Marion Marlowe in Buffalo, or, Betrayed by a Rival Company — page 9: what you’re looking at

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

G MY QUEEN. They had each taken a “snap shot” at her with a fair-sized camera. CHAPTER III. MARION MAKES A FRIEND. For just a brief instant Marion was amused. It was nothing new to have people photographing her with cameras, but then it suddenly occurred to her what might be their purpose. Her eyes snapped brightly as the thought entered her brain. As like as not they were her enemies, who wanted her picture for advertising purposes. To think was to act with Marion Marlowe. There was only one exit from the parlor. * In a second she stood before it. “Gentlentén,” she said, quietly, “I am greatly obliged for the honor you have done me, but I must ask you to please hand over those impressions. I do not care to have my picture in the hands of strangers.” She spoke so sweetly that both of the young men were confused for a moment; then one of them answered, a little insolently : “Actressés are not usually so particular about their pictures, Miss Marlowe! As a public character, your face is public prop- erty.” Marion controlled her feelings and an- swered, quietly: “In a way, you are right, and in another you are wrong. So far, my picture has been used solely for advertising purposes. That is perfectly legitimate, I believe, in the pro- fession to which I belong.” The two winked at each other and then at Jones. “Well, to tell you the truth, we want it for advertising purposes,” said the fellow, laugh- ing; “we are from Rippel and Rose—and, of course, as you are their new star, you should have no objections!” “How dare you!” cried Marion, in an out- burst of indignation. “Tl have nothing whatever to do with Rip- pel arc Hee se! | refused their offer 4 week aco! I am at fine with the Temple Theatri- cal Company !”’ The young man who had spoken gazed at her admiringly. “Wel], you are a corking good actress, that’s all I’ve got to say, and—Great Scott, but you are a dandy at booming yourself! Why, that little act of jumping from the train _ the-other night was enough in itself to make you famous!” | ' The young girl shivered at this allusion to her misfortune. She had been thrown from the train by a madman, and saved almost by a miracle, but, although her face paled, she did not falter in her determination. “We will not discuss my ability, if you please,’ she said, haughtily. ‘The fact re- mains that you have stolen my picture. You must give it back or I shall have you arrest- ed!” | The words were spoken firmly and both “men stared at her with astonishment. It struck them as ridiculous that she should threaten them with arrest for taking a “snap- shot” of her. “We are not much afraid of that, Miss,” said the fellow who had not spoken before. “Why, I frequently steal a dozen pictures a day, and no one has ever dreamed of having me arrested.” “There has to be a first time for every- thing,” said Marion, calmly. “The practice of stealing pictures is an abominable one to me and I shall certainly do as I have said if you do not hand those plates over.” She glanced around the parlor for the bell as she spoke, and one of the fellows made a movement to pass her. In a second Marion extended her arms to each side of the door. “Pass me if you dare!” she cried, defiantly ; then her glance fell upon Jones, who was standing sheepishly at a little distance. “Ring the bell, Mr. Jones, and call help from the office! Is it possible that you can stand there and not assist a lady ?” Jones moved over to the bell and was about to press it. “You'll regret that, you cur!” muttered one of the fellows. “After pointing her out to us, vou play the traitor! Just wait until we catch you outside and we'll punch the face off you e ill Jones’ hand dropped and he looked more sheepish than ever, “Ring that bell, you coward !" cried Ma- Eomichooks.co see