Marion Marlowe in Cleveland, or, The Mystery of the Red Rose — page 21: what you’re looking at

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

_ been 18 Marion did not answer; she was a little puzzled by Bert’s actions. It had been her firm belief that he really liked Miss Ellis. “She's not the kind of a girl for him to fall in love with,” said Miss Allyn, with an- other sharp look. “I don’t wish to misjudge her, but I’m afraid she’s treacherous.” _ “| hate to think so,” said Marion, sadly. “She’s a very pretty girl, and quite clever, also. Perhaps it is only her way, and --e haven’t become used to it!” “Well, I hope I never shall,’ said Miss Allyn, promptly. “Do you know, Marion, the doctor saw her coming out of a pawn- shop to-day? He wouldn't have told me if he hadn't been afraid that the girl was hard up and needed money. He wanted me to find out, if I possibly could, so that we could | find some way of helping her, if she was LeaNy needy.” “And did you find out?” asked Marion, eagerly, as Miss Allyn paused for breath. “No, indeed! She denied that she had there!” was the surprising answer. “And to think the doctor says he actually saw her!” ~ “Dic you tell her ?” began Marion, but her friend interrupted her. “Not much! saw her coming out, and that, if she was in need of money, I would let her have some. The minute I spoke she went into a tan- trum. She swore she had never been inside of a pawnshop, and called the whole com- munity liars! That settled me, girlie. [I am done with Miss Chester !”’ “Oh. Miss Marlowe! Des see my pitty dwess!” called out little Ruby, at that min- ite. She was running across the dimly- lighted room, dodging the piles of rubbish and scene ropes to get to Marion. “It is just too sweet for anything, dar- ling,” said Marion, kissing her. “T expect mamma has made it for you to wear in the fourth act, when my little Ruby and I are sitting in the twilight.” Ruby patted Marion's cheek and nestled a little closer. “Tt’s a wonder Bert and Miss Chester don’t apply for the role of lovers on the stage; they seem to he practicing over there whispered Miss Allyn. in the corner,’ I merely said that some one MY QUEEN. There was an amused look in her eyes, but her voice was serious. She hated to see Bert doing anything that was beneath his dignity, and Miss Chester had taken advan- tage of the semi-darkness to almost lean on his shoulder. “I tell you, she is a designing creature! She is trying her best to inveigle Bert into a flirtation,’ she went on, softly; “and, hon- estly, I believe she is accomplishing her pur- pose. Bert looks for all the world as if he was about to kiss her.”’ ‘Go to mamma, dear,”’ said Marion, sweet- ly, as she set little Ruby down on the floor. As the child ran away she turned deliber- ately towards Bert and just for a moment sto watching him closely. . Marion was more disturbed by Bert’s actions than she would have cared to ac- knowledge. “They haven’t the remotest idea that we can see them,” she said, nervously. ‘Please do me a favor, Alma. Go up to the dressing- room. I’m going over there this minute to interrupt that scene, and it will be less mor- tifying for them both if they think I am the only one who has seen them.” “I’m agreeable,” laughed Miss Allyn. “I'm willing to let them down easy. If it was only Miss Ellis, now, I’d be perfectly satisfied.” She walked quietly in the opposite direc- tion, while Marion started across the scene- room. She had almost reached the dark- ened corner, when something astonished her. With a deliberate movement, Miss Chester put her arm on Bert’s shoulder and attempted to draw his face down so that he might kiss her. The next second Bert had slipped his hand up the loose sleeve of the soubrette’s dress and grasped a bracelet that fairly scintillated with light, even in that semi- -darkness. There was a startled cry from the girl, and Marion darted forward. : The soubrette was struggling frantically, but Bert held both her wrists in a= firm grasp. “You had better send for Mr. Temple, Marion,” he said, in a calm voice; ‘Miss Chester has got on the mate to your brace- let.” Eomicbooks7eom —_— ah — —