Marion Marlowe in Indianapolis — page 12: what you’re looking at

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

“masher,” as Bert called him, still sat watch- ing for Marion. Mr. Temple removed his hat and sat down As Alma Allyn came in one of the chairs. é on the stage, she elanced eagerly in that di- rection, and Mr. Temple knew at once that Bert had told her of her lover’s presence.” » The disappointed look upon her face was _ proof of this, but Mr. Temple was too busy with his thoughts to waste much sympathy on his “leading heavy.” 3 A moment later Marion was in the center of the stage, looking so radiantly beautiful that he did not blame his companion for lean- ing nearer to the railing. The moment she made her exit he moved his chair a little, and, ~~ as the young man turned, he smiled at him, pleasantly. er “Tam Mr. Temple, the manager of this ag company. I came into the box to have a look at Miss Marlowe. My star is one of the few actresses I like to watch from the audi- 99 _ ence. ‘i His words completely disarmed the stranget, who took the opportunity to ask a. few more questions. fo. “She is perfectly beautiful! How long has I’ve heard of her before, but this is the first time ; wie have seen her.” ; she been on the stage, Mr. Temple? “Oh, she’s entirely new to the boards,” was the manager’s cautious answer, “but she’s a wonder in that way. She hardly needed any training. Miss Marlowe is a genius, a nat- ural-born artist !’’ “You have a great company,” said the young man again. “That comedian, now, is May I ask if he*is as new to the boards as Miss Marlowe.” “Oh, this is the first month of his career,” _said Mr. Temple, honestly, ‘and I regret to an awfully funny fellow! say that he will soon retire permanently. A rich chap, you know. Goes to Harvard in November.” MY QUEEN. 9 “And the leading man?” asked the stranger, falling off a little in interest. “I see he is on the programme as Michael De Angelo. Of course, that’s a stage name to hide his identity.” “Yes, and because of that, I cannot tell you who he is,” said Mr. Temple, quietly. “But it’s a pity his vocation is not that of an actor! He is a magnificent support to Miss Marlowe.” The fellow seemed to be musing as the second act progressed, and, at its finish, he turned and saw Mr. Temple still beside him. “Your leading man is in love with your star—generally so, I mean,” he remarked, very shrewdly. “Well, I can’t blame him a little bit, for I’m in love with her myself! I'd go to the ends of the earth to win such a woman!” Mr. Temple sighed, but he felt strangely drawn to the fellow. “Every one loves Miss Marlowe,” he said, quietly, “but you will like her better in the third act, my friend. I am sorry that my duties forbid my remaining any longer with you.” The young man nodded For the first time he noticed the absence of the man in the and turned back to the stage. other box. He had been so interested in Miss Marlowe that he had quite forgotten him. Now he looked around sharply, but the man could not be seen. The next minute he was ‘consulting his Just as the curtain rose upon the third act of the play he rose from his chair and quietly left the theatre. watch and referring to the programme. CHAPTER V. A CLEVER RUSE. At the close of the third act Dr. Brookes was in his dressing-room alone, when an at- taché of the theatre brought hima letter. He tore it open hastily and then : OMmicbooksaco