Marion Marlowe's Escape, or, A Dangerous Mistake on the Road — page 4: what you’re looking at

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2 MY QUEEN. uoses!” answered Bert, who had established himself beside the porter to see that the ladies got aboard safely. | “Tt’s the first time in the history of the stage that a theatrical company, or the big- west part of it, traveled in a parlor car, and an observation car at that! Much obliged for your generosity, Jackson,” said the manager, as he came nearer. “Oh, we'll come back afoot to make up for it,’ said Bert, laughing; “but, of course you can't expect such a bright and shining” star as Miss Marlowe to scintillate in an ordinary coach, old man, and besides, it is Marion’s first trip around the country, and I want her to enjoy it.” “Vou are the ‘angel’ of the company, so what you say goes,” answered Mr. Temple, laughing. “For your sake, I hope we have a phenomenal tour. Id like to bring you back a famous actor.” ’ “What!—and queer me for the pulpit ? Not on your tintype, Mr. Temple! My new- ly acquired governor is determined that I shall be a parson. Just please bear that in mind, and let me travel ‘incog.’ Call me John Brown or George Washington—anything but Bert Jackson!” “All right, my boy!” was the answer, as the manager mounted the steps. “T’ve prom- iced Dr. Brookes to bill him as Michael D'Angelo, so I'll run you in anything you wish, so long as you choose a dead man who won't sue me for libel!” “Oh, by the way, Temple, just a word with you, please, before we go in,” said Bert, sud- denly. ‘Who the deuce is this fellow, Pres- ton, that you've engaged as leading man? I watched him every day at rehearsals, and I must say I don’t like him te Mr. Temple looked at him quickly before he answered. There was an expression in his eyes as if he quite agreed with the sentiment, “Oh, he’s all right !—a little peculiar, but a ’ rattling good actor! You'll like him better when you get acquainted with him.” “No I won’t! I’ve heard too much about him! TI believe he’s a ‘snake in the grass,’ : Temple, and if you knew me better you : would know that I didn’t often make such statements.” “T don’t blame you, Jackson. He’s not prepossessing; but all we’ve got to do is to keep our eyes open, and, really, I don’t see what damage he can do, even if he is tricky.” They had entered the car by this time, so Bert did not answer. The object of their remarks was seated in one of the chairs, which Bert noticed at once was facing Miss Marlowe. “Oh, Mr. Temple!” called out Miss Ellis, the ingenue of the company ; “I see by the pa- per that there is another theatrical company in Cohoes to-night! How in the world will they manage it when there is only one the- atre ?” “What company is it?” asked Mr. Temple, quickly, while the others turned eagerly and listened. “Great Czsar’s ghost! It’s Miss Lema- drid herself!” almost screamed Miss Ellis, as she glanced at the paper. “Tt is our old ‘star,’ Mr. Temple—the one you ousted to make room for Miss Marlowe! She’s got a new company, and they are playing ‘Leah, the Forsaken’ !” “And we open in ‘True Hearts.’ Well, we'll win hands down,” said Mr. Temple, thoughtfully ; “but I can’t for the life of me see where she'll play. My advance agent hooked us for the Oneida to-night—no mis- take about it!” The girls had all seated themselves now, and Bert went over and stood by Miss Mar- lowe. She was a beautiful girl, with magnificent eray eyes and a wealth of chestnut hair, and, as this was her first trip about the coun- Eomichbooks;com