CHAPTER XV--AHOY! FOR THE STARS AND STRIPES AGAIN
Finally the tourists stopped at Nantes where the famous edict of Henrithe IVth was proclaimed in 1598. Then they drove on to Angers, with theold Chateau d' Angers, built by Louis IXth, about 1250.
They stopped over night at Angers and drove to Saumur the next day,where several pieces of rare old tapestry were seen in the ancientchurch of St. Pierre.
That night they reached Tours where they planned to stop, in order tomake an early start for Loches with its famous chateau. Adjoining thischateau was a thousand-year-old church of St. Ours which Mr. Fabiandesired to show the girls.
The old keeper of the church mentioned the Chateau of Amboise which wasonly a short distance further on the road and was said to be well worthvisiting. So they drove there and saw the chapel of St. Hubert which wasbuilt by Charles the VIIth. Here lies buried the remains of Leonardo daVinci, the famous painter.
While at St. Hubert's Chapel, the tourists heard of still anotherancient chateau of the 10th century, which was but a few miles furtheron, on the Loire. As this Chateau 'de Chaumont was only open to visitorson certain days and this day happened to be one of those days, theyvisited the place.
"My gracious!" exclaimed Mr. Alexander, when they came from the lastancient pile. "I'll be so glad to get back to Denver, where the oldesthouse is only half a century old, that I won't say a word if you'llagree to only use another precious week lookin' at these moldy old rocksand moss-back roofs."
His friends laughed, for they knew him well by this time. Mrs.Alexander, however, was not so thankful to go back to Denver, nor wasshe willing to see any more old chateaux. So she said: "Let's drive onto Paris where we have so much shopping to do."
"Oh no, Ma. The keeper of that last chateau told us there was the finestold place of all, a few miles on, so we want to see that as long as weare here," said Dodo.
"All right, then! You-all go on and see it, but I'll stay here,"declared Mrs. Alexander.
"I don't want to see any more ruins, Maggie, so s'pose you and I drivein your car and let Dodo drive the touring car to any old stone-heapthey want to visit," said Mr. Alexander.
"All right, Ebeneezer. I honestly believe I'd rather sit beside you, inmy new car, than have to limp around these old houses," sighed Mrs.Alexander.
Her words were not very gracious, but her spouse thought that, being herguest in the new car, was better than having to wait for hours outside aruin. So Dodo drove her friends on to the Chateau de Blois, and theyinspected the old place, then saw the famous stable that was built toaccommodate twelve hundred horses at one time.
"Here we are, but a short distance from Orleans--why not run over thereand visit the place, then drive back to Nantes to meet your father andmother," suggested Mr. Fabian.
"It seems too bad that we have to go all the way back for them, when weare so near Paris, now," said Dodo.
"Oh, but we haven't finished the most interesting section of France,yet!" exclaimed Eleanor, who had been looking over Mr. Fabian'sroad-map.
"In that case, I fear we will lose Ma for company," said Dodo,laughingly. "As we come nearer Paris, she is more impatient to reachthere. She may suddenly take it into her head to let her car skid alongthe road that leads away from us and straight for Paris."
From Nantes they drove straight on without stopping until Caens wasreached; Mr. Fabian pointed out various places along the road, and toldof famous historical facts in connection with them, but they did notvisit any of the scenes.
Caen, with its old churches and quaint buildings, was very interestingto the girls. Then at Bayeaux they went to see the wonderful Bayeauxtapestry which was wrought by Matilda and her Ladies in Waiting in 1062.This tapestry is two hundred and thirty feet long and twenty incheswide, but it pictures the most marvellous historical scenes everreproduced in weaving.
From Bayeaux they went to Mont St. Michel to see the eight hundredyear-old monastery which is so well preserved. Rouen, the capital ofNormandy, was the next stopping place on the itinerary, and here theysaw many ancient Norman houses as well as churches. But the principalpoint of interest for the girls, was the monument in Rouen, erected tothe memory of Joan of Arc, who was burned to death for her faith.
The night they spent at Rouen, Mr. Alexander had a serious talk with Mr.Fabian and his girls.
"You see, I want to please you-all, but Maggie won't stand for any moreof this gallivantin' around old churches. I'm gettin' awful tired of it,myself, but then I don't count much, anyway.
"Maggie says she's goin' right on to Paris, whether you-all do so ornot; and if I let her go there alone, she'll buy her head off with fineclothes, and then Dodo and me won't know what to do to cart them allback to the States. So I have to go with her in self-defense, youunderstand!"
They laughed at the worried expression on the little man's face, and Mr.Fabian said: "Well, Mr. Alex, we are through sight-seeing for this time,anyway, so we may as well run back to Paris when you do."
"Oh, that's good news! Almost as good as if I won the first prize in theLouisanny Lottery!" laughed Mr. Alexander, jocosely.
So they all drove to Paris, where Mr. Ashby was to meet them, in a fewdays. As Mr. Alexander deftly threaded the car in and out through thecongested traffic, he sighed and said: "I never thought I'd be so gladto see this good-for-nothin' town again. But I've been so tossed andtorn tourin' worst places, that even Paris looks good to me, now."
His friends laughed and his wife said: "Why, it is the most wonderfulcity in the world! I am going to enjoy myself all I can in the nextthree days."
"You'd better, Maggie! 'cause we are leavin' this wild town in justthree days' time!" declared Mr. Alexander.
"Why--where are you going, then?" asked Mrs. Alexander, surprised at herhusband's determined tone.
"Straight back to Denver, as fast as a ship and steam-cars will carryus!"
"Never! Why, Ebeneezer, I haven't succeeded in doing what I came overfor," argued Mrs. Alexander.
"No, thank goodness; and Dodo says she's standin' for a career now,"laughed Mr. Alexander. "I agree with her, and she can start right inthis Fall to study Interior Decoratin', if she likes."
Mrs. Alexander did not reply, and no one knew what she thought of Dodo'sdetermination, but when all the shopping was done, and Mr. Ashby metthem at the hotel, she seemed as anxious as the others, to start forhome.
"We are to pick up Ruth and Mrs. Ashby at Dover, you know," said Mr.Ashby, when he concluded his plans for the return home.
"Well, we have had a wonderful tour out of this summer. I never dreamedthere were so many marvellous things to see, in Europe," said Polly.
That evening, several letters were handed to the Fabian party, and amongthem was one for Polly and another for Eleanor. Polly's was stamped "OakCreek" and the hand-writing looked a deal like Tom Larimer's. ButEleanor's was from Denver and Dodo cried teasingly: "Oh, I recognizePaul Stewart's writing! It hasn't changed one bit since he was a boy andused to send me silly notes at school."
Eleanor laughed at that, but why should she blush? Polly gazedthoughtfully at her, and decided that Nolla must have no foolish loveaffair, yet--not even with Paul Stewart!
Then Eleanor caught Polly's eye and seemed to comprehend what waspassing through her mind. She quickly rose to the occasion.
"Polly, if I confess that my letter is from Paul, will you own up thatyours is from Tom--and tell us the truth about the American BeautyRoses?"
Polly became as crimson as the roses mentioned, and sent her chum a lookthat should have annihilated her. But Eleanor laughed.
That evening, as the merry party sat at dinner in the gay Parisiandining-room, Mr. Alexander suddenly sat up. His lower jaw dropped. Hewas opposite a wall-mirror and in its reflection he could see who camein at the door back of him.
He had been telling a funny incident of the tour and had but halffinished it, so his abrupt silence caused everyone to look at him. Hisexpression then made the others turn and look at what had ma
de himforget his story.
In the doorway stood Count Chalmys, looking around the room. Now hiseyes reached the American party at the round table and he smileddelightedly. In another moment he was across the room and bowing beforethe ladies.
Mr. Alexander grunted angrily and kept his eyes upon his plate. He neverwanted to see another man who had a title! But his wife made amends forhis apparent disregard for conventions. She made room beside herself andinsisted that the Count sit down and dine.
"I never had a pleasanter surprise," said he. "I expected to see theMarquis here, but I find my dear American friends, instead."
"Humph! What play are you acting in now, Count?" asked Mr. Alexander,shortly.
"That's what brought me to Paris. I was to meet the Marquis here, and weboth were to sail from Havre, day after tomorrow. We have accepted along engagement with a leading picture company in California, so I am togo across, at once," explained the Count, nothing daunted by Mr.Alexander's tone and aggressive manner.
"Oh really! How perfectly lovely for us all!" exclaimed Mrs. Alexander,clasping her hands in joy.
Then she turned to her daughter who seemed not to be giving as muchattention to the illustrious addition to the party, as Mrs. Alexanderthought proper.
"Dodo, _must_ you talk such nonsense with Polly when our dear Count iswith us and, most likely, has wonderful things to tell us of hisadventures since last we saw him at his beautiful palace?"
"Oh, I beg your pardon, Ma, but I didn't know the Count had saidanything to me," hastily returned Dodo.
"I really haven't, as yet, Miss Alexander, but there is every symptomthat something is being mulled over in my brain," was the merry retortfrom the Count.
"All the same, Dodo, I want you to give attention to the dear Count, nowthat he is with us, once more," said Mrs. Alexander, with such dignityas would suit the mother-in-law of a Count.
"Aye, aye, Sir!" laughed the irrepressible Dodo, bringing her right handto her forehead in a military salute.
"I joined the party, just now, merely to share a very felicitous secretwith you. One that I feel sure you will all be pleased to hear. Perhapsthe three young ladies in the group will be more interested in my secretthan the matrons," ventured Count Chalmys, with charmingself-consciousness.
Instantly, Mrs. Alexander interpreted the secret as one that meantsuccess to her strenuous endeavors to find a "title" for her daughter.She had heard that foreign nobility made no secret of love or proposals,but spoke to interested friends of intentions to marry, even before theyoung woman had been told or had accepted a proposal of marriage. This,then, must be what Count Chalmys was about to tell them.
"Oh, my _dear_ Count! Before you share that secret with every one,especially while the children are present, wouldn't you just as soonwait and have a private little chat with me?" gushed Mrs. Alexander,tapping him fondly on the cheek with her feather fan.
The Count stared at her in perplexity for he was not following her mood,nor did he give one fleeting thought to such foolishness as she endowedhim with entertaining.
"_You_ know, my dear Count! I am speaking of certain little personalmatters regarding settlements and such like, which I only can discusswith you, satisfactorily. After that, you can confide in the others, ifyou like. However, I should think you would speak to the one mostconcerned, before you mention it in public." Mrs. Alexander spoke inconfidential tones meant only for the Count's ear.
"My dear lady! I haven't the slightest idea what you mean. I was onlygoing to tell my good friends, here, that----"
"Yes, yes! I know what you were going to say, _dear_ Count," hastilyinterrupted Mrs. Alexander, "but allow me to advise you: Say nothinguntil after I have had a private talk with you. I am sure Dodo will lookat things very differently after I have had time to get your view-pointsand then tell them to her."
Count Chalmys began to receive light on the hitherto unenlighteningadvices from the earnest lady. He now had difficulty in hiding a broadsmile. But Mrs. Alexander paid no heed to him.
"You see, Count dear, we shall have several wonderful days on this tripacross, in which you can make the best of your opportunities with Dodo,but really, I think it wise to consult with me first."
"My dear Mrs. Alexander! won't you permit me to explain myself, beforeyou go deeper into this problem from which you will have chagrin infinding a pleasant way out?" asked the Count.
Mrs. Alexander gazed at him in frowning perplexity. "What is the happysecret you wished to share with us, if it is not your intention topropose to one of the young ladies in our party?"
"I am to have a third member in my party, this trip, although she is notone of the company in California," said the Count, smilingly. "I meanthe pretty girl who played in the picture in Venice. We were marriedlast week, and having settled all matters at Chalmys and leased theplace for a term, we will remain in the United States for a long time."
At this unexpected information, Mrs Alexander almost swooned, but herhusband seemed to change his manners as quickly as if they were oldclothes. He smiled cordially at the Count and suggested a toast to hisbride--but the toast was given with Ginger Ale.
That evening the Count introduced his Countess, and Mrs. Alexandergritted her teeth in impotent rage. "Oh, how nearly had she plucked thisprize for Dodo, and now he had married a plain little actress!" thoughtshe.
But she never knew that the Count had been attentive to his lady-lovefor three years before Mrs. Alexander ever met him. Had it not been forthe heavy debts of his Italian Estate, he would never have delayed hisproposal. Even as it was, he found happiness to be more important inlife than wealth and a palace.
The young countess was very pretty and promised to be a welcome additionto the group of young folks. Polly, Eleanor and Dodo liked herimmensely, from the moment they saw her charming smile as sheacknowledged the introductions. Evidently she was very glad to find anumber of young Americans of her own age with whom she could associateon the trip across the Atlantic.
Everyone but Mrs. Alexander, made the young couple feel very much atease. Ebeneezer Alexander saw and understood his wife's aloofness andstraightway he decided to speak a bit of his mind to her as soon as theywere in the shelter of their own suite at the hotel.
"Now, lem'me tell you what, Maggie! I ain't goin' to have you actin'like all get-out, just because Chalmys went and married the gal heloved, disappointin' you, thereby. Even if he had gone your way ofplannin', and ast Dodo to marry him, I'd have to say 'NO!' He's saved mefrom hurtin' his feelin's, see?"
Mrs. Alexander tried to stare her insignificant lord into silence, butthe little man had found his metal while traveling with appreciativepeople, and he was not to be downed any more by mere looks and emptywords from his wife.
"Yeh! you kin sit there and stare all you like but stares don't hurt andthey ain't changin' the case, at all. Dodo wasn't a-goin' to marry noone, not even if you cried your head off for it, 'cause she's made upher mind to try out decoratin' for a time. So you jest watch your p'sand q's when you're mixin' in with the Chalmys; and don't show yourignerence of perlite society by actin' upish and jealous as a cat."
Whether this sound advice actually had its effect upon Mrs. Alexander,or whether she forgot her chagrin, it is hard to say; but at all events,she smiled sweetly upon the Chalmys the next time she met them.
A few days later, the steamer stopped at Dover and Mr. Ashby wasdelighted to have his wife and Ruth with him again.
They were several days out, when Mrs. Alexander realized that CountChalmys was only an ordinary mortal! She thought over this revelationfor a time, and finally remarked to Dodo and the others: "I am so gladthe Count didn't fall in love with Dodo. The little dear would neverhave been happy with him."
"When did you discover that fact, Maggie?" asked her husband,quizzically.
"Why, a long time ago. I was so disgusted with folks who claim a title,and then turn out to be factory men like that Osgood family. And nowthis Count is nothing but a play-actor! Dodo will be far b
etter off ifshe falls in love with a first-class American, say I!"
"Hurrah, Maggie! You've opened your eyes at last!" cried little Mr.Alexander.
"But you will be made still happier, Ma, to hear that I am in love,now!" declared Dodo, teasingly.
"What! Who is he?" demanded her mother.
"Ask Eleanor and Polly. They introduced me to my future lord," giggledDodo.
"Oh, she means her career, Mrs. Alex," said Polly.
"Oh, Dodo!" wailed her mother. "You won't go to work, will you, whenyour father's worth a million dollars?"
"All the more reason for it! I'm going to marry a profession, just asPolly and Eleanor are, and we three are going to be the most famousdecorators in the world."
"And I am goin' to build a swell mansion in New York and turn thecontract for fixin's, over to these three partners!" declared little Mr.Alexander.
That trip across the Atlantic was a merry one for the girls, for the"Marquis" and his friend, aided by the Count and the young Countess,were a never failing source of entertainment for all. They mimicked andacted, whenever occasion offered, so that there was no time for dullcare or monotony.
While abroad, the Count had secured a small motion picture outfit; thiswas brought out and several amusing pictures made on the steamer. Theywere hastily developed and printed and shown at night, to thepassengers. It proved to be very interesting to see one's self on thescreen, acting and looking so very differently than one imagines himselfto act and look.
After the second attempt at this form of amusement, Polly made asuggestion.
"Wouldn't it be heaps of fun if each one of us were to go away, alone,and write a chapter of a story for the Count to film. It will be aregular hodge-podge!"
"Oh, that's great!" exclaimed Eleanor, eagerly.
The others seemed to think it would be entertaining, too, so the Countgave them a few important advices to note.
"Let us decide upon the characters, the plot, and the place, of thescenario; then each one write out a condensed chapter, or reel, of theplay. Follow these directions. Write your story in continuity; leave outall adjectives, but give us action as expressed by verbs; do not writemore than two hundred words in a reel, or chapter. If you find you havemore than that in your part of the programme, you'll have to cut itdown. And let each one remember to keep her personal work a profoundsecret. That will insure a surprise when the whole picture is reeledoff.
"Now, Miss Polly, you start the scenario, will you, and give us thefirst act, or reel. Then Miss Nolla will do the second act, or reel;Miss Ruth, the third; Miss Dodo, the fourth, Miss Fabian the fifth, andmy wife can wind up the play, or picture, by writing the final reel. Anyquestions?"
"Who are the characters?" asked Polly, laughingly.
"Why, ourselves, of course. Because we must act in the photoplay, yousee, in lieu of other performers. For instance, we will choose MissPolly as the star lead, Janet Schuyler, in the play; Miss Nolla will bethe vamp, Lois Miller, who is jealous of the lovely and prominentsociety girl; Miss Dodo will be the reporter, Miss Johnson, on a bigdaily paper who writes up the story for her paper; Miss Ruth can be thehard-working shop-girl, Esther Brown, who is made a scapegoat in thecase. Miss Nancy could be the head of the department in the store, MissBuskin, to whom the trouble is referred for adjustment; Alec will be thefloor-walker and the Marquis can be the young man Reginald Deane--unlessMiss Polly is too particular about her beaux."
This brought forth a laugh at Polly's expense.
"Mr. Ashby ought to make a good father for the society girl, and Mr.Alexander will make a good man to adjust the lighting apparatus. I willneed the artistic help of Mr. Fabian in directing the scenes while Ihave charge of the camera. Now, any more questions, before you go awayto start your writing?"
The Count was greatly interested in this plan for fun and, finding therewere too many questions instantly poured out for him to answer, he madea suggestion.
"Each one go and do the best you can, then come to me if you find anysnags too hard to remove from your literary pathway. I will have to goover each reel, anyway, when the whole is done."
For the rest of that morning, no one saw nor heard of either of theyoung people, but at luncheon, there was such a babel of voices that Mr.Fabian rapped upon the table and called all to order.
"Hear, hear! The camera-man wishes to say a word!" laughed the Count.
There was instant silence.
"I have been handed three chapters of the scenario and I wish to say, ifthe other three are as good as the first ones, we will have a thriller.In the words of the publicity man, we shall produce a 'gripping,heart-melting drama of unprecedented greatness and magnificence.' Forquintessence of perfection in pictures, this latest production of ourspromises to 'skin 'em' all to the bone.' Fellow-craftsmen! Go back toyour work as soon as this bit of sustenance for the inner man is over,and dream of the success your pen is bound to win!--the glory and honorabout to rest upon your noble brows for achieving such a great thing asthe breathless, throbbing, soul-moving, passionate story of 'Gladys theShop-Girl'!"
The amateur play-wrights laughed merrily at their manager's comment upontheir dramatic work, but they lost no time in gossiping at the table,that noon. Before the dessert had been served, the girls excusedthemselves and ran back to their work.
That evening all efforts were in Count Chalmys' hands and he wasbesieged for a report on the progress of the drama. He sent out wordthat he was to be left absolutely in peace for an hour and then he wouldappear with the hinged together chapters of a six-reel play.
After dinner, that night, a curious and impatient group of authors satin one of the smaller saloons, watching the Count assemble the pages ofthe scenario. He had actually typed them on his folding typewriter andnow came across the room, smiling encouragingly upon his company.
"Well, we haven't such a tame play as everyone thought we would be sureto produce. All told, you will find the six reels fit in pretty good,one to the other, in continuity, but I shall have to exchange thechapters by Nolla and Dodo, as to priority. 'Now listen, my children,and you shall hear' etc.--you know the rest!" The Count laughed as hesat down.
"A-hem!" he cleared his throat as a starter. "The name of the play hasbeen suggested by six writers, so I will have to have the title chosenby vote. A closed poll, probably, to avoid the usual fight in politics.First title:
"'Life's Thorny Road.' This was submitted by Ruth Ashby.
"'The Great Secret,' is the second title, given by Nolla.
"'His Easy Conquest,' is third, submitted by Rose Chalmys.
"'Her Friend's Husband,' is one suggested by Dodo Alexander.
"'Greatest Thing on Earth,' is given us by Nancy Fabian.
"'Just a Nobody,' is the one suggested by Polly Brewster. Now, friends,which of these titles do you think will draw the largest crowds and makethe production a certain success,--financially, of course. That is allthe corporations care about, you know."
Count Chalmys smiled as he noted the faces in the semi-circle about him.Then Mr. Fabian spoke.
"Will you have to take a vote on that? I believe we can decide thequestion without going to all the trouble of having a box and officersto guard the voting."
"How many are in favor of voting by a standing vote?" called the Count.Every hand went up.
"All right. Now, then, when I call off the different titles as they comein order, those in favor of said title please rise and remain standinguntil we can count."
The suggestion of there being any work attached to the counting of oneor two voters caused a ripple of merriment from the small group.
"How many favor title one, 'Life's Thorny Road'?"
Mr. and Mrs. Ashby stood up. Not even Ruth favored her own work but herdoting parents did. This caused a general laugh at their expense and sothey seated themselves, again.
"Who favors the second, 'The Great Secret'?" asked the amateur manager.
Nolla had faith in herself, and so had Polly. But two votes could not
carry the day, and they sat down again.
"Well, how about 'His Easy Conquest'? Who wants that?"
No one stood up at this title, and every one laughed at the Countess;she laughed more merrily than the others.
"Next comes, 'Her Friend's Husband'--by Dodo Alexander."
Dodo's father and Polly voted for this title, but they were over-ruledby the others.
"'Greatest Thing on Earth,' by Miss Fabian--how about that?"
No one stirred at that invitation to vote, and the Count laughinglyremarked, "Your talent is not appreciated, Miss Fabian.
"This is the last one, friends, and we have not yet had a majority ofvoters decide upon one of the others so you must be waiting for thisone! Now, who wants 'Just a Nobody'?"
At this, everyone but Polly stood up, and without further ado themanager acclaimed Polly's title as the prize-winner.
"All right, then; the photo-drama about to be played will be called'Just a Nobody,' title by Miss Polly Brewster; directed by ProfessorFabian; assisted by Mr. Alexander; Camera-man, Chalmys, etc., etc."
The very select audience laughed at the Count's mimicry of all thefirst-snaps of a feature play, in which every one is mentioned, even thepet cat or canary which stood near when the reels were run off.
"Now for the gist of this whole thing--the story. I will open thepicture by reading from Polly Brewster's chapter.
"'Janet Schuyler was a regulation young debutante in New York's socialcircle--snobbish, arrogant, vain. Young admirer worth millions, not inlove with her, but nearing that fatal crisis. Janet's mother, usualsocial aspirant for daughter,--father reverse of such qualities. Scenein large department store, Janet accuses meek young saleswoman of takingher purse which had been placed on counter a moment before. Girl,frightened, denies the charge. Mrs. Schuyler creates scene--buyer of thedepartment hurries to scene to defend girl. Mrs. S-- demandsfloor-walker to take girl to dressing room and search her for purse.Being prominent charge-customer, Mrs S-- has her way, and weeping Estheris forced to small sideroom to be ignominiously disrobed and carefullysearched.
"'At counter young vamp who stood near Janet Schuyler, leaves hurriedlyand is about to make for the door when a bright-looking young womanplaced detaining hand upon her arm. Vamp is persuaded to step to acorner of the store and answer questions, because she mistook woman forprivate store detective. Young woman, who is a reporter, takes notes ofmoment, then says peremptorily: 'Hand over that purse or you'll get morethan you want!' Vamp registers personal affront! Acts indignant.Reporter laughs, insists upon having purse. Vamp angry, threatens thelaw if she is detained. Reporter now ill at ease and lets vamp go.Hurries back to counter where Esther arrives, followed by gesticulatingaccuser and her daughter. Floor-walker promises to search further butinsists that accused girl was innocent of the theft.
"'Mrs. S-- and daughter turn to leave store when reporter accosts themand hands them her card. Says she will write up this negligence of theauthorities in a high-class shop. Mrs. S-- decides to punish the firmfor their carelessness and tells the reporter what she believes to bethe truth--purse was stolen by girl.
"'Miss Johnson, the young reporter, knows better than this, but assentswith lady. She determines to have a talk with Esther and find outwhether, or no, she saw the beaded purse claimed to have been stolen.
"'Esther tells how Miss S-- fumbled over many boxes of lace and thensaid to her mother: 'Wait here--I'll go across to the opposite counterand look at that net before I decide.' Then the society girl turned herback and stooped over the display of net and beaded trimming. No clerkwas near to wait on her, and the girl at the lace-counter was calledupon to serve another customer, and that kept her from watching JanetSchuyler.'"
This ended Polly's allotment of words in the scenario, and then theCount announced, "I will proceed to read Dodo's story because it fits inhere better than elsewhere in the script.
"'Pretty little shop-girl, while waiting for customer, has visions ofcomfortable home back on the farm. (Show scene of girl in rural life,walking home from district school-house with handsome lad offourteen--evidently admirer.) Esther sighs, as she remembers the dayReggie's father moved from the village to go to Texas to raise cattle.She had never heard again from Reggie, and believes he has forgotten herentirely.
"'Then comes Mrs. Schuyler and her daughter to look at laces. Estheroverhears society girl plan dress for conquest of young man, then hearsmother mention name of Deane--and tells daughter she must capture such aprize as the heir to his father's millions in oil-lands of theSouth-west. Esther, excited, is about to ask the two haughty ladies forReginald Deane's city address, when the floor-walker frowns upon her andthus ends her attempt to secure the desired information.
"'A young lady, waiting for her turn, watches the two rich customers andwhen they have gone she speaks to the shop-girl. 'Who are they?' Estherexplains by showing name of charge account and address. 'Well, I have myown opinion of them. I think they are nobodies, if you ask me. I've seenso many climbers that I can spot them at once.'
"'This opens a pleasant chat between the girl and the young journalist,Esther speaking of Reginald Deane, and Miss Johnson giving Esther hercard and asking her to come in some evening when she has nothing betterto do. Esther promises and watches while Miss Johnson leaves.
"'That evening, in her meagre little room, Esther takes up the cardagain, and dreams of an evening in the near future when she shall meetthe pleasant young woman, again.
"'Few days later--Esther receives invitation to small party at MissJohnson's bachelor apartment, and is duly elated over the event. Dressesin her best frock, which is simple voile, home-made, and starts out.Miss Johnson has two other young women and four young men present, whenEsther arrives and is introduced. One of the men gazes intently at her,during the evening, then whispers to his hostess, 'That girl reminds meof someone I know or have seen, and I can't place her.' Miss Johnsongives him Esther's history, and he exclaims 'That's it! She's theschool-girl my friend talks about--he has a picture of her taken yearsago when he lived in the country.'
"'Miss Johnson calls to Esther and tells her the news and the girl isthrilled at hearing where she can find Reginald, and then the young manpromises to bring him soon, to see Esther. Esther walks home withWilliam Stratford that night, talking of nothing but Reggie and theirschooldays. But she is not aware of Reggie's inheritance of millions ofdollars' worth of oil-wells.'
"The third installment by Ruth Ashby, works in here, all right, so Iwill read it," announced the Count, and continued his reading.
"'Miss Schuyler was giving a ball. Her new evening costume had not yetarrived from the exclusive importers on Fifth Avenue and she wasstorming around the house, driving everyone insane with her complaintsagainst the Frenchman.
"'The doorbell rang, Miss S-- waited in the front hall to see if itmight be a messenger with the gown. When she spied a meek little facepeering over the great box, she called insolently, 'Bring her right inhere, James. I want to give her a piece of my mind for dallying thisway!'
"'Frightened little Esther tip-toed across the rich rug and waited to betold to open the box and remove the gorgeous gown. She obeyed withtrembling fingers, kneeling upon the floor in order to undo the knot oftwine. As she did so, a young man entered the front door and was toldthat Miss Janet was in the small reception room. He started for thatroom without waiting to be announced.
"'The moment Janet saw the much desired young heir of millions, standingin the doorway, she hastily commanded the girl to stop removing thegown, for she did not wish to have her caller see the dress before theproper time that evening.
"'Janet Schuyler went forward to speak to the young man and Esther satback to rest and see who had interrupted the scene between herself andthe society girl. She was astounded to find that the young man was noother than her old school-mate, Reginald Deane, whom she had not heardof since they were children at school.
"'The moment Reginald recognized Esther, he ran forward and showed howdelighted he
was to meet her once more. He paid no heed to her shabbydress or meek behavior, but turned to introduce her to his younghostess. When he saw the expression of scorn and hauteur on Janet's facehe realized that she was not the sort of a girl he cared to have for awife, so he helped Esther to her feet and said politely to Janet, 'Iwill bid you good-afternoon, as I now have to escort my dear old friendto her home.'
"'Then the two went out leaving the haughty miss in a fury.'"
As the Count ended Ruth's chapter, there were smiles on the faces of theaudience, for it sounded exactly like Ruth--a genuine CinderellaChapter.
"Now I will read the next installment, written by Miss Fabian. I shallhave to edit more of this chapter in order to hinge it on to thepreceding one," explained the Count.
"'Lois Miller was not a vamp by choice but by force of circumstances.She was so pretty that she had found it difficult to secure a positionas saleslady in a store, for the reason that the other girls generallygot jealous of the attention paid her. When she was offered a minor partin a Chorus on the stage, she accepted, although the salary was no morethan enough to pay her room rent and scanty meals. For clothes to keepup appearances she had to rely on her wit and ability to make overthings.
"'By chance, she happened to be in the large store just when JanetSchuyler and her mother were shopping there. Then she overheard Mrs.Schuyler command the little saleslady, Esther Brown, to send the lacefor her daughter's evening gown with special messenger. The address wasgiven, and the two society ladies left the shop. Lois really had nothingto buy but she was killing time in the shops, hoping to gain someinformation that might give her a chance to earn some extra money.
"'She pondered over the name and address of the obviously rich ladies,then decided to try for a position, as companion, because the wretchedlife of an underpaid chorus girl was palling on her. As she turned toleave the shop, she found a bright-eyed young woman watching her.Instantly she thought of the private detective, but she was innocent ofcrime and she gave back the look with interest added.
"'As she went out she realized she was being followed, so she turned andsaid: Well, what do you want?'
"'"Aren't you Lois Miller? Used to be stenographer at the office of _TheEarth_?" asked the woman.
"'"Sure thing! But that was ages ago," retorted Lois.
"'"I knew you there. I was just breaking in. What are you doing, now,Lois? I've got something to unravel."
"'Before she knew it, Lois was commandeered to follow the shop-girl,Esther Brown, and find out all about her, as the reporter had heard of areward of $500 offered for news of the girl described, who came from NewHampshire. Miss Johnson agreed to go fifty-fifty with Lois if theshop-girl turned out to be the one they were looking for.
"'That is how Esther Brown met her rich husband and how Janet Schuylerlost a rich young admirer, and how Miss Johnson won not only the rewardReginald paid, but also had a fine story for her paper; and Lois Millerearned enough money to fit herself out in decent clothes and pay herarrears of room-rent and board.'
"Now comes the final reel, as written by Rose Chalmys," said the Count,waiting until the merriment over the various phases of Janet andEsther's reel life had subsided; then he continued:
"'Janet Schuyler, being under heavy obligations to the shop-girl forhaving saved her life from the hold-up men in the park, remembered howshe had snubbed the meek girl in the store, and had caused her to bereprimanded by the head of the department.
"'"I want you to come home with me, and receive my mother's thanks andmy father's reward for your bravery in defending me," said Janet,finally.
"'"I do not wish any reward for what I did, and your thanks are quitesufficient," murmured Esther.
"'The two girls walked along the street leading to the Schuyler home,however, and just before they reached the place, a sporty car drew up tothe curb and stopped suddenly. A young man sprang out and ran over togreet Janet Schuyler. She was delighted to see Reginald Deane, after thelong months he had been away from the city, but Deane could not take hiseyes from Janet's companion. It was her place to introduce the girl withher, yet she could not humble her pride to accept a salesgirl as herequal, and this she would do if she introduced her. Reginald ended thedoubt.
"'"Aren't you Esther Brown?" And the girl smiled as she replied, "Andyou are Reggie Deane, aren't you?"
"'Janet was forgotten after that, for the two who had been beaus inschooldays and had never heard from each other since Deane went to Texaswith his family, were so engrossed with each other.
"'Janet made the best of a bad bargain and invited both the young peopleto her home, but Esther pleaded her lack of time, and Deane offered tosee Esther to her home. Thus ended Janet's dream of capturing therichest young oil-financier in the country.'"
The young authors considered their work to be par-excellence, but theadults in the audience forbore to render an opinion.
"Of course, I shall have to edit, somewhat, but I think we may lookforward to having a very successful run of this picture," announced theCount, very seriously. "One important item is fortunate for thecompany--that is, we need not have costly costumes, nor scenes of CourtLife in Europe. Our little play is simple to stage and inexpensive inproduction.
"Now I will retire to the Studio and edit the scenario, but I wish allthe actors to be on time at the casting room at ten o'clock, sharp,tomorrow. Besides the star leads, I may need extras, so I would suggestthat any one desiring a part in this great melodrama, to report to mewhen we meet at the Studio." The Count looked at the adults as he spoke,and they smilingly accepted the invitation to be on hand to act assupers, in case of need.
Well, the six-reel production went on apace, and on the last night ofthe voyage, the photo-drama was presented to a crowded salon. It hadbeen suddenly decided to charge an entrance fee of a dollar each anddevote the proceeds to charity. This detracted not a whit from theentertainment, but rather added to it.
Many a laugh echoed through that salon, at the pathetic scenes in thestory, because of the amateur acting of the stars. In fact, the vamp wasso full of mischief while playing the heart-stirring drama of her lifewhen she was hungry and without a home, that the "pathos" acted upon theaudience as if it had been comedy.
The "Marquis" as Reggie Deane, made not reel, but real, love to EstherBrown in the picture; so much so that Mr. Ashby felt relieved to thinkthe two would never meet again, once the steamer landed at the New Yorkdock.
So with bright plans for the future, Polly and her chums spent the lastfew hours on the steamer, and were ready for their "career" before theylanded in New York City again.
THE END
Polly and Her Friends Abroad Page 15
