The Argosy, December 1905 — page 177: what you’re looking at

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

ON THE WAVE OF SUCCESS. Already a well-defined plan of oper- ations was taking shape in his head. He would boom the “ Courcel Wave ” until it became the sensation of the hour, and then he would sit quietly back and draw in the profits. But there must be some great stroke to set the ball rolling, some masterpiece of boom literature to catch and hold public attention. He explained his idea in the rough to Courcel, and then ran rapidly over m his mind the materials which he had at hand. There was Dottie Delaney, the comic opera prima donna, She was stopping at Surfside for the summer, and he be- lieved she felt enough gratitude for some journalistic services he had ren- dered her in the days of her obscurity to lend him her assistance. Yes, she would do for one; but he needed, also, some person of more com- manding social position. Ah, if he could only ensnare Mrs. AtWerton, the queen regnant of the smart set! Then there would be no question of success. Perhaps Florence could work it. Mrs. Atherton was very fond of the girl, and had made quite a protégée of her. And, with the thought of Mrs. Ather- ton, a daring conception flashed into his brain. Searcely waiting to be rubbed dry, he dashed from the shop and sought out in hot haste his feminine allies. It speaks volumes for the persuasive- ness ot his tongue that he induced both his fiancée and the actress to submit their treasured locks to the untried min- istrations of Courcel, but they did, and it is but fair to the artist to admit that the results were eminently satisfactory. Others, both of the dramatic and society classes, took up fhe novel ar- . rangement, but still Thurlow bided his time. Not a word did he allow to appear in print of the growing popularity of the Courcel wave. At last, however, came the moment for which he had been waiting. The mighty Mrs. Atherton consented to countenance the fad, and despatched an emissary to Courcel’s shop to acquaint him with her decision, and command his presence with curling tongs and paraphernalia at her sumptuous villa. 155 Courcel, with pallid face and trem- bling knees, but upheld by Thurlow’s re- peated injunctions, declined the august behest, and sent back word that he was too busy to leave his shop. If madame required his services she must come to Mrs. Atherton was a power in society, but she was also a woman. The barber’s refusal only served to whet her curiosity and to strengthen her determi- nation to try the wave. In the end, therefore, it was the mountain which visited Mahomet. | Thurlow had anticipated this decis- ion, and when he saw Mrs. Atherton’s victoria halt at Courcel’s modest door he lost no time in immediately telephon- ing to Dottie Delaney, who had been previously apprised of the part she was to play, and who for the sake of the ad- vertisement involved had willingly ac- ceded. Accordingly, while Mrs. Atherton was asking questions and making her ar- rangements, the actress, fresh and smiling, also appeared upon the scene. “ Courcel,” she said imperiously, “I am in a great hurry, and I want my hair waved.at once.” - “But, mademoiselle,’ — protested Courcel, “zis ozzer lady ees fairst.” “But I can’t wait,’ insisted Miss Delaney. “Come, I wilt double. the price; I will give you two dollars to attend to me.” Mrs. Atherton, who had drawn herself up with hostile mien, surveyed the in- truder through her lorgnette. “Come, my man, make haste,’.she said autocratically to the wavering Courcel. “If you are seeking the best offer, I will give you five dollars.” Quick as a flash came back Miss Delaney. | “Ten, Courcel,” she said enticingly. Mrs. Atherton compressed her lips. This was intensely disagreeable to her, but she would not surrender. “Twenty,” she observed icily. The battle was on. One after an- other came the bids in rapid succession, like responsive volleys of musketry, while Courcel in agitation danced about between the combatants and vainly en- deavored to make himself heard. COMMICLOOokKX< (C@