Frank Merriwell's Fame — page 11: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

'TTP TOP WEEKLY. of my eyes with my handkerchief. Nobody could have done it better, and darned if I believe anybody could have done it so well. Yeou was jest yeourself, an’ that’s what made it so slappin’ good.” “Thank you, Ephraim,” laughed Elsie, “Somehow I didn’t Everything. came just Ded her heart overflowing. seem to have to act. as if it was true, and _ She stopped short, looking at Frank. She He had written the play around the story of her no- remembered then that it was true. ble attempt to sacrifice herself for the sake of a friend, and she had been playing scenes out of her own life. Elsie hastily turned away, and Frank followed her, leaving the enthusiastic Ver- monter to talk with others of the company. In a dark place amid a mass of scenery Frank stopped her. She put her hands over her face and seemed on the point of break- ing down and weeping. ‘Elsie, Elsie!” exclaimed erry, in surprise and consternation; “what is the matter?” “Nothing.” “Oh, yes. there is! strangely?” Why do you act so Silence. His arms were about her. “Tell me, sweetheart—tell me!” he urged. “Why, I thought you were so happy!” “T am happy.” ~~Then she began to sob. “Happy! This is a strange way to show it! You-act as if you are decidedly un- happy, and after such a night.” “I am happy, and that’s the trouble. IJ— was thinking of—of her.” “Frere” ERS “Who is ‘her?’ ”’ murmured Elsie, inzA: with bowed head. “Oh!” Frank started. A pang shot through his own breast. “Why, dear little girl, why should think- ing of her make you so unhappy?” “Because I—I am here—with you, and she should be the one to—to 3 Elsie! We talked that all over, you know.” ‘Nonsense, “But playing the part to-night has made« me feel that I was right—that I did my duty when I tried to give you up. Somehow I feel that Inza is the one who should share your success and your happiness. I feel that I am usurping her place.” “Please don’t, Elsie!” he entreated. “I And this is the night of all nights when you should knew you were unhappy all at once. be happy. We cannot alter our fate, even if we would. You must believe that.” “Ah, but I know you are talking to set my mind at ease. Yow are not a fatalist, Frank.” “Well, it is strange if I am not,” for enough _ has happened in my life to make me one. Inza could not have played your part to- night, if she had tried. You must stop think- ing about such things. We are together, and ‘: | “Somehow it does not seem right for me to play the part. I have not thought of it like this before, Frank, but it seems bold If I ‘had. known just how I I do not believe I would have and wrong. should feel consented. If the part was different—if it was not so much like a bit out of my own life fs “Elsie, stop! You are letting your head get filled with foolish ideas.” “How can I help it?” “You must! Come, sweetheart, look up. Think of the applause, think of the cheers, think how the audience fairly shouted, think CALL YOUR FRIENDS ATTENTION TO OUR PREMIUMS—SEE PAGE 32. Gomichoo SEE ee = SS