The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-03-02

going to show you that I can really take care of a wife. A wife like you, Sheila!"
 There was always interruptions of these conversations. Neither of them seemed to mind that. h. terruptions when Dick had to tell her that no other girl in the world had such long eyelashes, such adorable lips, such midnight hair.
 Sheila believed she loved Dick but her faith in his ability to earn money was not unwavering. Fre- quently during those weeks she was troubled. Dick neglected her occasionally, often with rtaher vague explanations of the import ant engagements that took so much time. He never talked about his play these days and Sheila re- ceived no satisfaction when she asked questions about it.
 Finally one day he announced that he was not going to work 50 hard in the future. He would have more time to spend with Sheila now. She was glad but she also worried, wondering how Dick expected to achieve their fortune.
 off I could only get a job on the stage again." she sighed.
 "Why, darling?"
 She eyed him fondly. ''Oh, for lots of reasons. 'I'd be making more money and there are so many things a girl wants for her wedding"
 I'm going to buy you every thing in the world your heart de- sires. Don't you know that?" He caught her fingers and kissed them.
 Maybe. But I'm the strictly ry I want to bring my sacks of band"
 "What?" asked Dick. Say that again darling! I love to hear you say my husband'!"
 Then. just as Sheila had accus- toned herself to the life at Henri's and had given up the thought of returning to the stage, she receievd a call from theatrical producer. It was none other than Mandrake. He declared astonishingly that he wanted her to play the leading role in his new production. Mandrake said the part exactly suited Sheila.
 She called at his office and came away with signed contract. The play was a musical comedy. It was bright, witty, with tuneful music and an unusual plot. Sheila was delighted with the part. The dances would be a real opportun- ity for her to show her skill.
 But there was even more excit- ing news. Blind Timmy had com- posed the music. "He particular ly asked for you to sing his songs."' Mandrake told Sheila. And of course I know you can put them over"
 The salary he named was twice as much as Sheila had ever re- ceived before. She could hardly believe her ears.
 "How long will we be in re- hearsal?" she asked.
 "Six weeks. It's a great show, Sheila. It'll make you famous You'll be a real star!' Then began the gruelling work of rehearsing. Mandrake spared no time, energy, or expense TO make his plays successful. "A Mandrake play is successful play" was the slogan up and down Broadway.
 However, by a similar token. Mandrake expected the men and women he employed to work as hard as he did. Sheila knew she must give up the long, delightful evenings with Dick. She must devote herself to dancing, 10 learning her lines. to singing les sons. She must forget everything else but the play. That was the rule of the theater. Mandrake was counting on her, and all or them must work together to make the play success.
 The producer had told Sheila that she was the authors cholce for the role as well as his own.
 "Who is the author?" she
 "An obscure out-of-towner who struck a good idea entirely by chance. It seems he saw you years ago and has admired you ever since. He won't be around to worry us during the produc-- tion. Maybe that's one reason l agreed to buy his play. Authors are a nuisance!"
 Everyone was a nuisance to Mandrake when he was working on new production. He could think of nothing but the play. Sheila gave up her work at Henri's. The little man argued and urged her to remain but soon saw 1t was useless. Then at once he demanded a contract to make