Evening star., 1936-04-08

~ NE Of the agreeable features of
the Todhunters' home regime
was that no one either knew
~ or cared at what hours the
members Of the family came or
went. Tamara could stay in bed all
day, working crossword puzzles and
poring over movie and stage maga-
zines, and no one commented, much
less criticized.
So she could loiter in Dolores
dressing room as long as she liked
on Winter afternoon. The price of
this privilege was the obligation to
profess an unbounded admira-
ton for Dolores talents and
to display an unlimited interest in
Dolores affairs. Tamara sometimes
felt somewhat guiltily that she was
not quite sincere in the enthusiasm
with which she met these require
ments, but that was what Dolores
wanted, and there was no other way
Of holding her friendship. The world
in which she found herself was an
unreal world; it was filled with the
most artless eXaggerations and fiat
teries and misstatementS and decep-
tions; they all knew it. and they all
went right on fattering, deceiving,
exaggerating.
In the early Winter after Tamara s
return home Dolores had a real sue
cess in romance, and Tamara could
honestly be enthusiastic. Dolores had
always dreamed of playing Juliet, the
Duke of Reichstadt, and Magda; now
she redoubled her opportunities to
Markisohn to be given the chance at
one or all of these plays.
You'd be marvellous in 'LAiglon,
Dory," Tamara said modeStly, frown-
ing at her image in the mirror as she
carefully creamed her face. I'm
funny like that. Until I'm actually
on the stage the opening night I'm
as shy as I was in THE Rose of the
Rancho" I wish you'd seen me in
that, Tam. wasn't but 1e-they
almost tore the house down. I wish
Markisohn would revive it. But you
know, no matter what the critics say
or how much fuss they make, I'm like
that. Scared to death!"
"Of all people to be scared!" Tamara
said amusedly.
yes, you are scared Dory. You'd
show 'em how scared you were If any
one tried to cut out 10 lines of your
part" Maynard Mallory said A
visitor IN the city for a week or two.
he had come in between the matinee
and the evening performance to see
the actress; Tamara was watching
their affair with deep interest. Was
Mayne in love with Dory or was she
with him?"
Maynard Mallory was in pictures.
He had come up to San Francisco
from Hollywood especially to see his
old friend in her success; Tamara
had met him several times. Without
being a sensational film favorite him
sci: he was yet well known; his name
was always listed first after the big
stars. He supported at various times
the best Of the woman favorites and
played leads in "all-star" productions;
he had the usual affectations when
ne was talking with persons of his
own profession, but aside from that
he was genuinely simple and amusing
and friendly, and Tamara liked him.
When you going to give Tam here
o part?" he asked.
Honestly, I get scared to death,
Mayne," Dolores said, with all the
actress passionate earnestness. ST NAV
not show it. But get just as scared
now as ! ever did!"
She can afford to say that"
Tamara observed, with a significant
glance for the man.
When you going to give Tam here
part?" Maynard asked again.
Dolores glanced at her in the mirror.
whenever she wants it." she said.
IN voice rather cooled by the change
Of topic.
Which will be long time" Tamara
laughed.
Don't like the stage?" Maynard
asked, arching his dark broWs.
Well-too many people in tt"
Tamara stammered, laughing and
flushing.
Yes, but you can say that about
anything. The thing is," the man said,
that with your nose you'd panic 'em
IN pictures. You've got a short nose,
turned up a little. That's one thing
you've got to have"
Not turned up much" Tamara pro-
tested, studying it in big hand mirror.
want that when you're through
with it," Dolores said, bored, Tanara
was quick TO sense her change Of mood.
Sandwiches" she asked, reaching
for the telephone.
u can't. I went to that devilish
lunch. I'm stuffed"
I'm starving" Mayne said. I'll
take Tamara to dinner, and we'll be
back for the second act"
you don't have to come back for
the second act" the actress said
petulantly.
II know I don't have to come back
for the second act" Mayne agreed.
''I don't have to come UP from Holly
wood, instead Of going of with Bellows
on the Yucca. Do I, Dolores? Do l.,
Dolores?"
you idiot" Dolores said scornfully.
But her tone was gentle and pleased.
''If you do come back, stop and ask
for tickets, I'll have EN- at the boz"
she offered.
II happen to like that second act"
he said. "I happen to think it's the
biggest piece of acting that's ever been
done on the American stage. I may
be wrong-probably am. Probably it's
lousy"
Dolores look was gratified.
Tamara and Mayne walked out
through the empty, echoing theater.
Some one was working the curtain
with shouting and the creaking Of
pulleys; the stage was set for the first
act In the clergyman's study. They
went out into q grimy street upon
which papers and chaff were idly blow
ing In o cool November wind.