, nerve-racking waiting and
all my savings from three long years
OF stock. And all I've got to show for
it is this one chance today to see
Robertson"
Betty put warm arm around the
quivering girl. Well did she under
stand, with the deep understanding
that comes from knowledge. Like all
the generous children of the stage
she was quick to share either tears
or laughter.
If any one deserves some luck
she whispered, fits you. after the
way you've supported your mother
and shaved in stock all these years.
And you're such wonder! Why.