The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-03-17
10 YES GAMBLE
 By MAY CHRISTIE
" CHRISTIE

visit had completely disillusioned her. As striking contrast to the men with whom she had hitheto associated
 David Burke stood out in bold reief.
 If only 1t were possible that he could
 care for her.
 Action. however, appealed to Lu- onle more tran futile breeding. She declared to get dressed and face
 the business of the day. She had risen earIy-it was only l 5 o'clock Pitts had not yet arrived Lucille had prepared her own break l fast
 Ting ling-ling! An envelope came skidding through the letter box and ! landed in the tiny hallway of the flat. r Lucille picked it up and eyed it ten | tatively.
 Maybe it'll bring me luck!" She said aloud.
 | Alas alas for human hopesI | The document was typewritten, curt ! and cruel. It bore the signature of the l manager of the Colladium. Lucilles I ''parlor act" was to be removed from l.ext weeks bill without the option of even going out "on circuit" In other words it was a dudt' I'm firedl" she said. succinctly. I've | got the birdr" l She read the intimation once again. | It was all quite final | No earthly good weeping over split
 milk" she reflected philosophlcally. l The thing to do is get another job. ! that's alll'
 She went back to her dressing table end commenced the elaborate process of her toilette.
 My looks are about the only thing | left to mel can't afford to spoil them | by worrying" So ran the tenor of her thoughts. Lucille was nothing if not | practical.
 1 Her complexion in the strong light | of morning, wore rather faded look
 It needed toning-up. Lucille peered a. her own image in the glass. | T ought to have a face massage, be- l fore I go and see the agents. Can fford it thought" | She hunted through a medley of un- tidy odds and ends before she found her purse. It's contents came to seven and sixpencei
 My worldly anr' Lucille laughed rather hollowly. The face massage
 would cost at least three shillings ! We'll maybe results would justify
 expenditure.
 The clock in a nearby church was striking when Lucille left the flat. l She locked the door behind her, pick l ing her way distastefully down the rickety stairs. She felt she never wished to see the place again. i In Shaftsbury avenue she found a 1 beauty ,parlor'' open. and went in. While the beautifying process was in
 action Lucille collected her thoughts. She must go the weary roundj of ali 1 the agents-hateful task. "A touch of color?" And the eye
 brow pencil?' inquired the Special 1 ist," when the massage was complete. Yes, make me as beautiful as pos
 sible-I'm looking for shop" said
 Lucille frankly.
 1 Thought you were a pro- miss Well, good luck to you" l Lucille paid her bill and exited. She i had only four and sixpence now with ! which to face the world!
 She climbed the heavy stairs to the first theatrical agent on her list. The outer rooms were fun
 After an interminable wait she was
 summoned to the inner office. A fat man reclining gracefully in swivel chair looked up at her entry. His ] small eyes narrowed as he regarded her. He rolled big cigar reflectively 1 between his rather loose lips. ! NO pepr he decided. But aloud he said:
 What previous experience, my
 dear?" Formalities must be gone through.
 Lucille gave a glowing account of her histrionic trimuphs.
 'Fraid I've got nothing to suit you ny dearw He dismissed her with a nod. Somewhere in tne adipose region ot his heart he felt a twinge of pity for her But pity mustn't interfere with business. And London held toe many of her type.
 For the next hour Lucille went the weary round of all the agencies. She was willing to do anything that would bring Ger in some money. Apparently however the British stage-legitimate or illegitimate-did not need her. Hunger at least assailed her. She had hardly eaten any breakfast For the shock of her dismissal from the
 Colladium had robbed her of hes
 morning appetite-never a strong fea-
 ture with Lucille at any time.
 'Tll spent sixpence on a cup of cof- fee and roll!' She turned into one
 of Lyons eating places. Maybe IT feel better then!'
 | Her courage mounted while she drank the coffee.
 The next agent that she found was more compassionate than the others.
 There's a voice trial on at the Fri