Evening star., 1940-01-21
AShort Story Complete on This Page

L mite promise that Mr.. Jordan will see you. Every
thing depends on how he feels ;" That had been full
hour ago All the Others had gone away Myron and his
mother were the only left in the anteroom They
could hear murmurs and bits of laughter from the inner
office where the producer and his assistant both seemed
to be killing time hariousy with Stephanie May, an
important Broadway leading lady. But the door re-
manned closed
Let's go home" Myron said.
mo his mother said She had an eager, happy shine
in her ewes that hadn't been duled after all that
time they had put in waiting. 1t her eyes, almost
fierce with hope and earnestness, that always made
Myron feel so ashamed and miserable when he was with
her He hadn't wanted to come this afternoon but she
had insisted,
He's not casting" the boy said The girl told you
it wouldn't do no good even if he sees you.
Then let him just 1t don't hurt bit for them
to much of you as possible That's the only way
person gets into a show.
Il don't believe in it," Myron said. They see you
and see you and nothing ever happens, Listen, Ma.
Let's 20 home Forget all about this acting business 1t
don't work out so good
NO" she said and nudged him to make him keep
quiet You have to get around so they can see YOU
You mustn't lose your nerve or be shy You'll see she
said and her gaze became fixed She seemed to be talk
ing to herself now Some day Ill be in theatrical
office or might be walking crowded street or
eating in a restaurant, and some world-famous pro-
ducer will spot by accident and say, There she IS;
that's just the I've been looking for. She S what
need for my new show.
"Aw, Ma" Myron said, and then bit his lip. He
hadn't meant to say anything. but it hurt him so
sharply to hear her talk like that that he couldn't help
himself and had to cry out He was thirteen years old,
but he knew it wasn't honorable right for fellow to
b. ashamed of his mother He put his hands into his
pants pockets punched himself deep in the chair, and
doggedy kept his mouth shut They heard the buzzer at
the switchboard; moment later the girl stepped in to
say that MIR Jordan could be seen now.
III wait outside" Myron said
No You come with me- his mother said and
promptly hoisted him to his feet. They began to tug
little at each other. Nov, don't you always be
bashfu boy Myron." she said.
He stopped pulling away from her. The receptionist
was grinning at the sight of them and MyTon knew
that if he didn't give in his mother never would She
didn't if people stared at her and laughed Half
the time she wasn't conscious that people laugh
ing at her. A rotten thing to admit but it true.
Jordan had smile on his face because he was still
talking to Stephanie May but the smile disappeared
as he them come in. The actress went to
second desk the wall sat top of it and called
to her Russian wohound. The dog moved spiritlessly
to her. She acted as though Myron and his mother
didn't exist but the assistant stringy. fellow
stared straight at them and waited. There some
thing insulting about the way he waited
Il don't need kids" Jordan said. Il got no shows
with parts in them for kids
Il know" Myron's mother said She spoke out She
wasn't afraid embarrassed by the important people
in the room. Il came for myself but thought you
might as we'll see him too Because you might remem-
Der him in case part turns up where you could use
him. He's very talented
'All right, I'll remember" Jordan said He turned
to Myron. sit there" He pointed to chair near the
desk Stephanie May sitting on.
''Yes?" Jordan said to his mother.
well, what should do now?" she asked cheerfuly
The producer glanced swiftly at Stephane May. He
wanted her to how he handled people in his office
and he clearly enjoying himself even though his
face remained sober and very businesslike WELL
he said, tell me something about yourself Suppose you
give general idea of your background But be brief
please"