The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1921-03-03
Art for Arts Sake
Nv MARIE B. MAC DONALD
tCopyright.l

Up one of them people are forced 10
climb painfully. 1t is slow work ana
the suffering is great. The other path
tends downward. The descent is swift.
People put their feet on It
swis-s-sh-"
He made a dramatic gesture indi-
eating crashing fall, and then added:
"They then come to this"
This" was the "Wild Stag lmpe-
rial Concert Hall and Ladies' aud
Gents Dining Room"
Herr Won Drueben had recently been
imported as manager for dramatic
organization, and as there were grave
doubts about his continuance In his
present position he looked upon the
artistic condition of this Country as
hopeless.
He naturally felt supreme con-
tempt for the Wild Stag.
The manager of the Wild Stag re-
sented the slight his companions
words implied, and his carefully
trimmed beard seemed to stand out In
aggressive denial as he leaned across
the table and said impresslvely:
'"This? Come to this? What then?
Is not this something? Our people are
good. To illustrate: look at the wom-
an who is on now"
"That woman was once the best
emotional with the City theater. She
was for five years In leads with the
very company you direct. That is
Kaethe Hide"
'Kaethe Hildel" echoed the other.
"She had all Europe at her feet. And
Kaethe Hide has come to this u
On the stage worn woman was
smiling bravely through her lavish
makeup singing a love ballad.
Out of the glare of the footlights,
Kaethe gained in appearance. As
the two managers watched her, a man
entered the place and took seat at
a side table. His glance rested on
Kaethe, and he half rose. hesitated.
and then sat down. But his hesita-
ton was only momentary. He paid
the waiter hurriedly and went over to
her.
"Kaethe-"
81 saw you when you came In" she
said without looking up.
1t was the first time he. Paul Haul
dermann. her husband, had seen her
since their child was born over three
years before.
He, too, had won fame as an actor.
Increasing years had brought to him
an increasing tendency to quarrel. and
finally he had broken down and was
forced to accept such work as came
to him.
He had been enormously proud of
his wife at first, and then insanely
Jealous of the fame that came to her
First he worried her, and then he in
volved her In quarrels. When she
could no longer contribute to his sup
port, and there was little likelihood
that she would recover her place
again, he deserted her. He felt that
he generously forgave her for some
enormity.
"What are you doing now?" she
asked sharply.
"Well," he answered reluctantly, IT
have few pupils, and | recite al
clubs Then shall have benefit IL
can get hall free"
"Still getting up benefits for your
self-at the earnest solicitation Of your
many influential friends"
She laughed mirthlessly as she
quoted from the notices she knew he
would send out.
"Does anyone attend them now?"
mot many" he answered gloomily.
"Kaethe Hide" he began In low,
menacing tone that caught and held
the startled attention Of all in the
room, and caused even the orchestra to
stop rasping.
"Kaethe Hide, now is the time to
speak. You are my wife! Before all
the world you are my wife, and before
all the world would and will rescue
and protect you. I find you here-play-
ing In cheap music hall-you. who
once swayed thousands Now, I, your
husband. speak nay, command. Come
with mel"
Capital, capital Well acted
Bravo!" she cried, adding In a lower
voice that he alone could catch "Now
sit down."
Kaethe saved the situation by turn
Ing to the gaping crowd and saying
1T is all right. 1t is just a little re-
hearsal. / am glad you appreciate It,"
"Kaethe," he said, poor Kaethe
| must take you from here"
She shook her head. at is all work
and no glory" she said sadly, but II
means bread for myself and my boy"
But your artistic sense?" he per-
sisted.
dead and gone," she answered
briefly "a living Is all that I can
hope for, and 1t Is all want"
"Kaethe." he whispered, could you
lend me $25T'
She had evidently expected this for
her hand slid along the side of the
tray on the table, so none would no.
tice the action. and under her An oers