Marion Marlowe on the Prairie, or, A Thrilling Ride Across Kansas — page 15: what you’re looking at

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R “We must ask Bert,” began Marion, and just then Mr. Temple joined them. He had _ been sitting in the smoker, talking with his new actor. “Well, ladies,” he exclaimed, laughingly, “Pve got a surprise for you. My advance agent has booked us for Salt Lake City after our tour of Colorado.” dread going out among the Mormons.” “Why, Marion, I expect you will make his- tory while you are there!” laughed Miss Al- lyn, mischievously. “Of course, the Mormon are true to their reputations; and just think what an experience it would be to find your- self the affinity of a dozen or so of the gray- bearded old fellows—at least, I suppose they wear gray beards; they all do in pictures, on _the style of the patriarchs or ancient Druids. Why, you will break all records; I am sure of it, Marion! They will come to the theatre, see, and be conquered, and, of course, they’ll ‘want you for a plural wife, or whatever they call them !” 7 * Marion tried to smile, but the thought was ; | disgusting. She had heard something of the | _ Mormons, but had never seen one. | me! suppose they call them by numbers,” "went on Miss Alfyn, laughing. “Well, there are argumehts in favor of polygamy, I sup- pose; Dut I'll know more about the success _ Of such an institution after I have left Utah, el taney.” “Iam sure it must be very disgusting,” “Said Marion, slowly; “but how is our new -reertiit progressing, Mr. Temple?” _ The manager looked serious as he an- - Swered: a ~ “Tt is a rash experiment, of course,” he - . Said, as he stroked his mustache thoughtfully ; __ “but I was so impressed with his physique, =< inasmuch as we really need a large man in ¥ = this Particular production, and his voice sim- oo aN charmed me. He is a magnificent singer! “Has he?” asked Marion, gayly. “I shall’ elders will all fall in love with you, if they MY QUEEN. 13 His basso will go beautifully with the doctor’s tenor, and, you know, [ fully intend to intro- duce a little music into our future produc- tions.” He glanced at Marion meaningly, and the young girl blushed. She was the owner of a superb voice and had sung in public several times, and, quite naturally, the manager thought it would delight their audiences to hear her. “We shall rehearse as soon as we reach Topeka,” he continued; “and, just as soon as the songs are thoroughly learned, I fully ex- pect to astonish the natives.” “How long a contract have you given the new actor?’ asked Marion, smiling. “Tt had to be short, necessarily, as we have only a few more dates to play,” was the man- ager’s rather mournful answer. “But what de you think? The fellow did not want any salary. He said he was willing to go with us ‘for the fun of the thing;’ but if is my im- pression that he is very ambitious. I fancy he hopes to impress a certain young lady in the company.” A sly glance at Marion ac- companied the words, but the fair young girl only laughed as though it were sheer non- sense. " A moment later the other members of the company came into the car, all but the “cow- boy,’ who preferred to remain in the smoker. can’t quite understand him,” said Dr. Brookes, thoughtfully. “At any rate, I shall _ be glad when we arrive at Topeka.” “So shall I, Doc.,” said Bert, with a grim- ace; “but, now I come to think of it, | fancy we were a bit hasty. We may have shipped a cutthroat in order to get a singer.” CHAPTER VII. THE SIGNAL FROM THE STAGE, But the run to Topeka was made in safety, and the “cowboy chorus” at the first per- formance made a decided hit. Such a quar- tette of male voices couleayMM NENA KSqcO nfl