Marion Marlowe in Buffalo, or, Betrayed by a Rival Company — page 10: what you’re looking at

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

J] MY QUEEN. 7 rion, sharply. “Tf you don't, I will scream and bring a dozen people to this parlor!” “You will not have to do that! What is the trouble, Miss?” asked a voice behind her. The two camera fiends fell back as Marion turned toward the speaker. He was an elderly man with handsome, aristocratic fea- tures, “Oh, sir! I am so glad you nave come! Those two impudent fellows have just taken my picture with their cameras, and I am de- termined they shall not leave the building with the plates in their possession,” explained Marion, timidly. The gentleman’s face’ grew crimson with wrath. a “TL should say not! claimed, as he strode into the room. them up, you loafers, or [ll break my cane over your backs! A nice way, on my soul, to be treating a young lady!” The two fellows promptly gave up their stolen property, and then skulked out of the hotel, with the elderly gentleman close on their heels and censuring them severely. Jones hurried away, also, but not before Marion had glanced at him, scornfully. She was disgusted to know that there was such a coward in the company. Just as the gentleman returned to the par- lor Dr. Brookes came back, and Marion has- tened to tell him the whole occurrence. “So that is their game,’ was the doctor’s comment. “Well, I’ve heard that advance agents and business managers of theatrical companies were inclined to be tricky with their rivals, but I did not know before that they resorted to downright dishonesty! Why, do you know, there’s not a member of Rippel and Rose’s combination in town? And, as for the proprietors themselves, they have vanished completely, yet the town is fairly bristling with posters like the one Jones showed us. They declare in glowing terms The puppies!” he ex- that Marion Marlowe will appear with them this very night at the Palace, and, on one lot, they had the nerve to mention your salary !” The gentlemanly friend whom Marion had just made was deeply interested as he heard the story. As Dr. Brookes explained the situation to him he became more and more indignant, “Give. and every now and then he looked at Marion in a pitving manner. “Dear! dear! What a life for an innocent young girl!” he said, finally. “Why, my child, you remind me of my own little girl! She is away at boarding school now, and her mother and I are alone. You must come and see my wife. Do say that you will promise to call on us and meet my little girl’s mother.” Marion was delighted, for she had taken a great liking to the old gentleman. He had championed her so nobly, and was so kind and sympathetic. “T tell you what to do,” he said, as he was leaving the room. “Bring one of your com- panions with you and come for a sleigh ride this afternoon. I have a home just up the river a few miles, and it is a glorious drive; besides, it will be a treat to you to see the Niagara in its present condition. The banks are fringed with ice, but the stream roars on to the Rapids, as though it were constantly defying the ice king to check its progress.” “That will be delightful!’ exclaimed Ma- rion, happily. “Alma and | were going to Niagara immediately after luncheon, but, you know, we must be back in time for the even- ing performance.” | “That can be managed easily,” responded the gentleman, as he handed her his card. “You will find us at the International, and delighted to see you, and this evening I shall do myself the honor of seeing you act; more- over, I shall come to the Alhambra, and not to the Palace!” They all laughed, and then Marion went in Search of Miss Allyn. She was charmed with the prospect of a trip to the Falls, as well as the sleigh ride along the bank of the river. As the three left the parlor Jones slid out from behind the portiéres, where he had crept back and hidden himself after his cowardly exit. “Those two fellows will lay for me and lick me, just as sure as shooting,” he muttered to himself. “The only way to save my hide is to help them get the best of Temple. I don’t believe they can do it, so there’s no harm in making believe I am with them. So She’s going to the Falls after lunch. Well, that makes the thing easy !” COmicboooks.com