Clearwater Republican. [volume] (Orofino, Idaho) 1912-1922, 1921-10-28
A Corner in
Purple
By ARCHEY CAMERON NEW
g. 1921. by Mcclure Newspaper syndicat

Between two pickering gas Jets In
an oldfashioned dressing room a
cracked mirror had for six whole
nights reflected far prcttier face
than many pier glass of superior
station. But the twinklng eyes and
the round. exquisitely featured face
that had llumined the drab darkness
OF this middle western theatre now
reflected dismal look. And then
as Flo heard a knock at her door she
turned with a half-frightened gesture,
and said timldly, Come in"
"Oh, It's your she exclaimed in re-
lief as her partner, Joe Williams,
stepped in and closed the door.
YES. your stage-door lover, without
the usual flowers" he answered whim-
sically, but his attempted fiippancy
did not wipe the look of worry from
his face.
Isis he going to stick to III"
asked Flo anxiously.
HE Is" growled Joe. flinging him
self dejectedly on the only remaining
chair. I'VE are canned-bounced-
uiiu uo BIutc 10 IdIll. lie agent
agrees to give us three nights at the
next stop and no more. Says we're
dead ones-he could get thirty acts
like ours-out OF the gutter"
"JOe!" she cried in dismay. .he
didn't say"
Fact" he replied grimly. 81 asked
him where he could find another pref
ty face like yours. and he said the
farms were full OF 'em Farms. mind
you. So ! guess it's back to Broad
way for u.s."
ION what?" demanded Flo. with n
return OF her old spirit. 81 have no
conductor friends isn't there some
way for us"
"Yes-and no." interrupted Joe. IF
we can show Berger some new stuff
an act with bang-he'll look at it,.
And that's all he has promised to do"
II have It'll" she cried jumping up
and looking at him. "You say we're
to get three nights in Parktown. Wen
get to Berger through friend of
mine who controls the theater there.
III ask Tom Gillian"
"You will not!" Jared Joe angrily.
ASK that old political highbinder for
favor? Why, Flo. I wouldn't think
Of It."
"But woodland have" she re-
torted coolly. He'd do almost any
thing for me-says so himself He's
In love with me. and"
Joe recOiled and eyed her amazedly.
"Flo, dearest. do you know what
you're saying? Are you In love with
that"
She stepped up to him with an angry
look and put her hand over his mouth.
Don't, joe" And then she stepped
| back out Of reach Of his outstretched
arms. you've failed, Joe. Some
things got to be done or we'll be
broke!"
| She returned to her seat at the
dressing table and dabbed little
| powder on her nose, while her dis
consulate partner and would-be hus-
band eyed her f1xedly for full two
minutes. And then with a whoop he
leaned over her eagerly.
"Joe and Flo-The Purple Pair" he
cried enigmatically. "Thats the big
scream. Flo. I have 1t. grille I have
It. It's the biggest idea west of Broad
way. Purple all over-purple hang
ings, purple costumes. purple lights
| the very"
She regarded him with wistful
amusement. Joe was always like
| that--a visionary-a dreamer.
Finally she agreed, and Joe, happy
again. dashed out of the dressing room
AS their train pulled into Parktown
early the following Monday morning
Flo missed Joe. but as she stepped
of the train she saw Tom Gillian, big,
bluff and devouring, bearing down on
her with hands outstretched.
| little Flo!" he exclaimed bolster
ously. "Come. here's my machine
jump in" And he followed her into
the car, which moved briskly away.
Got your postal" he told her, hold
Ing fat, warm hand over her little
cool one. whats the big idea?"
| Flo told him. Not that she lacked
] confidence In her partner, she ex.
planned, but then Tom could help them
80 much She explained the whole
project. sketched briefly the scenic
setting for the act that was to make
them famous and asked him how he
liked II. A cunning CLEAN In his eye
escaped her. but the smile he turned
~ hor woc Sarminp
"Great! And l can fix 1t for you, ;.
he added boastfully. II control every.
thing in this town-they do as tell
'em. You ought to marry me, honey
! you'd be fixed for life He didn't
notice her slight shudder. "Now you
60 right ahead and buy what you need
| Don't leave 1t to any man-he'll bungle
| It all up. It's woman's place to buy
fixin's like that. Why here we are
at the Saxon! Good-by, Flo, till to.