Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-03-13

| don't look a day older than I did Is
years ago I'll brain him! Cleeburg
asked how do it--as If I ought to be
bag. What was Is years ago? A
baby, that's all"'
That's all you are today. honey"
His arm slipped round her consolingly:
"Only you can't expect them to take
count of that. Their measure of you
is the number of years they've been
acquainted with you. If you weren't
such a conspicuous personality, they
| wouldn't remember so far back. Now
| take the advice of a fellow who knows
the game-and get that script from
Cleeburg."
You're willing to humiliate me,
too, You want me to go back. after
he's insulted me this way, and
grovel on my knees. Not if l never
work. Not if l starve to DEATH
"Now--now," he interrupted Il
don't care, honey. if you never set
foot on stage again. But / know
that'd kill you. You're part of the
theater, just like me. Only you're
wrong in the way you've been han
ding things for the past year. And
I've got to tell you, whether you like
it or not"
Edna Ridgeway's square little jaw
dropped amaZedly.
Are you taking sides against me?"
mo. dear. But you've been telling
me that the regiment is out of step
with you. And it's not so. You're
lopsided in your point of view. You're
humiliatins yourself-nobody else is
doing it,
I'm what way, may / ask"
well, for instance, passing the boy
off as your brother. just because you
want to be kid. Is that giving him
square deal-or yourself? You look
old enough to he his mother"
LIE hesitated before her look of rage
u l. 1t was like a soaring blaze-a
sudden sweep of hatred. Under it she
looked a hundred.
They had been through similar
scenes, any number of them, in the
last year-scenes that had begun
when a manager sent for her and as
sumed the prerogative of engaging
her outright for a part instead of sub
hitting it for approval. A spoiled
darling of the theater, travelling for
years on charm of personality and
tangled red hair. rather than any
startling ability, she had flounced out
of his office. Jim Ridgeway disap-
proved. but said nothing. Neither
had he spoken when, on the occasions
that followed, other managers favored
younger ingenues and limited Edna
Ridgeway might be better suited with
something more mature.
Opportunities to fiounce out of man.
agerial offices became fewer. Also do.
nestle scenes were more frequent.
Jim Ridgeway bore it all with a gen.
tie tenderness. With all the tact at his
command-and contact with actors
had given him a full quota-he had
tried to turn the tide. But advice
and warning alike she defied. In one
year she had aged 10. Perfectly
aware of the change, he still handled
the situation with tact. Not until to-
night had he taken a definite stand.
Hearing him, Edna Ridgeway's
hand clenched.
$50 now we understand each other.
You think I'm a has-been-good
enough for any rotten role they throw
at me?"
II agree only that your best works
ahead of you, if you'll accept the fact
that you don't belong where you were
10 years ago. If Cleeburg wants you
to play a woman of 35 it's because
he realizes you are-well, 33-and
knows the part'll fit you like a glove.
It's late IN the season, 100, ana there
may not be another chance"
THAT settles it, Her jaws snapped
on the words. I'm through, do you
hear? I'll show you who's right
I'll show your
She picked up her hat, tugged 1t
over her hair.
TED He stepped in her path as
she made for the door. Honey, don't
do anything foolish. I'm only trying
to help you. I've seen you miserable
so long"
well, l won't be miserable any
more" She pushed past him without
a glance.
"Where are you going?" he de-
manded, his voice hoarse with fear.
Don't you worry about me. I'm
going to take care of that future
you're so upset over. I'm going to
see man who wanted to star me
months ago."
who is he?"
What difference does that maker"
IF he's anybody worth talking
about, ought to know him."
well, you don't. He's new at the
game"
Then he's shoestring-wants to
star you. and you foot the bills"'
whats that to you? It's my
| own money"