The herald., 1920-08-05
A FAMILIAR
ROLE
By ALVAH J. GARTH

from a sheltering doorway and con-
fronted Mantell Barth so abruptly
that the well groOmed, prosperous
looking theater manager recoiled,
uncertain whether the former was a
fOOtpad or mendicant.
81 am weak, hungry, homeless"
came the bitter words, convincing in
their expression, and the generous
hand of Barth went TO his pocket.
Then he gave great start.
Arden Hyslop!" he exclaimed. and
aside from surprise palpable gladneSs
was in tone and face.
The other drew back as if humili-
ated by the recognition. at is Mr..
Barth?" he uttered family, peering
closely II used to know you once"
know me ~ ordered Barth in
bluff. hearty tones, and he linked his
arm in a spontaneous friendly fashion
within that of the other. Down on
your luck? I've been through that
many q time since you and | met, ten
years ago. l have an hour to spare.
A 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 a
fashionable restaurant. He spoke to
him as though they were close famil-
lar friends. he ordered prinCely meal.
Then as it was finished he took out
his pocket book and selected from it
half a dozen bank notes.
"HyslOp," he said, Il wish you to 20
and make yourself presentable and
report at my office at the Grand the
alter at four o'clock this afternoon.
VIII you do it," and the other bowed
his head mutely In assent. His heart
was too full for words.
sour old acquantanceShip 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 a substitute when l met you.
Was ever such luck! for if | remem-
Der Alright you made a great hit in that
drama. The Wanderer,' years ago. You
must be familiar with the text"
IL 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 sun6 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 their
, little child since their parting.
Barth greeted the resuscitated act
or cheerily, and with satisfaction as
he noticed his clean shaved face and
new neatly fitting attire. He handed
him the manuscript Of the play with
the words.
"Just to remind you of the cues and
the general run Of the piece, you must
remember the old lines pretty well.
You will have good support, lady
who has made her mark in the role OF
Margaret
"Who is she7" inquired Barth cas-
ually.
"Your wife"
1t was true dramatic climax. The
manager watched its effect upon Hys.
lop with curiosity and interest.
Beatrice? oh, neverw gasped Hys
lop, recoiling. "Why. man! do YOU
not know that we have been separated
= for years, that / dragged her down
to poverty and then cruelty deserted
It her? By this time doubtlessly she has
t, legally severed the tie that bound
- US as man and wife"
"You mistake" Barth informed him
= "Your wife is not a woman TO forge
the man she once loved"
? "And little AileenT
6 Takes the childs part in the play
% Man, If you are In earnest in your pro
fessed desire to heal the past, dom
n refuse this opportunity
9 Mrs. Hyslop was not made awar'
n Of the identity of the substitute acto
by Barth, and 1t was only after TIL
play had begun that she began I,
&C suspect, and then knew to a certaint,
q that it was her husband who share,
~ with her the two leading character
In the drama. She paled, she tremb
led, but, actresslike, she went throug
- the ordeal, immersed In doing justic
j to her role.
1t was in the final act, however
Dr. when "the wanderer" returned to hi
family after long separation, tina
she broke down. In the play the huS
band and father steals in upon his be
no loved child and reveals himself an
d. together they weep with Joy over hi
IN return.
by The little one did not recognize hin
or but Arden Hyslop played the prodigs
30. father with a fervor and pathos tina
at held the whole audience spellbount
lis His caresses, his real tears, the ardC
nix of his very soul permeated every lin
he he spoke. AS the curtain fell, thu
a ders of applause fairly shook the ed
us fee. Call and recall, father, mothe
of child were compelled to appear to r,
ed ceive the enthusiastic homage Of III