The Argosy, Vol. 82, No. 3 — page 157: what you’re looking at

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

MOVIE MEN The butler left the room much bewildered and wondering where it was all going to end. Burton turned to Grayson. “T have something very important to do,” he said, “for I am about to make up the scenario of the play.” Grayson laughed. “You might advertise yourself as the Tommy Burton Film Company, Inc.,” he suggested. “Director, manager and scenario writer, to say nothing of prop man and car- penter.” “After I outline the scenario, Bob, you might add matchmaker to that long line of titles, and for Heaven’s sake don’t bungle the whole business when you start to make love to this girl.” | Grayson looked worried. “Tm just’ beginning to realize what I have undertaken,” he said. ‘‘You know I’m no actor, and Miss Mawbrey possibly knows less about the art than I do.” “You don’t need to be an actor,” was the reassuring reply. “Any fellow that has the case you have will find it comes natural. Have you ever made love to a girl?” © Burton put the question witu such direct- ness that Grayson jumped. ‘Has that anything to do with it?” “Surely. Experience always counts. For instance when you say the line ‘Will you be mine’ what are you going to do when you say it?” : Grayson winced. “Look here, Tommy, I’m afraid I’ll get cold feet.” “No, you won’t. You can’t back out now, Bob. The scene won’t take long. I’ve watched Payne direct his company, and in- asmuch as our affair is only make believe I promise you it will be over quickly. The girl will be standing near a tree when you meet her. You converse. Expressions show mutual love and_the scene ends with her in your arms.” “But what if she objects to the whole thing?” “She won’t. I am telling you she will jump at the chance. Trust me for carrying this thing through.” Burton looked at his watch. Then he banged a fist into the palm of his hand. “Great Scott, we forgot make-up. You know we must have make-up to appear genuine.” Grayson whistled. “The scheme’s off,” he said. FOR A _ DAY. 531 ‘Not by a long shot,” Burton flung back at him as he started for the door. ‘You wait here. I’m going to the village in your car. I’ll get the make-up somewhere.” As the door closed after Burton Grayson sank into a chair. ‘Faint heart never won fair lady,” he murmured, IV. AN hour later Grayson’s roadster started slowly up the road toward the Mawbrey house, with Burton at the wheel. Beside him sat Grayson, elaborately made up, with an expression on his face as though he was going to his own funeral. Behind on foot followed Hadley in sack-suit and cap, car- rying Burton’s home-made non-registering moving-picture machine in his arms and final instructions in his dazzled brain. At the entrance to the Mawbrey ground Burton stopped the machine. When the butler reached them he turned to him with: “Don’t forget, Hadley, you are not to open your mouth. Do what I tell you and try to look natural.” The machine then started on toward the house. On the porch Grayson saw Marion rise from a chair and put aside a magazine she had been reading. He noted the puz- zled expression on her face as she watched their approach. Burton must have seen it, too, for he turned and whispered, “Steady now. She won’t recognize you, and if she does it’s no harm.” Burton stopped the machine in front of the porch and jumped out. Resting his foot carelessly on one of the steps, he took Payne’s card from his wallet. Marion Mawbrey waited patiently, while Grayson, overcome with stage fright, sat speechless in the machine, not daring to move. Burton removed his hat and ascended the steps. : “T don’t know whether you are the per- son I should see,” he said with his most engaging smile as he gave her the paste- board. “If not perhaps you could advise me.” Marion glanced at the card. Her indif- ferent manner suddenly changed. Extend- ing her hand she said, “I am very glad to meet you, Mr. Payne. Won’t you come up and sit downer” Burton’s eye fell upon the magazine she had been reading. He could see something CORMICLOOOKS (C@)