, 1922-05-25
The Movie
Publicity Man
By FRANK II. WILLIAMS



arated from his wife, Martha, for over
on the screei in II ne%ighborhood movie
theater. She looked more beautiful
than ever on the screen-she had
always been a particularly pretty girl
and seeing her again after so many
months, affected Howard deeply.
AS Howard gazed ut Martha's win
someness and saw her familiar smile
and piquant characteristics, he felt u
sudden rush OF his old affection for
her. The quarrel which had preclpi-
tated their separation seemed small
and petty the time since her departure
rolled up dull and lonesome and he was
possessed Of an intense desire to find
Martha and make up at once
But when Martha had left him n
year ago she had said she was leaving
him for good. And Martha meant
what she said. Was there any possible
chance of ever getting her back again7
All the longing for Martha which
Howard had suppressed during the
year of their separation now swept
over him in a tidal wave with his
candid acknowledgment that he
wanted her back again. Everything
else in his life now seemed trivial and
unimportant. But behind his longing
doomed the great fear that he might
not be successful in winning her back.
And in addition there was another
fear-the fear thai he might not be
able to find her.
However, Howard was a level
headed. practical, successful business
man. Though young in years, he had
already rolled up quite a fortune, so
he had plenty of money with which to
push his quest.
The first step in finding his wife
was undoubtedly to rs ertain the name
of the film in which he Ind seen her
and Their try to locate her through the
manufacturers.
Howard anticipated trouble in find
Ing his wife. He knew that movie act
resses are constantly changing ON
panies. and that movie manufacturers
themselves are also constantly coming
and going. But. to his delight, his task
proved to be surprisingly simple. The
company making the film in which he
had seen his wife was still operating,
and his wife was still employed by the
company. according to a telegram Ne
received from the publicity manager of
the company in response to his wire.
According to this telegram the COM
pany was operating at Fort Lee, n. j.,
Il short distance from New York City,
Upon receiving this information
Howard started ut once for New York
In the earliest possible train for that
city.
The third afternoon found Howard
anxiously toiling up the hill at Fort
Lee toward n big, gla%ss-covered build
ing-the studio where his wife was
employed. At the door of the studio a
rather fiashily dressed young man was
waiting for him.
you are Mr.. Cummings, l pre-
sume?' queried this young man.
Howard nodded.
Il am the publicity manager for the
Mammoth company explained the
young man. Your wife is n of our
most promising actresses. She will
probably eventually be starred. Come
this way. please"
With beating heart Howard followed
his guide into the studio and Of upon
the huge floor, where furniture, lights
and odds and ends were thrown about
in apparent confusion. At first How
ard was confused; III Mt ease. He
didn't like the odd ~glances cast at him
by all the people who were standing
around or rushing back and forth. He
wanted only to see his wife.
Suddenly Towards heart skipped a
beat. His wife was coming toward
him beautifully dressed in an evening
gown. Howard looked at her hungrlly.
Never had she seemed prettier to him.
In a moment their eyes met. He saw
surprise, then an l%nscrutable look ap-
pear In his wlfe's eyes before she
averted them for a minute or two.
Then she came to him and held out her
hand cordially.
How are you, Howard?' she said.
IL" stammered Howard.
On the instant he stopped. A great
burst OF light blinded him for a mo-
ment. He heard some one-it sounded
like the publicity manager-saying
THAT was n bully fash" and then his
eyes focused again on his wife to find
her looking lnscrutable and distant.
81 want TO talk to you, Martha
said Howard. cant we go somewhere
and talki
Not now. Howard" said Martha
rather coldly. I'm due to rehearse
some scenes now. But come back to-
morrow. Perhaps we can Talk tomor-
row.
A feeling of resentment swept over
Howard.
I'm at the Consul hotel" he snld
briefly, Suppose you phone me there
tomorrow when you're not busy"
Without another word Howard
turned and hurried from the studio.
Rage and resentment swept over
II --a