The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-08-06
EoeningStory
A Corner in Purple.
BY ARCHEY CAMERON NEW.

Between TWO lnCkSI1uS gas JSbS AZ
an old-fashioned dressing room a
cracked mirror Mad for six whole
nights reflected a far prettier face
than many pier glass of superior
station. But the twinkling eyes and
the round, exquisitely featured face
that had illumined the drab darkness
of this middle western theater now
reflected a dismal look. And then as
Flo heard a knock at her door she
turned with half frightened gesture
and said timidly, Come in"
"Oh, it's you!" she exclaimed in re-
lief as her partner, Joe Williams.
stepped in and closed the door.
Eyes, your stage door lover, without
the usual flowers" he answered
whimsically, but his attempted flip
from his face.
isis he going to stick to it?"
asked Flo anxiously.
HE is" growled Joe. flinging him
self dejectedly on the only remaining
chair. I'VE are canned-bounced-
and no place to land. The 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"
Joel" she cried in dismay, "hee
didn't say"
Fact" he replied grimly. II 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 1 guess it's back to Broad
way for~us."
ION what?" demanded Flo, with a
return of her old spirit Il have no
conductor friends. Isn't there some
way for US"
| "Yes-and no. interrupted Joe. 'If
we can show Berger some new stuff
to do"
Il have it," she cried jumping up
and looking at him. You say we're
to get three nights in Parktown
Wen get to Berger thru friend OF
III ask Tom Gillian"
you will not!" flared Joe angriiy
| ASK that old political highlander for
a favor? Why. Flo, I wouldn't think
of it,
| But woodland have" she re.
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
She stepped up to him with an an
cry look and put her hand over his
mouth.
Don't joe" And then she stepped
back out of reach of his outstretcheo
arms. you've failed, Joe. Some
things got to be done or We'll be
brokei"
/ She returned to her seat at the
dressing table and dabbed little pow.
der on her nose. while her discorsolate
partner and would-be husband eyed
| h fsT11 TO-
/ And then with g. whoop he leaned
over her eagerly.
Joe and Flo-The Purple Pair" he
cried enigmatically. That's the big
scream. Flo. I have it. grille. L have
it. It's the biggest idea west of Broad
ings, purple costumes purple lights
4 the very
| She regarded him with uistful
amusement. Joe was always like that
Ia Visionary dreamer.
Finally she agreed and Joe. happy
again, dashed out of the dressing
room
AS their train pulled into Parktowr
early the following Monday morning
Flo missed Joe, but as she stepped of
the train3 che saw Tom Gillian, big
bluff and devouriRg. bearing down or
her with hands outstretched.
Little Flov' he exclaimed bolster
ously. Come, here's my mac nine
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 ideai''
Flo told him. Not that she lacked
confidence in her partner, she ex.
planned, but then Tom could help then
so much. She explained the whole
project, sketched briefly the scenic
setting for the act that was to make
them famous and asked him !1ow he
liked it. A cunning gleam in his eye
escaped her, but the smile he returned
to her was disarming.
Great! And can fix it for you
he added boastfully. 81 control svery-
thing in this town-they do as I tell
'em. You ought to marry me, honey
you'd be~fixed for life" He didn't