Marion Marlowe in Cleveland, or, The Mystery of the Red Rose — page 7: what you’re looking at

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

& about their stems, he discovered a tiny note, which he handed’ to Marion. ~ ™~ CHAPTER IL. THE NEW SOUBRETTE. An hour later there was a consultation in Marion’s dressing-room at the theatre. The company was booked at the Arcanum for just three nights, and, of-course, they were anxious to play to good houses. “If this thing had happened in Chicago or at any point farther west, I might be ner- vous,” Mr. Temple, the proprietor and man- ager remarked, thoughtfully; “but in Cleve- land, Miss Marlowe, it is altogether different. | doubt if any such bloodthirsty creature would be allowed in the theatre.” “Oh, but he is coming first as a lover! The role of avenger and assassin is only for the third night!” cried Miss Allyn, nervously; ‘and that is as good as saying that the deed will be done; for there’s not power enough leneath the heavens to make Marion smile at him.” She looked at the young girl admiringly as she spoke, for there was no one on earth whom she loved as she did Marion. “Tt would smile if it was necessary,’ Marion, laughingly; “only, of course, I don't know what the term implies. Our mashers are not usually content with a smile over the ’ said ’ footlights.’ “No; they want suppers, with cold bottles, after the show,” spoke up Miss Ellis, prompt- ly. “I’ve seen other girls have them in the companies that | have belonged to, but, thank goodness, | was never an object of admira- tion. I was always too slow for the average Johnny he recommendation, dear,” said “A good Marion, sweetly. that way as jong as you are on the stage. A “T hope you'll always be ~itl ig so foolish to be any different. “Oh. but you certainly don't object to a MY QUEEN. broiled lobster and some beer after the per- formance, do you, Miss Marlowe?” asked a © new member of the cast. “I certainly do,’’ said Marion, quietly. “Lobster gives me bad dreams, and_ beer makes me bilious. But we were’speaking of eating with strangers after the show, Miss Chester. You surely do not approve of go- ing out with the ‘Johnnies ?’ “Oh, I wouldn’t object, if they were nice.” was the reply; and Miss Chester tossed her “When a girl is on the stage, she belongs to the pub- 7 blonde head in a disdainful manner. lic, and it is part of her duty to be nice to the ” ‘Johnnies.’ ‘Tam very sorry you think so,” said Mar- ion, soberly. “I am not a prude myself, but I do not think it proper to make promiscu- ous acquaintances. It is my art, if I have any, that: belongs to the public, not my per- sonality, my character or my conscience. These are mine, to have and to hold! | should not care to tarnish any one of them with any unladylike conduct.” The look of reproof wpon her face nettled | the vivacious blonde, and she tossed her heac| | more airily than ever. “The greatest actresses in the world are the most immoral,’ she said, stoutly, “A | woman cannot be a saint and succeed in this profession.” | “Some of our great actresses have been immoral, I admit,” answered Marion, soberly, “but I do not believe that their actions added anything to their genius. As for being a saint, that is a difficult thing to be in any profession; but I trust that, whatever my walk in life, I shall always be a true, upright ; . and self-respecting woman! Her eyes shone like stars as she said the words, and Miss Chester's cheeks flushed and é her glance wavered a little. ‘ “Tt would not do for any of my girls to unbecomingly, Miss EOmMmIghbooks:Eo conduct themselves