The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1938-04-11


her face. 1t shocked him. She was
picture of WEAKNESS. Vince
ee-e," he whiStled, this rehearS1ng
has got you down.
Let's go. Jack" She pressed a
jaunty harlequin n1adcap defiant
ly on her curlS her forced smile
Knocked sharply her thin face.
without further questions Jack
led the way to the subway. Emerg-
ing on Broadway, they crossed 42d
ST., 41st St., drew nearer ana
nearer to the Empire. Above the
heads of the nearby pedestrians,
Jack spotted the wide lobby OF
the theater. 1t was filled with
clamoring girls.
They quickened their footsteps.
Now they heard the girls voices.
echoing shrilly under the project
ing marquee; saw their angry,
flushed faces. An unkempt wiz
ened-faced man, evidently the
ianitor, answered patiently the
questions they hurled at him.
Its like I tell you, ladies, this
theater's shut tighter than drum.
No one ever rented it. No show
opening here, not today, tomorrow
nor next month. Look at those
billboard frames, what do they
say-'Closed'!" TIE pointed with
gesture of finality.
A girl close to Helen, her eyes
anger-filled, cried out shrilly.
Hes right. I just telephoned that
chiseler's office. His phones out.
The company says he closed up
last night"
How about my hundred dol
lars?" cried a strained voice.
Others took up the should. Yes,
how about the hundred dollars we
each paid this guy"
YOU'RE A NATURAL"
Helen crowded back close to
Jack. He slipped his arms around
her. He could feel her shrink
against him, SenSed the detection
that filled her.
"Cheer up, dearest, I've heard
the theaterS full Of gypS like THIS.
Can't hurt you much; not II you
were good enough to rate the !eao
in the show. That means you're
a natural" ~
Jack, dear" walled Helen,
reaching in her bag for her hand
kerchief as she blinked back the
tears, "I-I-"
Bunch up, girlies," sang OUT q
new voice, as two men in crusheo
felt hats rushed up carrying cain
eras, We're running your story.
Pics for the papers. New races
on Broadway-nix. Girls without
a job"
For a moment or two the
cameramen hustled about posing
the group. Jack overheard them
asking names, addresses, lnqulrlng
who was to play the lead. The
girls pointed to Helen.
And the leading man." called
out the first cameraman take
the center" He waved to Jack.
I'm no actor" said Jack. I'm
not out of a job. I'm an architect"
And you, little lady?" inquired
the photographer.
Helen shook off her detection.
She stood straight, looked lovingly
into Jacks eyes. I'm no actress.
| I'm not out of job. I'm a cool"
II get you. Girl gives up career
for love! Cue for closeup
clinch!" The cameraman shot
his flash bulb as Jack kissed
GETS NEW OFFER
Two candles gave the only light
that night in Helen's dismantled
apartment. Jack watched as she
jerked her diploma off the wall.
She looked at it thoughtfully.
you're always right, darling. I
was a lousy actress. I felt it all
the time myself"
But you got the lead"
And how! BY putting up my
last cent. Look around - cleo
tricity and gas both cut off. I
nearly starved while YOU were in
Williamsburg. So you see, darling,
I'm marrying you for a job"
AS he took her into his arms,
someone burst into the room. Jack
recognized the camera man.
Say, we've put you in the news
reel, grille. You film swell-swell.
I'm scouting talent for P. M. G..
Here's the address of the studio"
He fumbled a card out of his
pocket. Come up in the morn
ing for a tryout, a quickie. It's a
job. temporary. But maybe it's
your big chance, grille"
Jacks long arm muscles re-
Taxed. His heart grew suddenly
cold. Then he felt Helen cuddle
closer.
mo, thanks" she grinned gaily.
I've got a job-haven't I, Jack?
A job-permanent."
THE END