Marion Marlowe in Indianapolis — page 6: what you’re looking at

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

MY QUEEN. -3 I hate to lick you,” was the answer, as the young man selected his cigars carefully. A moment later they had left the store and were standing in a safe place—the middle of the sidewalk. “Of course, she will be at English’s; it’s the best theatre,” said Denison, coolly; “and we have no rivals to fear in this God-forsaken town. What do you say—shall we tackle both jobs, Phil, make love to the star first and Go’ the leading man later?” “Tt might be a-good way to get acquaint- a ed,” laughed Dunlap. “The girl would prob- ably tell us a lot, and, I presume, they will a play here for three nights, at least.” a5 om. .- and wait at the stage door,” began Denison, “All right! Then we'll do the ‘Johnny’ act when the other jnterrupted: “What! And get turned down hard for our pains! Not on your life, Denison! I’ve She has Devoted to her art, heard of Marion Marlowe before. no use for ‘Johnnies.’ and all that sort of thing. ‘As pure as she _ is beautiful,’ you know, old fellow!” she? However, if you can “Bosh! She’s on the stage, isn’t Well, that’s enough! “suggest anything better, why let’s have it!” __ Phil Dunlap knit his brows for a minute. “I shall go to English’s and take a seat ina box. If I can obtain a legitimate intro- duction, of course I will; at all events, I shall certainly become acquainted with that girl ' this very evening.” “If you fail it will be the first time. You are a fiend among women,” laughed the other. “But don’t become so infatuated that you for- get your play. Report to me at eleven-thiriy at Gerry’s. If it can’t all be done to-night— but, hang it, it must be! The police may learn that I am here by to-morrow !”’ “It shall all be done to-night, mark my words!” was the answer. “I will make the acquaintance of the prettiest girl on earth, and you shall have our ‘bird in your net not two hours later!” “That settles it! Good-by,” said the elder man, grimly; “‘I must run in and see a cus- tomer of mine just around the corner.” The two men laughed lightly for the benefit of some people who were passing as Dunlap replied. “Hope you sell him a good bill, old man.” They looked exactly like two, jolly friends indulging in a bit of gay banter. In reality, they were almost strangers, and both sharpers and “bunco steerers” of the blackest order. CHAPTER II. MISS ALLYN’S LOVER. While the two sharpers were plotting on the street corner, the beautiful star of the the- atricdl company and her friend, Alma Allyn, were enjoying a drive about the Western city. It was Marion Marlowe's first trip West, and she was enjoying every hour of it, al- though the tour thus far had been full of dan- gerous adventure. ' With a young girl’s hopefulness, she was trying to forget all these disagreeable experi- ences “of the past, and, as they rode slowly along, the two girls talked merrily. “It isn't a very pretty city, is it, Alma?” asked Marion, as her great gray eyes wan- dered here and there. _ “Not as pretty as Cleveland, or even Columbus.” “I guess you are right, Marion; but I do 93 hope it is a safer one,” was the laughing an- swer. “I trust we will have no explosions or rascals to deal with in Indianapolis, and both of those pleasures are sacred to the memory of Cleveland and Columbus!” “Oh, I feel sure nothing can happen here,”’ laughed Marion. “I am almost afraid we will not do good business : still, we have been very successful so far, haven’t we?” Much more so than it seemed possible we could be at first, with such a lot of ‘greenies’ in the cast,” said Miss Allyn. “ Oubt if 4 a CLYOOLKS) COUN n (CO)