Marion Marlowe in Cleveland, or, The Mystery of the Red Rose — page 14: what you’re looking at

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

wre Over and over again he had tried to de- clare his love for his star, but some way at each attempt, the young girl’s manner baffled him. He could feel intuitively that such a declaration would pain her, and, perhaps, it would even raise a barrier that could never be removed. The orchestra was sending its strains to every corner of the auditorium now; and as he hurried to the front of the house, he sud- denly remembered the parcel. What had he done with it in the excitement of the mo- ment? He searched his pockets carefully, but could not find it. Suddenly, a hideous suspicion took pos- session of him. Suppose the fellow was the “Joon” masher, who had written the various ~ notes! That parcel might contain anything from a trinket to a bomb! Mr. Temple retraced his steps—he must find it immediately. CHAPTER V. SUSPICIONS. As each member of the company went out upon the stage, they gave a sharp glance over the footlights at the sea of faces. Every boutonniére was scanned carefully, Eut there was not a single red rose in sight, and as the play went on they all began to breathe easier. . “Guess he’s changed his mind,” whispered Bert to Miss Ellis, as they stood together in the rear of the stage, while little Ruby and Marion had a short scene together; “or per- haps that chap that shot poor John was the very fellow! caught him.” I do hope the police have “There’s a man in the fourth row who is staring awfully hard at Miss Marlowe! Just look at him, Bert—first seat on the aisle: there’s a lady with him.” “Then he’s safe,” said Bert, as his eyes fol- MY QUEEN. 41 ~ lowed her glance. The next instant he had all he could do to keep from hurrahing. “It’s Archie Ray, as true as I live! Look- ing splendidly, too; and that’s his sister with him!” Marion turned to him just then, and the comedian went forward. He had some few words to speak and a little scene to enact with Ruby, but he managed cleverly to point out Mr. Ray, and Marion blushed with pleas- ure as she finally discovered him. “Now I expect there'll be war to the knife,” Bert whispered, as Dr. Brookes came on, and he could again retire to the back- ground. : 4 Miss Ellis was still upon the stage, but she had very little to say; and, as Bert had to pass her several times, they managed to keep up a running conversation. “Do you think she loves him?” Miss Ellis asked, with a glance at the audience. “Of course not! How could she, when I’m on deck?” was the answer. “Don’t flatter yourself, Bert!” “Miss Chester says I’m the sweetest thing that ever happened! Thank goodness, we’ve gota soubrette, at least, that appreciates my value !” ik Miss Ellis blushed, but it was a blush of indignation. “She’s a treacherous girl! Look out for her, Bert! I wouldn’t take her word if she swore on forty Bibles!” “You're jealous,” said Bert, teasingly. “Well, don’t wotry, my dear; I may not be Gandsome, but I am always faithful.” “Pooh! She'll make you forget your best friends, Bert! She’s a shrewd one, I tel] you! If you come to grief, remember I warned you!” “I will, thanks; but there’s a better way, if you want to protect me. Fall in love with me yourself, and I won’t look at Miss Ches- ter. While I am waiting for Marion, T might spoon with vou, just for practice!” GOMIGIOOKSEEO