Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1920-03-10
A CAMERA
ROMANCE
BY ALDEN CHAPMAN

old barn, sir" spoke the gardener OF
Graylands TO his young master.
I Roscoe Blair strolled leisurely in
/ the direction indicated. His clear, boy
ish eyes showed a token of curiosity
! as he neared the dismantled barn at
I the edge of the estate. A man had a
motion picture camera in an automo-
bile Near by a second man was put
ting on the striped suit of convict
At a signal the latter. assuming the
terror of a typical fugitive, ran toward
the barn and disappeared within, the
other meantime turning the crank that
operated the camera. AS the assumed
convict disappeared he turned toward
Blair.
81 suppose we are intruding," he
said, "but we needed just such an ex-
terror for part of a movie. 1t is
usual to pay for the privilege"
"Oh. that is all right" interrupted
Blair graciously. Take all the pic
lures you like"
THANK you" acknowledged the
camera operator, as his assistant re-
appeared and cast off his assumed at
fire. Lets see--what's next" scan
ming a written sheet. "Oh, yes Old
fashioned home, lindly-faced mother.
beautiful daughter! Wonder If we can
hit that conveniently"
81 think you can, almost directly at
nand," said Blair. 81 noticed yester-
day some new tenants in the first house
down the road"
The operator drove on and located
the cottage described without diff
Guilty. Its door was open. He looked
into an exquisitely neat and orderly
little parlor white-haired old lady
sat in rocking chair reading aloud
to lovely girl engaged on some en-
broidery. There was an ancient pi-
ano set against the wall and an an
tique spinning wheel. evidently a
treasured memento. The artistic i'm
pulse in the man of many scenes was
deeply aroused.
In a few fit words he explained his
mission.
"You are supposed TO be the moth
er and sister Of Maynard son and
brother" explained the operator. "My
partner outside acts him. There must
be one other character. however. a
young man. Is there anybody In reach
I could get to act the part?'
ave are utter strangers here" said
Mrs Layton.
Then I'll try and pick up some one
In, ha ha no ~
the operator was back in his auto
briskly. but slowed up as passing the
Blair place its young proprietor hailed
him.
well, did you find the people TO
suit your" asked the latter
'To the letter" replied the opera
tor In animation. "a model interior
and lovely old lady, indeed. The girl
dazzles. She is certainly a charming
creature" and then the speaker re-
ferred to the object of his present
quest.
"See here" spoke Blair smilingfy.
an accommodate you If will do"
You will certainly fill the bill of
the manly and handsome young hero"
cOmpIimented the operator.
This neighbor of yours has kindly
consented to fill In said the opera
tor to Mrs. Layton later, and her
daughter, Grace. fiuttered and flushed
as he added: HE is TO represent the
lover. You are to be seated as you
are, madam. YOU" to the young lady.
"are to stand at the window-thus-
young man by your side. He is hold
ing your hand and speaking to you ear
nestly. My man dashes in. He scowls
at your lover and orders him out of
the house"
Grace Layton blushed again at this
second allusion. She shrank back
timidly. With the utmost courtesy
however, Blair stepped to her side
and so delicately carried out his part
of the program that, although she
trembled as his hand clasped hers,
Grace went through the ordeal accept
ably.
"a fine picture" said the operator.
as he paid the money promised and de-
parted. Roscoe Blair fingered a few
minutes ''to get acquainted with his
new neighbors." The next morning
his gardener brought over a brilliant
bouquet with his compliments.
Three months later the camera op-
orator reappeared. He drove directly
up to the Layton cottage and knocked
at the door, but there was no re-
Spouse. Just then Roscoe Blair came
around the house.
"Why. hello" he hailed, extending
welcoming hand. BLESSED man! am
glad TO see you again. You came into
my life in grand way. can tell you"
The operator was fairly overcome
| by the warmth of this ELUSIVE greer.
ing. 81 &me on business to see Miss
Layton" he explained.
"She and her mother have gone to
town." explained Blair. Back soon.
What's the urgency, friendr
"Oh, such luck for Miss Layton
| Our director has been wild to ger