Marion Marlowe in Cleveland, or, The Mystery of the Red Rose — page 19: what you’re looking at

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

16 as he helped her to some of the viands on the table. : . "Yes, and so shall I.” said his sister, promptly. “I am pretty clever at reading character, so I shall study all the faces, and if I see one that shows a mixture of love and diabolical intent, I shall promptly set Archie to searching his pockets.” “Then, with so many protectors, I am sure I am safe!” laughed the young actress; “‘al- though, to tell the truth, I never dreamed of being frightened until poor John, the door- keeper, was shot last evening.” “Is he all right to-day?” asked Miss Ray, interestedly. “Not well enough to be on duty, Dr. Brookes says; but he’ll be out to-morrow, in all probability.” At the mention of his rival’s name, Archie Ray frowned a little, but a moment later his brow had cleared and a look of honest admi- ration lighted his face, as he spoke of the doctor. “Such an extraordinary notion for him to turn actor!” he said, laughing. “And, really, he is great! I was astonished at him last evening. His performance in that part made me almost ambitious to go and do likewise.” “T believe you could act, dear,” said his sis- ter, fondly; “and I wish you would try it, if it is only to keep you from being so down- hearted and melancholy.” Marion glanced up at the words andesaw Archie looking at her. His face was scarlet, and his eyés wavered a little. Marion understood only too well, but even if she had not, Ray’s reproachful glance at his sister would-have settled any doubts as to the cause of his melancholy. For a moment Marion herself was not a - Adele _ re- After a pause, little confused, marked : “When is your rehearsal, Marion; we must not keep you. Archie will drive you to the theatre, while I do a little shopping, and you can be sure that we will both be on hand at the theatre this evening.” Marion kissed her tenderly, and a few min- ites later she was in a carriage, with Mr. Ray at her side, driving rapidly toward the theatre. Ray talked merrily on a host of topics, but MY QUEEN. never once referred to his sister’s remark, ror did Marion show by word or sign that it was still uppermost in her mind. Several times on their way they saw scenes of turmoil at the street corners: but, al- though Marion looked sharply for the wearer of the red rose, she was not able to discover him. | As they reached the theatre, Bert and Dr. Brookes stood on the sidewalk before the en- trance, and both came forward at once to shake hands with Archie Ray, after which they escorted Marion to the stage door and stopped for a chat when they reached the scene-room. Miss Chester passed them on her way to the dressing-room, and as she caught#Bert’s eye, she smiled upon him sweetly, and beck- ,oned him to follow her. “Hello! Are you two getting spoony?” asked the doctor, softly. “Why, Bert, I thought Miss Ellis came first in your young affection. And after her should come Miss Leslie, the dark-haired mimic; that is, if you are keeping your affections in. order.” “A thing which has never been done by gods or mortals,” said Bert, laughingly. “Miss Ellis is all right, but she’s a bit too— well, too plain spoken, I guess, you’d call it. Miss.Leslie is too snippy and snubby for me, while Miss Chester is really growing more amiable every minute- She began like a Tar- tar, but now she’s almost an angel!” ‘For a very good reason, Bert! She thinks you are one!”’ called out Miss Ellis. She had come up behind him just in time to hear the last of his sentence. “There are no wings on my back, are there?” asked Bert, trying to feel of his shoulders. “T didn’t mean that kind,” said Miss Ellis, winking at the doctor; “but I won't say any- thing more! A word to the wise ought to be sufficient.” “I’m going to ask her what you mean,” said Bert, starting toward the dressing-rooms. “If she really thinks | am an angel, it’s time I undeceived her.” “Better let her think so, Bert,” said the doctor, gravely. “I would not rile her just now; she’s been uppish All cbooks.com