Marion Marlowe in Omaha, or, Held up by Accident — page 16: what you’re looking at

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

little anxious over the loss of two perform- ances. | “The public shall be repaid for their wait- ing, if we can possibly repay it,’ she said, | ‘stoutly. “T shall act my very best, I can as- sure you, to-morrow evening.” | “And your ‘best’ has yet to be beaten,” said Bert, admiringly. ‘‘Well, I’m sorry for _ the ranchman, for now his call will have to wait until after the rehearsal.” ¥ “Oh, Bert!" cried Marion, as he was leav- ing the room, “have you heard any more about those rascally fellows—the ones who tried to rob the ranchman while he was sav- : ing lives yesterday?” + _ Bert stepped back into the room and low- ered his voice. “The whole outfit is in Omaha, and the _ police are ‘on to’ them. They are just .wait- ; ‘ing for an excuse to pounce on the dastards!” _ Marion turned back and began arranging _ the furniture of the room, so that there should be an open space in eanie to do their re- ) hearsing of the “business. She entered heart and soul into her work, for she was passionately fond of the stage, and was ambitious to equal’or excel the great , artists. . 3 She was too modest to realize how near an artist she was now, or to appreciate how gen- : _uinely the public applauded her talents. The news of the good work of the mem- ~~ bers of the company during the accident had s- been spread all over the city, and every one was anxious to see the beautiful young woman and the brave, handsome doctor. Little Ruby and “Jackets” had both been mentioned in the papers, and the fact that “Tackets” had but recently been a newsboy on the streets of St, Paul had served to awaken a great deal of interest. Then the facts of his parentage were brought to light, and the tragedy of the flour mill, where he had been ae so nearly murdered by his own father, thrilled MY QUEEN. 13 the whole city of Omaha with a curiosity to see him. Marion Marlowe had saved him at the very last minute, and, perhaps, this was. one reason He had learned to love the beautiful girl, and was As for his mother, her sad history was the talk of the town, and, why he had made her his promise. anxious to please her. although this was not the kind of advertising that Mr. Temple desired, still, he was enough of a business man to take advantage of it. “It’s an awfully funny rehearsal, but we stage people are accustomed to funny things,” laughed Miss Ellis, as she came in, leaning on Bert’s shoulder. She was looking radi- antly happy, in spite of the pain of her many bruises, and both Marion and Alma gave her | sympathee glances. : “I’m sorry to delay the ranchman’s call,” Mr. “He’s a noble fellow, without a doubt. remarked Temple, when Marion told him. I hope to cultivate his acquaintance later.” “Oh, we'll go and see him often after he has married Marion and they have settled “When is the happy day, Marion, or isn’t it decided ?”’ Miss Ellis pulled his ear sharply to make him stop teasing down on that farm,” laughed Bert. , but Marion only smiled in a tantalizing manner. | “It may not be a joke, aftér all,” pleasantly. she said, “Who knows but that I will” really marry him? He is very nice, indeed— - and stranger things have happened.” The doctor looked at her sharply, and then smiled complacently. He evidently thought there was not much danger of her marrying the ranchman. “Is every one ready?” asked Mr. Deering, the stage-manager, as he entered, with a lot of manuscript in his hands. It will” Now, what shape are we in to give a performance >” “Tm all right,” laughed Marion, “but | “We have a splendid advance sale. be a case of ‘standing room only.’ EORNICGLOOOKS. EO =)