Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1920-07-08
A FAMILIAR
ROLE
By ALvAH J. GARTH


from sheltering doorway and con-
fronted Mantell Barth SO abruptly
that the well groomed, prosperous
looking theater manager recoiled,
uncertain whether the former was Q
footpad or mendicant.
Il am weak, hungry, homelessl"
came the bitter words, convincing In
their expression, and the generous
hand Of Barth went to his pocket.
Then he gave a great start.
Arden Hyslcp!" he exclaimed, and
aside from surprise palpable gladness
was in tone AID face.
The other drew back as II humili-
ated by the recognition. ut is Mr..
Bsrth?" he uttered family, peering
closely. II used to know you once"
"Know me nowp ordered Barth in
bluff, hearty tones, and he linked his
arm in spontaneous friendly fashion
within that of the other. 'Down on
your luck? I've been through that
many time since you and met. ten
years ago. l have an hour to spare.
restaurant, first! Don't talk, eat"
Barth's manner was irresistible. He
fairly forced Hyslop along with him.
He showed no embarrassment in ush-
ering his unkempt companion into q
fashionable restaurant. He spoke to
him as though they were close famil-
lar friends, he ordered a prlncely meal.
Then as it was finished he took out
his pocket book and selected from 1t
half dozen bank notes.
''Hyslop," he said, II wish you to go
and make yourself presentable and
report at my Office at the Grand the
alter at four O'clock this afternoon.
Will you do it," and the other bowed
his head mutely in assent. His heart
was too full for words.
"Our old mountaineering is all
right" pursued Barth, "but aside from
that business is business. By a
strange circumstance one actor with
the principal role in our play was tax
en- Ill this morning. was on my way
to find substitute. when / met you,
Was ever such luck for If remem-
Der Alright you made great hit in that
drama. The Wanderer,' years ago. You
must be familiar with the text"
II will come" promised Hyslop
"only fear you will be disappointed
in me-"
Arden Hyslop looked new man
when he appeared at the theater that
afternoon. Well fed, well dressed
now, sober, grateful to generous heart.
ed Barth. fash of hope and ambi.
ton had come to him. For five years
he had sunk lower and lower after
his habits of dissipation had separated
him from his wife who, like himself
belonged to the histrionic profession
He had not heard from her or theil
little child since their parting.
Barth greeted the resuscitated act
or cheerily, and with satisfaction as
he noticed his clean shaved face ant
new neatly fitting attire. He handed
him the manuscript Of the play witt
the words.
'',Iust to remind you of the cues ant
the general run of the piece, you mus
ICLlSlIluCI tllC OIu lluSS plSlLy MC1A
You will have good support, a lad.
who has made her mark in the role O
Margaret
who is she?" inquired Barth cas-
ually.
your wife,"
1t was a true dramatic climax. Tn,
manager watched it's effect upon Hys
lop with curiosity and interest.
Beatrice? oh, never!" gasped Hys
lop, recoiling. "Why, man! do yol
not know that we have been separated
| for years, that dragged her dow
| to poverty and then cruelty deserted
! her? By this time doubtlessly she ha
! legally severed the tie that boun'
| US as man and wife,"
you mistake" Barth informed him
Your wife is not woman to forge
| the man she once loved"
"And little Aileen?"
'"rakes the child's part in the play
Man, if you are in earnest in your pro
| fessed desire to heal the past, dom
| refuse this opportunity"
Mrs. Hyslop was not made awar
of the identity of the substitute acto
by Barth, and it was only after tn
play had begun that she began t
! suspect and then knew to certaint,
| that it was her husband who sharet
with her the two leading character
! in the drama. She paled, she tremh
J led, but, actresslike, she went througl
| the ordeal, immersed in doing justic
to her role.
1t was in the final act, however
when "the wanderer" returned to hi
family after long separation, tina
she broke down. In the play the hue
band and father steals in upon his be
loved child and reveals himself an
together they weep with joy over hi
return.
The little one die not recognize hin
but Arden Hyslop played the prodiga
father with fervor and pathos tha
held the whole audience spellb0unt
His caresses, his real tears, the ardo
of his very soul permeated every lin
he spoke. AS the curtain fell, thur
ders of applause fairly shook the ed
fe-. Call and recall, father, mother
child were compelled to appear to n
ceive the enthusiastic homage Of th
audience.
Then back of the scenes Beatric
Hyslop tainted away, but into the arm
of the husband she had given up Ion
since as lost to the world and its Of
sweet ways, but his arm supporte
her, and as his glowing eyes met he
own as she recovered. she knew tha