The Argosy, Vol. 82, No. 3 — page 161: what you’re looking at

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

MOVIE MEN But he seemed rather an uncouth specimen. Undoubtedly it was some cheap company and possibly he had never heard of Payne. “And I represent the Continental,” Bur- ton rejoined. ‘Glad to meet you.” ‘We're from Chicago,” Trent announced. “Hit Manhattan yesterday. Orders from Chi to get New York atmosphere on a picture I’m taking.” Burton nodded. Courtesy demanded that he introduce Marion and Bob. He felt no explanation was due Trent about the Tommy Burton Film Company, Inc. If Trent asked questions it would be differ- ent. Tommy felt it would be time enough to cross the bridge when he came to it. Turning to Marion he introduced Trent, whose eyebrows arched when he heard her name. No doubt he had heard of her. Marion acknowledged the introduction with a bow. Burton was quick to see that Trent did not impress her, and Grayson realized that she viewed his presence as an intrusion. Both of them observed, though, that she was handling the situation deli- cately. After he had been made acquainted with Grayson Trent got down to business. “The grounds,” he explained, “attracted me as I was passing, Miss Mawbrey. My picture calls for one particular scene, and I would deem it a favor if I could film it here. I prorhise not to take long.” Despite Trent’s rough manner he had a glib tongue. He also possessed a protrud- ing, obstinate jaw, and Marion felt that under the circumstances his request was no more unusual than was Burton’s. Again, too, she was no exception to the woman’s trait of making a man jealous, and as she stole a side-long glance at Grayson’s face and saw. the look of annoyance there she made up her mind. Trent noted her look of indecision. He was a trifle mystified at seeing her made up, but decided that she was no doubt a friend of the supposed Continental director, who was trying her out for the pictures. He became a trifle more aggressive. “With your consent, Miss Mawbrey,” he said, ‘‘I’ll call my ‘operator.” Burton and Grayson waited. It was for Marion to object, but she made no move. Trent called the others from the ma- chine. Trent introduced. the three actors, but what their names were neither Burton nor Grayson remembered. FOR -A DAY. 0385 Suddenly Trent snapped his fingers. He had taken a typewritten scenario from his pocket and was reading it. ‘The scene calls for several servants,’’ he explained. “A chauffeur and a gardener. I had not intended taking it to-day or would have brought another machine with extras. But I hate to miss this sunshine.” The look of disappointment on his face touched Marion. Trent ‘went on: “Would it be asking too much, Miss Mawbrey if I used one or two of your ser- vants? The parts are practically entrances and exits.” Marion smiled. What if her father found out that his daughter had posed for mov- ing pictures? To her it was a lark and per- haps something else. But the servants— “We have a gardener,” she said, “‘ but our chauffeur is in New York for a few days while father is away.” “You have several women domestics?” Trent put the question is a casual way. ‘““My maid and the cook,” replied Marion. “The waitress is away on a visit.” “We won’t need her.” Trent was taking it for granted that matters were arranged. “While we get things ready would you please get the ones you spoke of?” Marion nodded and turned to Grayson, who accompanied her to the house, where he waited on the porch while she went in- side for the two servants. On the way they had met the gardener, who was informed of the doings and went down on the lawn to join the group of picture people. Marion reappeared with the two girls, both flushed with excitement. They looked at Grayson with rapturous glances as they followed him and their mistress down the steps. Trent saw the four coming and beckoned. “Everything’s ready,” he called out, ‘“‘the girls are just in time.” With the hand of an expert he made them up. ‘The space had been cleared and the camera set. Holding the manuscript Trent gave instructions to his leading man, who nodded his head but said nothing. Grayson had taken a cordial dislike to this fellow, and in fact to the whole crowd. They certainly were ordinary, but fortu- nately held themselves aloof and had little to say. Burton and Marion watched with inter- est as Trent began the scene. What it was all about Grayson did not know and cared Ss COMMUC 0)(0\(0) (E@)