The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-01-25

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 , again. There was no doubt about the fact that Marion Randolph's position in the show was vastly more important than her own. Miss Randolph was the star. Peo- ple would come to see the show becouse she was in 1t. Her dress ing room was sound proof, fur nished with restfu1, attractive | furniture. Her private car and chauffeur tok her back and forth | from the hotel. Her own cook prepared her meals. She had two maids, only one of whom she paid herself.
 Oh, yes, Marion Randolph's place in the show was secure. She was a star in her own right and moreover she had "infiuence." That was the reason Mike had tried to cajole her into forgetting her grievance. Mike knew that if Miss Randolph persisted she would have her way and Sheila would be out. :,
 "She can't do anything" Jim whispered uncertainty as he and Sheiia moved along.
 The girl smiled ruefully. "She can do enough"
 Maybe she won't, though"
 Maybe. We'll see what hap pens."
 And for a time nothing did hap pen. Reviews of the show in the evening newspapers praised Miss Randolph extravagantly. the actress really was skillful. It was also true that an admirer of Miss Randolph's was the "angc" backing the production financially. | Things hadn't gone any too well with Mandrake recently for all his fame. Like others, he had to se- cure capital where he could get 1t.
 The play returned to Broadway and there acclaim for Miss Ran doiph was abundant, superlative and gratifying. There was only one unfortunate drawback. Reck- oned inch by inch Miss Randolph's notices slightly underspaced those given Sheila.
 So sheila left the show. Man /; drake said he was sorry. He spread his hands in dismay as he told her. A little later he might have something for her. And again Sheila was out of
 But they can't do such a thing!" Jim Blaine stormed. "1t isn't fair and anyhow they need you. You're half the show!"
 T could be three-fourths of 1t and 1t wouldn't make any differ ence." She smiled gallantly. "Anyhow there are other jobs"
 And perhaps other Marion Randolphs", Jim said slowly.
 Then two things happened with startling rapidity. First Dick Stanley returned to New York, like a bolt from the blue. He 1 telephoned one morning and told her he had taken an apartment - yes, a penthouse. He was work ing in earnest now, he said. Flo had written a play and wanted Sheila to read 1t.
 "I'd like to-" she agreed. "Just so you don't read 1t to me. I'm not good listener" "How about coming up for tear"
 You aren't busy are you" Dick asked. Come up for tea to- day" ., s "YOu'ro SUrc US leu 6Heilu countered. She wasn't sure that she wanted to accept Dicks first invitation so soon. It might pc better to keep him waiting. let him call once or twice before he | found her tree.
 But, after all, Dick was friend. She was out of luck and she longed to talk things over with him.
 "Of course it's tea--or rather it will be. Jasmine tea straight from Chinatown. And if you're worried about the properties. we won't be alone. Mandrake's going to drop in"
 But Mandrake just put me out of his show. Dick!" There was e silence. Then in a changed voice Dick said. That's too bad! Didn't you have Q con- tract?"
 T had one to look over. It wasn't signed. They don't sign them for unimportant people like myself until the break-in week IS finished"
 Briefly she told him what had happened in Atlantic City. In New York the show was becoming a big success. Dick seemed sympathetic. "Its a shame. Sheila! Too bad that Jealous cat--" .a. s.
 "Did you ever try to scrape up spilled milk?" asked Sheila stead- fly, interrupting him. "She may be Jealous. Dick, but the fact re- mains that she Is important to the show and l wasn't"
 "oh, sure!" grunted Dick wise- iy. "Listen, you come to tea. Try to dress like Q sweet little girl graduate and open your eyes wide! Spring that hit-me-on-the- other-c check attitude on Mandrake. Maybe 1t will give him Q bad con- science"
 "I'il do my best" sheila agreed. As she left the telephone and went upstairs she wondered just what Dick was going to try to do about | the situation.