Evening star., 1940-09-23

indeed, she imagined he shook his
head sadly. He doesr think can
do it. she thought. And then she
thought, I'm being silly. He
wouldn't be interested in how a
show is played.
Too Early for Nerves.
She was very calm. She thought
1t was too early to be nervous. They
sat her down and Fenton and
SHAPING gave orders to Miss Dryers
maid. The men were too big for
the room. She wished they would
go.
Fenton said: Don't be nervous
about anything. You know the lines.
Just get out there and say them.
Nothing to it."
Anne thought I'm not nervous
now, but will be if they don't CO."
She sat still and clenched her
hands and listened to all their wor-
ried advice. More than anything
she wanted to throw a jar of cold
cream at SHAPING and scream at
them both to get out. you've got
lots of time, kid" Fenton said
finally. Just stay here and relax.
Della will get you ready. Every
thing o. K.?"
Anne said, yeah, it's o. X" and
Fenton kissed her lightly on the
forehead That's for luck, kid" he
said. They went out at last
Anne looked around the room D.. :.
a stars dressing room! Even for
only a night it was wonderful! The
walls covered with autographed
photographs and clippings, the closet
hung with costumes, and the faSci-
mating. to-be initiated mar
vel - the light bordered dressing
table and mirror. She leaned her
elbows in the clutter of makeup jars
and bottles. She stared at her
flushed face and saw behind her the
impassive black face of Della. She
wondered if Della could see the
seething excitement that burned in
her throat and at her temples.
Anne looked down at the table.
Perhaps she'd better start to make
up. She creamed her face heavily,
biting her lip to keep her hand from
trembling. Cant imagine why my
hands shaking" she laughed I'm
not a bit nervous" She studied the
various colored grease sticks. Her
hand hesitated.
Della Offers Helm
Della said, Does you want me
to help you put on your makeup,
ma'am?' Anne paused. Maybe
you'd better, please. I'm not just
sure which would be the best base
to use"
Della was really theatrical maid.
She went at the makeup with an
impersonal efficiency that soothed
Anne somewhat 1t was while she
was lining her eyes that Anne got a
sudden idea. Della, I've got to
make a couple of phone calls"
Della calmly reached into a side
drawer and pulled out the phone.
There was directory, too, and
Anne looked up John Bresdon's
number. When she got him on the
wire she bubbled
Mr. Bresdon, remember me? I'm
the poor little understudy. But I'm
having my moment tonight! uh
huh. &. . It's appendicitis that saved
me, the stars wonderful, lovely ap-
pendicitis!"
He sounded so pleased. I'll be
right over" he said; save me one
on the aisle! And Anne. I'm in the
market for a star myself"
What do you mean, Mr.. Bres-
DOM" Della was combing her hair,
so she braced the phone against her
cheek.
Like a lot of otherwise inteli-
gent businessmen" he answered, II
want to lose some money backing a
show. Guess they call 1t an angel,
don't sthey?"
Anne was holding her breath.
"Oh, yes, Mr. Bresdon!"
We'll. my dear, you go out there
and show me that I want to star
you in show! How about it?"
Her breath was all gone. She
whispered, "Oh, Mr. Bresdon!"
(Copyrisht, 1910. by the Chicago Daily
News, IncD
Tomorrow: An unexpe ted recep-
ton awaits Anne who ne play is
over.