The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-02-01

Schuyler turned scarlet and
coughed in embarrassment. Noel
felt a sympathy for him in that
difficult moment. But she was
ai.gry at David for asking:
will you join us?" making
ready to pull out chair.
"Oh. no, thank you - we're
meeting some friends here" Elaine
explained. She turned to Noel:
Have you been up to Clai-
born. recently?" There was some
thing pointed in her remark.
mot since Christmas-Tve been
busy working" Noel replied.
"YeS@-your play. l must get
around to seeing it" Her voice was
deliberately casual as though
merely mentioning something UNI
important. She added in a differ
ent tone, ALLAN told me about
that amusing party. It must have
been uproarious."
Noel was furious.
ct was delightfully."- pleasant"
she corrected Elaine. who at the
moment moved on with her ex-
husband. But when he'd reached
their table, she turned back and
said nonchalantly to Noel, II had
long letter from Allan this morn
ing. The dear boy says he's count
ing the days till he gets here"
"a nasty, catty woman" David
commented when Elaine had left
them again. He was thinking of
Gaines remarks about being with
Schuyler. Noel was remembering
the mention of Allan.
You're A Sick Baby
MARCH came in with a biting
III wind. Some of the cast were
sneezing. Foster brought a cold
he'd contracted or Long Island
and though he took every precau-
ton he gave it to Noel.
"You must have the doctor at
once" David insisted, alarmed at
her cough.
"No-Fll just take some medi-
clne and stay in bed late tomor-
row."
Noel realized next day she
should have taken his advice. Her
throat was dry, her voice sounded
rasping. She gargled all morning.
And at noon put in a call for DR..
Heaton.
You're to stay in bed a few
days." the medico announced after
he examined her.
That's impossible" Noel was
panicky. I've got a performance
tonight"
"Then they'll have to get along
without you" The doctors tone
was serious.
81 wouldn't miss it, as long as
l can walk to the elevator" finality
to Noel's voice. "Pll take care Of
myself" she pleaded. keep wrap
I'D up and take your medicine
IA die if missed a performance"
And tomorrow is Saturday."
DR.. Heaton reminded her. "Your
throat's quite sore and don't want
you to use your voice more than
necessary"
Over his protests, Noel went
down to the theater. She kept a
warm wrap around her in the
d-essing-room. 81 have a deep
voice anyhow" she said reassur-
ingly to Clarabelle who kept mas
saying her throat and making her
drink honey and lemon Juice.
Noel managed through the three
acts but she was exhausted. When
she came back to her dressing
room. David and Swanstrom were
waiting.
"Dr. Heaton tells me you're
i'll. dear" David's voice was filed
with concern. I'm taking you
right home now and you're not
coming back until you're COM
olnteiy recovered"
"Douglasi" Noel turned to the
producer. "Will you make him see
that can't miss a performance
no. now. with everything going
so well?"
well - if you're i'll, Noel"
Swanstrom spoke hesitatingly.
"Of course, I'd hate to see you out
Of the show on Saturday-but if
it's absolutely necessary. I suppose
Rita Dalton could go on IN your
place"
OIl, I1O! 4NOG1 was dIIIlOSt IIyS.
teric.il. Through years she'd fought
and struggled for this part and
nov no trivial cold was going to
KEEP her away from the theater.
"Pll be here tomorrow" she
promised Swanstrom and went
out with David.
Noel wouldn't admit how badly
she felt when she came to the
tEeater next day. Every effort was
agony. Her heart throbbed, her
throat felt raw and she had to
force her voice with every syllable.
You're sick baby" Gerald
told her sympathetically when he
stopped in her dressing-room. But
Noel waited her cue and went on
to the lighted stage, determined
she'd show them. She'd give her
best performance yet!
The hoarseness she controlled
wasn't unpleasant. She saved her
self as much as possible and Foster
die everything he could. In the
curtain scene she threw herself
into the emotional dialogue. She
forgot her sore throat and her
fever and she gave out her lines as
she had on the first night.
For a matinee crowd. the ova-
ton was unusually enthusiastic.
But Noel was weak as she passed
through the wings. Perspiration
stood out on her forehead-her
hands felt clammy.
Get me a drink" she said to
ClarabeHe-and found the words
were a hoarse whisper.
my voice--it's gonei" she cried
raspingly. sect Swanstrom-get
someone-I can't 60 on for the
next act"