Marion Marlowe in Omaha, or, Held up by Accident — page 17: what you’re looking at

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

14 am only one. for the others,” “You are the whole show, up Bert, gallantly. 1. wish I could say as much Marion,” spoke “The public wouldn’t miss the rest of us if you supplied our places with dummies!” “Well, I like that, Bert Jackson!” cried Miss Allyn, laughingly. “Why, if I wasn’t to appear in that second act, the curtain would have to be rung down, and you know it as well as [ do.” ° “Yes, the audience would all wish to retire to give thanks,” murmured Bert, unabashed. “They’d come back againsas soon as they had relieved their feelings.” — “Just wait until I can» walk, and I'll pay ' you for that,” laughed Alma. “But really, Mr. ‘Deering, | would like ‘to r@ over my bitt 1 guess I have the ‘business’ down fine, until ~~ part. I am alittle shaky on the dialogue, ’” the entrance of She was obliged to stop suddenly, for some one was fairly pounding on the door. “The picturesque ranchman ?” muttered Miss Ellis, finishing out the’ sentence. ‘Beg yer pardon fer intrudin’,” said the jovial ¥oice, “but I wuz told in ther office that you wuz a-holdin’ er rehearsal. Now, I’m a stranger ter play actin’, but I’m all-fired coorus, an’ if ‘t won't be askin’ tew much, [’d . @like ter be ther audiunce.” CHAPTER VIL. , JEALOUSY. No such thing entered Mr, Temple’s head as to refuse the request; on the contrary, he - was overjoyed to see the old fellow. Such a.traveling companion as this was not easily forgotten, and, besigies, they were all anxious to know how he had effected his escape {rom the burning car, in which they had last seen him. The old fellow chuckled, but he would not tell just then. MY QUEEN, He declared that his “yarn” would keep, and he wanted to see that rehearsal. After the hand-shaking was over, the re- hearsal began, with the ranchman looking on in absolute wonder. Miss Allyn spoke her lines, and then Miss Ellis repeated them, as it was more than probable that she would have to play the part, ‘unless the injured ankles were much im- proved by the next evening. “Jackets” did a small part creditably, much to his mother’s delight, and then little Ruby lisped her baby lines so daintily that the old fellow was charmed. and insisted upon her sitting upon his knee immediately after. It was a jolly affair, and there was great joking and laughter. The presence of their strange friend, alive and ‘well, had put them all in a merry humor. Then there was an underctirrent of mis- chief running through it all, for had not the old ranchman avowed his intention of court- | ing Marion? He watched her with an expression of open admiration upen his features, even while he took an active interest in the doings and say- ‘ ings of the others. Then Marion and the aalier attempted to run over a scene together, but, before the tender passages were half spoken, there was a roar from the ranchman’s corner that al- most shook the ceiling. “Hold on, thar, mister!’ he cried out, as he “Be you two engaged or married, or what? Dashed if I like thet but ef you two air en- glared at the doctor. thar sort er thing; gaged, why thet settles ther hull biz! Th jest pick up stakes an’ get back ter Arizony.” “They are merely playing a part, don't vou understand 2?” said Mr. Temple, good na- turedly. “I can assure you, sir, they are not engaged, but all actors and actresses have to- play love parts occasionally.” “I reck'n thet’s so,” said the ranchman, (Elo) ; migovooKs com