Finally the tourists stopped at Nantes where the famous edict of Henri
the IVth was proclaimed in 1598. Then they drove on to Angers, with the
old 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 ancient
church of St. Pierre.
That night they reached Tours where they planned to stop, in order to
make an early start for Loches with its famous chateau. Adjoining this
chateau was a thousand-year-old church of St. Ours which Mr. Fabian
desired to show the girls.
The old keeper of the church mentioned the Chateau of Amboise which was
only a short distance further on the road and was said to be well worth
visiting. So they drove there and saw the chapel of St. Hubert which was
built by Charles the VIIth. Here lies buried the remains of Leonardo da
Vinci, the famous painter.
While at St. Hubert’s Chapel, the tourists heard of still another
ancient chateau of the 10th century, which was but a few miles further
on, on the Loire. As this Chateau ’de Chaumont was only open to visitors
on certain days and this day happened to be one of those days, they
visited the place.
“My gracious!” exclaimed Mr. Alexander, when they came from the last
ancient pile. “I’ll be so glad to get back to Denver, where the oldest
house is only half a century old, that I won’t say a word if you’ll
agree to only use another precious week lookin’ at these moldy old rocks
and 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 was
she willing to see any more old chateaux. So she said: “Let’s drive on
to Paris where we have so much shopping to do.”
“Oh no, Ma. The keeper of that last chateau told us there was the finest
old place of all, a few miles on, so we want to see that as long as we
are 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 drive
in your car and let Dodo drive the touring car to any old stone-heap
they want to visit,” said Mr. Alexander.
“All right, Ebeneezer. I honestly believe I’d rather sit beside you, in
my 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 her
guest in the new car, was better than having to wait for hours outside a
ruin. So Dodo drove her friends on to the Chateau de Blois, and they
inspected the old place, then saw the famous stable that was built to
accommodate twelve hundred horses at one time.
“Here we are, but a short distance from Orleans—why not run over there
and visit the place, then drive back to Nantes to meet your father and
mother,” suggested Mr. Fabian.
“It seems too bad that we have to go all the way back for them, when we
are 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’s
road-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 reach
there. She may suddenly take it into her head to let her car skid along
the road that leads away from us and straight for Paris.”
From Nantes they drove straight on without stopping until Caens was
reached; Mr. Fabian pointed out various places along the road, and told
of famous historical facts in connection with them, but they did not
visit any of the scenes.
Caen, with its old churches and quaint buildings, was very interesting
to the girls. Then at Bayeaux they went to see the wonderful Bayeaux
tapestry which was wrought by Matilda and her Ladies in Waiting in 1062.
This tapestry is two hundred and thirty feet long and twenty inches
wide, but it pictures the most marvellous historical scenes ever
reproduced in weaving.
From Bayeaux they went to Mont St. Michel to see the eight hundred
year-old monastery which is so well preserved. Rouen, the capital of
Normandy, was the next stopping place on the itinerary, and here they
saw many ancient Norman houses as well as churches. But the principal
point of interest for the girls, was the monument in Rouen, erected to
the 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 more
of 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 or
not; and if I let her go there alone, she’ll buy her head off with fine
clothes, and then Dodo and me won’t know what to do to cart them all
back to the States. So I have to go with her in self-defense, you
understand!”
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 the
Louisanny Lottery!” laughed Mr. Alexander, jocosely.
So they all drove to Paris, where Mr. Ashby was to meet them, in a few
days. As Mr. Alexander deftly threaded the car in and out through the
congested traffic, he sighed and said: “I never thought I’d be so glad
to see this good-for-nothin’ town again. But I’ve been so tossed and
torn tourin’ worst places, that even Paris looks good to me, now.”
His friends laughed and his wife said: “Why, it is the most wonderful
city in the world! I am going to enjoy myself all I can in the next
three days.”
“You’d better, Maggie! ’cause we are leavin’ this wild town in just
three days’ time!” declared Mr. Alexander.
“Why—where are you going, then?” asked Mrs. Alexander, surprised at her
husband’s determined tone.
“Straight back to Denver, as fast as a ship and steam-cars will carry
us!”
“Never! Why, Ebeneezer, I haven’t succeeded in doing what I came over
for,” 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 in
this Fall to study Interior Decoratin’, if she likes.”
Mrs. Alexander did not reply, and no one knew what she thought of Dodo’s
determination, but when all the shopping was done, and Mr. Ashby met
them at the hotel, she seemed as anxious as the others, to start for
home.
“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 dreamed
there were so many marvellous things to see, in Europe,” said Polly.
That evening, several letters were handed to the Fabian party, and among
them was one for Polly and another for Eleanor. Polly’s was stamped “Oak
Creek” and the hand-writing looked a deal like Tom Larimer’s. But
Eleanor’s was from Denver and Dodo cried teasingly: “Oh, I recognize
Paul Stewart’s writing! It hasn’t changed one bit since he was a boy and
used to send me silly notes at school.”
Eleanor laughed at that, but why should she blush? Polly gazed
thoughtfully at her, and decided that Nolla must have no foolish love
affair, yet—not even with Paul Stewart!
Then Eleanor caught Polly’s eye and seemed to comprehend what was
passing through her mind. She quickly rose to the occasion.
“Polly, if I confess that my letter is from Paul, will you own up that
yours is from Tom—and tell us the truth about the American Beauty
Roses?”
Polly became as crimson as the roses mentioned, and sent her chum a look
that should have annihilated her. But Eleanor laughed.
That evening, as the merry party sat at dinner in the gay Parisian
dining-room, Mr. Alexander suddenly sat up. His lower jaw dropped. He
was opposite a wall-mirror and in its reflection he could see who came
in at the door back of him.
He had been telling a funny incident of the tour and had but half
finished it, so his abrupt silence caused everyone to look at him. His
expression then made the others turn and look at what had made him
forget his story.
In the doorway stood Count Chalmys, looking around the room. Now his
eyes reached the American party at the round table and he smiled
delightedly. In another moment he was across the room and bowing before
the ladies.
Mr. Alexander grunted angrily and kept his eyes upon his plate. He never
wanted to see another man who had a title! But his wife made amends for
his apparent disregard for conventions. She made room beside herself and
insisted that the Count sit down and dine.
“I never had a pleasanter surprise,” said he. “I expected to see the
Marquis 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 we
both were to sail from Havre, day after tomorrow. We have accepted a
long engagement with a leading picture company in California, so I am to
go 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 much
attention to the illustrious addition to the party, as Mrs. Alexander
thought proper.
“Dodo, _must_ you talk such nonsense with Polly when our dear Count is
with us and, most likely, has wonderful things to tell us of his
adventures since last we saw him at his beautiful palace?”
“Oh, I beg your pardon, Ma, but I didn’t know the Count had said
anything to me,” hastily returned Dodo.
“I really haven’t, as yet, Miss Alexander, but there is every symptom
that something is being mulled over in my brain,” was the merry retort
from the Count.
“All the same, Dodo, I want you to give attention to the dear Count, now
that he is with us, once more,” said Mrs. Alexander, with such dignity
as would suit the mother-in-law of a Count.
“Aye, aye, Sir!” laughed the irrepressible Dodo, bringing her right hand
to her forehead in a military salute.
“I joined the party, just now, merely to share a very felicitous secret
with you. One that I feel sure you will all be pleased to hear. Perhaps
the three young ladies in the group will be more interested in my secret
than the matrons,” ventured Count Chalmys, with charming
self-consciousness.
Instantly, Mrs. Alexander interpreted the secret as one that meant
success 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 the
young 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 soon
wait 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 endowed
him with entertaining.
“_You_ know, my dear Count! I am speaking of certain little personal
matters regarding settlements and such like, which I only can discuss
with you, satisfactorily. After that, you can confide in the others, if
you like. However, I should think you would speak to the one most
concerned, before you mention it in public.” Mrs. Alexander spoke in
confidential tones meant only for the Count’s ear.
“My dear lady! I haven’t the slightest idea what you mean. I was only
going to tell my good friends, here, that——”
“Yes, yes! I know what you were going to say, _dear_ Count,” hastily
interrupted Mrs. Alexander, “but allow me to advise you: Say nothing
until after I have had a private talk with you. I am sure Dodo will look
at things very differently after I have had time to get your view-points
and then tell them to her.”
Count Chalmys began to receive light on the hitherto unenlightening
advices from the earnest lady. He now had difficulty in hiding a broad
smile. But Mrs. Alexander paid no heed to him.
“You see, Count dear, we shall have several wonderful days on this trip
across, 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, before
you go deeper into this problem from which you will have chagrin in
finding a pleasant way out?” asked the Count.
Mrs. Alexander gazed at him in frowning perplexity. “What is the happy
secret you wished to share with us, if it is not your intention to
propose to one of the young ladies in our party?”
“I am to have a third member in my party, this trip, although she is not
one of the company in California,” said the Count, smilingly. “I mean
the pretty girl who played in the picture in Venice. We were married
last week, and having settled all matters at Chalmys and leased the
place for a term, we will remain in the United States for a long time.”
At this unexpected information, Mrs Alexander almost swooned, but her
husband seemed to change his manners as quickly as if they were old
clothes. He smiled cordially at the Count and suggested a toast to his
bride—but the toast was given with Ginger Ale.
That evening the Count introduced his Countess, and Mrs. Alexander
gritted her teeth in impotent rage. “Oh, how nearly had she plucked this
prize for Dodo, and now he had married a plain little actress!” thought
she.
But she never knew that the Count had been attentive to his lady-love
for three years before Mrs. Alexander ever met him. Had it not been for
the heavy debts of his Italian Estate, he would never have delayed his
proposal. Even as it was, he found happiness to be more important in
life than wealth and a palace.
The young countess was very pretty and promised to be a welcome addition
to the group of young folks. Polly, Eleanor and Dodo liked her
immensely, from the moment they saw her charming smile as she
acknowledged the introductions. Evidently she was very glad to find a
number of young Americans of her own age with whom she could associate
on the trip across the Atlantic.
Everyone but Mrs. Alexander, made the young couple feel very much at
ease. Ebeneezer Alexander saw and understood his wife’s aloofness and
straightway he decided to speak a bit of his mind to her as soon as they
were 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 he
loved, disappointin’ you, thereby. Even if he had gone your way of
plannin’, and ast Dodo to marry him, I’d have to say ‘NO!’ He’s saved me
from hurtin’ his feelin’s, see?”
Mrs. Alexander tried to stare her insignificant lord into silence, but
the little man had found his metal while traveling with appreciative
people, and he was not to be downed any more by mere looks and empty
words from his wife.
“Yeh! you kin sit there and stare all you like but stares don’t hurt and
they ain’t changin’ the case, at all. Dodo wasn’t a-goin’ to marry no
one, not even if you cried your head off for it, ’cause she’s made up
her mind to try out decoratin’ for a time. So you jest watch your p’s
and q’s when you’re mixin’ in with the Chalmys; and don’t show your
ignerence 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 was
delighted to have his wife and Ruth with him again.
They were several days out, when Mrs. Alexander realized that Count
Chalmys was only an ordinary mortal! She thought over this revelation
for a time, and finally remarked to Dodo and the others: “I am so glad
the Count didn’t fall in love with Dodo. The little dear would never
have 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 now
this Count is nothing but a play-actor! Dodo will be far better off if
she 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,” giggled
Dodo.
“Oh, she means her career, Mrs. Alex,” said Polly.
“Oh, Dodo!” wailed her mother. “You won’t go to work, will you, when
your father’s worth a million dollars?”
“All the more reason for it! I’m going to marry a profession, just as
Polly and Eleanor are, and we three are going to be the most famous
decorators in the world.”
“And I am goin’ to build a swell mansion in New York and turn the
contract 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 and
acted, whenever occasion offered, so that there was no time for dull
care or monotony.
While abroad, the Count had secured a small motion picture outfit; this
was brought out and several amusing pictures made on the steamer. They
were hastily developed and printed and shown at night, to the
passengers. It proved to be very interesting to see one’s self on the
screen, acting and looking so very differently than one imagines himself
to act and look.
After the second attempt at this form of amusement, Polly made a
suggestion.
“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 a
regular hodge-podge!”
“Oh, that’s great!” exclaimed Eleanor, eagerly.
The others seemed to think it would be entertaining, too, so the Count
gave them a few important advices to note.
“Let us decide upon the characters, the plot, and the place, of the
scenario; then each one write out a condensed chapter, or reel, of the
play. Follow these directions. Write your story in continuity; leave out
all adjectives, but give us action as expressed by verbs; do not write
more than two hundred words in a reel, or chapter. If you find you have
more than that in your part of the programme, you’ll have to cut it
down. And let each one remember to keep her personal work a profound
secret. That will insure a surprise when the whole picture is reeled
off.
“Now, Miss Polly, you start the scenario, will you, and give us the
first 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, and
my wife can wind up the play, or picture, by writing the final reel. Any
questions?”
“Who are the characters?” asked Polly, laughingly.
“Why, ourselves, of course. Because we must act in the photoplay, you
see, in lieu of other performers. For instance, we will choose Miss
Polly as the star lead, Janet Schuyler, in the play; Miss Nolla will be
the vamp, Lois Miller, who is jealous of the lovely and prominent
society girl; Miss Dodo will be the reporter, Miss Johnson, on a big
daily paper who writes up the story for her paper; Miss Ruth can be the
hard-working shop-girl, Esther Brown, who is made a scapegoat in the
case. Miss Nancy could be the head of the department in the store, Miss
Buskin, to whom the trouble is referred for adjustment; Alec will be the
floor-walker and the Marquis can be the young man Reginald Deane—unless
Miss 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 will
need the artistic help of Mr. Fabian in directing the scenes while I
have charge of the camera. Now, any more questions, before you go away
to start your writing?”
The Count was greatly interested in this plan for fun and, finding there
were too many questions instantly poured out for him to answer, he made
a suggestion.
“Each one go and do the best you can, then come to me if you find any
snags too hard to remove from your literary pathway. I will have to go
over each reel, anyway, when the whole is done.”
For the rest of that morning, no one saw nor heard of either of the
young 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, if
the 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.’ For
quintessence of perfection in pictures, this latest production of ours
promises to ‘skin ’em’ all to the bone.’ Fellow-craftsmen! Go back to
your 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 honor
about to rest upon your noble brows for achieving such a great thing as
the breathless, throbbing, soul-moving, passionate story of ‘Gladys the
Shop-Girl’!”
The amateur play-wrights laughed merrily at their manager’s comment upon
their dramatic work, but they lost no time in gossiping at the table,
that noon. Before the dessert had been served, the girls excused
themselves and ran back to their work.
That evening all efforts were in Count Chalmys’ hands and he was
besieged for a report on the progress of the drama. He sent out word
that he was to be left absolutely in peace for an hour and then he would
appear with the hinged together chapters of a six-reel play.
After dinner, that night, a curious and impatient group of authors sat
in one of the smaller saloons, watching the Count assemble the pages of
the scenario. He had actually typed them on his folding typewriter and
now came across the room, smiling encouragingly upon his company.
“Well, we haven’t such a tame play as everyone thought we would be sure
to 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 the
chapters by Nolla and Dodo, as to priority. ‘Now listen, my children,
and you shall hear’ etc.—you know the rest!” The Count laughed as he
sat down.
“A-hem!” he cleared his throat as a starter. “The name of the play has
been suggested by six writers, so I will have to have the title chosen
by 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 make
the production a certain success,—financially, of course. That is all
the 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 the
question without going to all the trouble of having a box and officers
to 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 come
in order, those in favor of said title please rise and remain standing
until we can count.”
The suggestion of there being any work attached to the counting of one
or 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 her
doting parents did. This caused a general laugh at their expense and so
they 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-ruled
by the others.
“‘Greatest Thing on Earth,’ by Miss Fabian—how about that?”
No one stirred at that invitation to vote, and the Count laughingly
remarked, “Your talent is not appreciated, Miss Fabian.
“This is the last one, friends, and we have not yet had a majority of
voters decide upon one of the others so you must be waiting for this
one! Now, who wants ‘Just a Nobody’?”
At this, everyone but Polly stood up, and without further ado the
manager 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 Professor
Fabian; assisted by Mr. Alexander; Camera-man, Chalmys, etc., etc.”
The very select audience laughed at the Count’s mimicry of all the
first-snaps of a feature play, in which every one is mentioned, even the
pet 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 the
picture by reading from Polly Brewster’s chapter.
“‘Janet Schuyler was a regulation young debutante in New York’s social
circle—snobbish, arrogant, vain. Young admirer worth millions, not in
love with her, but nearing that fatal crisis. Janet’s mother, usual
social aspirant for daughter,—father reverse of such qualities. Scene
in large department store, Janet accuses meek young saleswoman of taking
her purse which had been placed on counter a moment before. Girl,
frightened, denies the charge. Mrs. Schuyler creates scene—buyer of the
department hurries to scene to defend girl. Mrs. S— demands
floor-walker to take girl to dressing room and search her for purse.
Being prominent charge-customer, Mrs S— has her way, and weeping Esther
is forced to small sideroom to be ignominiously disrobed and carefully
searched.
“‘At counter young vamp who stood near Janet Schuyler, leaves hurriedly
and is about to make for the door when a bright-looking young woman
placed detaining hand upon her arm. Vamp is persuaded to step to a
corner of the store and answer questions, because she mistook woman for
private store detective. Young woman, who is a reporter, takes notes of
moment, then says peremptorily: ‘Hand over that purse or you’ll get more
than you want!’ Vamp registers personal affront! Acts indignant.
Reporter laughs, insists upon having purse. Vamp angry, threatens the
law if she is detained. Reporter now ill at ease and lets vamp go.
Hurries back to counter where Esther arrives, followed by gesticulating
accuser and her daughter. Floor-walker promises to search further but
insists that accused girl was innocent of the theft.
“‘Mrs. S— and daughter turn to leave store when reporter accosts them
and hands them her card. Says she will write up this negligence of the
authorities in a high-class shop. Mrs. S— decides to punish the firm
for their carelessness and tells the reporter what she believes to be
the truth—purse was stolen by girl.
“‘Miss Johnson, the young reporter, knows better than this, but assents
with lady. She determines to have a talk with Esther and find out
whether, or no, she saw the beaded purse claimed to have been stolen.
“‘Esther tells how Miss S— fumbled over many boxes of lace and then
said to her mother: ‘Wait here—I’ll go across to the opposite counter
and look at that net before I decide.’ Then the society girl turned her
back and stooped over the display of net and beaded trimming. No clerk
was near to wait on her, and the girl at the lace-counter was called
upon to serve another customer, and that kept her from watching Janet
Schuyler.’”
This ended Polly’s allotment of words in the scenario, and then the
Count announced, “I will proceed to read Dodo’s story because it fits in
here better than elsewhere in the script.
“‘Pretty little shop-girl, while waiting for customer, has visions of
comfortable home back on the farm. (Show scene of girl in rural life,
walking home from district school-house with handsome lad of
fourteen—evidently admirer.) Esther sighs, as she remembers the day
Reggie’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 her
entirely.
“‘Then comes Mrs. Schuyler and her daughter to look at laces. Esther
overhears society girl plan dress for conquest of young man, then hears
mother mention name of Deane—and tells daughter she must capture such a
prize as the heir to his father’s millions in oil-lands of the
South-west. Esther, excited, is about to ask the two haughty ladies for
Reginald Deane’s city address, when the floor-walker frowns upon her and
thus ends her attempt to secure the desired information.
“‘A young lady, waiting for her turn, watches the two rich customers and
when they have gone she speaks to the shop-girl. ‘Who are they?’ Esther
explains by showing name of charge account and address. ‘Well, I have my
own opinion of them. I think they are nobodies, if you ask me. I’ve seen
so 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 her
card and asking her to come in some evening when she has nothing better
to do. Esther promises and watches while Miss Johnson leaves.
“‘That evening, in her meagre little room, Esther takes up the card
again, and dreams of an evening in the near future when she shall meet
the pleasant young woman, again.
“‘Few days later—Esther receives invitation to small party at Miss
Johnson’s bachelor apartment, and is duly elated over the event. Dresses
in her best frock, which is simple voile, home-made, and starts out.
Miss Johnson has two other young women and four young men present, when
Esther arrives and is introduced. One of the men gazes intently at her,
during the evening, then whispers to his hostess, ‘That girl reminds me
of someone I know or have seen, and I can’t place her.’ Miss Johnson
gives him Esther’s history, and he exclaims ‘That’s it! She’s the
school-girl my friend talks about—he has a picture of her taken years
ago when he lived in the country.’
“‘Miss Johnson calls to Esther and tells her the news and the girl is
thrilled at hearing where she can find Reginald, and then the young man
promises to bring him soon, to see Esther. Esther walks home with
William Stratford that night, talking of nothing but Reggie and their
schooldays. But she is not aware of Reggie’s inheritance of millions of
dollars’ worth of oil-wells.’
“The third installment by Ruth Ashby, works in here, all right, so I
will read it,” announced the Count, and continued his reading.
“‘Miss Schuyler was giving a ball. Her new evening costume had not yet
arrived from the exclusive importers on Fifth Avenue and she was
storming around the house, driving everyone insane with her complaints
against the Frenchman.
“‘The doorbell rang, Miss S— waited in the front hall to see if it
might be a messenger with the gown. When she spied a meek little face
peering over the great box, she called insolently, ‘Bring her right in
here, James. I want to give her a piece of my mind for dallying this
way!’
“‘Frightened little Esther tip-toed across the rich rug and waited to be
told to open the box and remove the gorgeous gown. She obeyed with
trembling fingers, kneeling upon the floor in order to undo the knot of
twine. As she did so, a young man entered the front door and was told
that Miss Janet was in the small reception room. He started for that
room without waiting to be announced.
“‘The moment Janet saw the much desired young heir of millions, standing
in the doorway, she hastily commanded the girl to stop removing the
gown, for she did not wish to have her caller see the dress before the
proper time that evening.
“‘Janet Schuyler went forward to speak to the young man and Esther sat
back to rest and see who had interrupted the scene between herself and
the society girl. She was astounded to find that the young man was no
other than her old school-mate, Reginald Deane, whom she had not heard
of since they were children at school.
“‘The moment Reginald recognized Esther, he ran forward and showed how
delighted he was to meet her once more. He paid no heed to her shabby
dress or meek behavior, but turned to introduce her to his young
hostess. When he saw the expression of scorn and hauteur on Janet’s face
he realized that she was not the sort of a girl he cared to have for a
wife, so he helped Esther to her feet and said politely to Janet, ‘I
will bid you good-afternoon, as I now have to escort my dear old friend
to 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 the
audience, for it sounded exactly like Ruth—a genuine Cinderella
Chapter.
“Now I will read the next installment, written by Miss Fabian. I shall
have to edit more of this chapter in order to hinge it on to the
preceding 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 position
as saleslady in a store, for the reason that the other girls generally
got jealous of the attention paid her. When she was offered a minor part
in a Chorus on the stage, she accepted, although the salary was no more
than enough to pay her room rent and scanty meals. For clothes to keep
up appearances she had to rely on her wit and ability to make over
things.
“‘By chance, she happened to be in the large store just when Janet
Schuyler and her mother were shopping there. Then she overheard Mrs.
Schuyler command the little saleslady, Esther Brown, to send the lace
for her daughter’s evening gown with special messenger. The address was
given, and the two society ladies left the shop. Lois really had nothing
to buy but she was killing time in the shops, hoping to gain some
information 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 wretched
life of an underpaid chorus girl was palling on her. As she turned to
leave the shop, she found a bright-eyed young woman watching her.
Instantly she thought of the private detective, but she was innocent of
crime and she gave back the look with interest added.
“‘As she went out she realized she was being followed, so she turned and
said: Well, what do you want?’
“‘“Aren’t you Lois Miller? Used to be stenographer at the office of _The
Earth_?” 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 a
reward of $500 offered for news of the girl described, who came from New
Hampshire. Miss Johnson agreed to go fifty-fifty with Lois if the
shop-girl turned out to be the one they were looking for.
“‘That is how Esther Brown met her rich husband and how Janet Schuyler
lost a rich young admirer, and how Miss Johnson won not only the reward
Reginald paid, but also had a fine story for her paper; and Lois Miller
earned enough money to fit herself out in decent clothes and pay her
arrears 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 and
Esther’s reel life had subsided; then he continued:
“‘Janet Schuyler, being under heavy obligations to the shop-girl for
having saved her life from the hold-up men in the park, remembered how
she had snubbed the meek girl in the store, and had caused her to be
reprimanded by the head of the department.
“‘“I want you to come home with me, and receive my mother’s thanks and
my 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 quite
sufficient,” 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 to
the curb and stopped suddenly. A young man sprang out and ran over to
greet Janet Schuyler. She was delighted to see Reginald Deane, after the
long months he had been away from the city, but Deane could not take his
eyes from Janet’s companion. It was her place to introduce the girl with
her, yet she could not humble her pride to accept a salesgirl as her
equal, and this she would do if she introduced her. Reginald ended the
doubt.
“‘“Aren’t you Esther Brown?” And the girl smiled as she replied, “And
you are Reggie Deane, aren’t you?”
“‘Janet was forgotten after that, for the two who had been beaus in
schooldays and had never heard from each other since Deane went to Texas
with his family, were so engrossed with each other.
“‘Janet made the best of a bad bargain and invited both the young people
to her home, but Esther pleaded her lack of time, and Deane offered to
see Esther to her home. Thus ended Janet’s dream of capturing the
richest young oil-financier in the country.’“
The young authors considered their work to be par-excellence, but the
adults in the audience forbore to render an opinion.
“Of course, I shall have to edit, somewhat, but I think we may look
forward to having a very successful run of this picture,” announced the
Count, very seriously. “One important item is fortunate for the
company—that is, we need not have costly costumes, nor scenes of Court
Life in Europe. Our little play is simple to stage and inexpensive in
production.
“Now I will retire to the Studio and edit the scenario, but I wish all
the 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 suggest
that any one desiring a part in this great melodrama, to report to me
when 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 as
supers, in case of need.
Well, the six-reel production went on apace, and on the last night of
the voyage, the photo-drama was presented to a crowded salon. It had
been suddenly decided to charge an entrance fee of a dollar each and
devote the proceeds to charity. This detracted not a whit from the
entertainment, but rather added to it.
Many a laugh echoed through that salon, at the pathetic scenes in the
story, because of the amateur acting of the stars. In fact, the vamp was
so full of mischief while playing the heart-stirring drama of her life
when she was hungry and without a home, that the “pathos” acted upon the
audience as if it had been comedy.
The “Marquis” as Reggie Deane, made not reel, but real, love to Esther
Brown in the picture; so much so that Mr. Ashby felt relieved to think
the two would never meet again, once the steamer landed at the New York
dock.
So with bright plans for the future, Polly and her chums spent the last
few hours on the steamer, and were ready for their “career” before they
landed in New York City again.
THE END
AMY BELL MARLOWE’S BOOKS FOR GIRLS
Charming, Fresh and Original Stories
Illustrated. Wrappers printed in colors with individual design for each
story
Miss Marlowe’s books for girls are somewhat of the type of Miss Alcott
and also Mrs. Meade; but all are thoroughly up-to-date and wholly
American in scene and action. Good, clean absorbing tales that all girls
thoroughly enjoy.
THE OLDEST OF FOUR; Or, Natalie’s Way Out.
A sweet story of the struggles of a live girl to keep a family from
want
THE GIRLS AT HILLCREST FARM; Or, The Secret of the Rocks.
Relating the trials of two girls who take boarders on an old farm.
A LITTLE MISS NOBODY; Or, With the Girls of Pinewood Hall.
Tells of a school girl who was literally a nobody until she solved
the mystery of her identity.
THE GIRL FROM SUNSET RANCH; Or, Alone in a Great City.
A ranch girl comes to New York to meet relatives she has never seen.
Her adventures make unusually good reading.
WYN’S CAMPING DAYS; Or, The Outing of the GO-AHEAD CLUB.
A tale of happy days on the water and under canvas, with a touch of
mystery and considerable excitement.
FRANCES OF THE RANGES; Or, The Old Ranchman’s Treasure.
A vivid picture of life on the great cattle ranges of the West
THE GIRLS OF RIVERCLIFF SCHOOL; Or, Beth Baldwin’s Resolve.
This is one of the most entertaining stories centering about a
girl’s school that has ever been written.
WHEN ORIOLE CAME TO HARBOR LIGHT.
The story of a young girl, cast up by the sea, and rescued by an old
lighthouse keeper.
WHEN ORIOLE TRAVELED WESTWARD.
Oriole visits the family of a rich ranchman and enjoys herself
immensely.
Grosset & Dunlap, Publishers, New York
THE POLLY BREWSTER SERIES
By LILLIAN ELIZABETH ROY
Durably Bound. Illustrated. Colored Wrappers.
Every Volume Complete in Itself.
A delightful series for girls in which they will follow Polly and
Eleanor through many interesting adventures and enjoyable trips.
Polly of Pebbly Pit
Tells about a Rocky Mountain ranch girl and her many adventures.
Polly and Eleanor
Eleanor Maynard visits Polly at the Ranch and they have lively
times.
Polly in New York
Polly and Eleanor visit New York and have a number of very
interesting experiences.
Polly and Her Friends Abroad
The girls go abroad and spend most of their time with other American
travelers.
Polly’s Business Venture
Polly and Eleanor take up interior decorating. They attend sales of
antiques and incidentally fall in love.
Polly’s Southern Cruise
A hurricane and cloud-burst threatens to swamp the vessel in which
Polly and her friends take this trip.
Polly in South America
Polly and her friends land at many funny old towns and have several
exciting adventures not altogether pleasant.
GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK
CAROLYN WELLS BOOKS
May be had wherever books are sold. Ask for Grosset & Dunlap’s list
THE MARJORIE BOOKS
Happy Books For Happy Girls
Marjorie is a happy little girl of twelve, up to mischief, but full of
goodness and sincerity. In her and her friends every girl reader will
see much cf her own love of fun, play and adventure.
This series is the American Girl’s very own. Each book is attractively
bound in cloth, and wrapped in a charming colored individual wrapper.
Marjorie’s Vacation
Marjorie’s New Friend
Marjorie’s Maytime
Marjorie’s Busy Day
Marjorie in Command
Marjorie at Seacote
THE TWO LITTLE WOMEN SERIES
Miss Carolyn Wells here introduces Dorinda Fayre—a pretty blonde,
sweet, serious, timid and a little slow, and Dorothy Rose—a sparkling
brunette, quick, elf-like, high tempered, full of mischief and always
getting into scrapes.
Two Little Women
Two Little Women on a Holiday
Two Little Women and Treasure House
THE DICK AND DOLLY BOOKS
Dick and Dolly are brother and sister, and their games, their pranks,
their joys and sorrows, are told in a manner which makes the stories
“really true” to young readers.
Dick and Dolly
Dick and Dolly’s Adventures
GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK
THE BOBBSEY TWINS BOOKS
For Little Men and Women
By LAURA LEE HOPE
Author of “The Bunny Brown Series,” Etc.
Durably Bound. Illustrated. Uniform Style of Binding.
Every Volume Complete in Itself.
These books for boys and girls between the ages of three and ten stands
among children and their parents of this generation where the books of
Louisa May Alcott stood in former days. The haps and mishaps of this
inimitable pair of twins, their many adventures and experiences are a
source of keen delight to imaginative children everywhere.
THE BOBBSEY TWINS
THE BOBBSEY TWINS IN THE COUNTRY
THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT THE SEASHORE
THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT SCHOOL
THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT SNOW LODGE
THE BOBBSEY TWINS ON A HOUSEBOAT
THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT MEADOW BROOK
THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT HOME
THE BOBBSEY TWINS IN A GREAT CITY
THE BOBBSEY TWINS ON BLUEBERRY ISLAND
THE BOBBSEY TWINS ON THE DEEP BLUE SEA
THE BOBBSEY TWINS IN THE GREAT WEST
THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT CEDAR CAMP
THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT THE COUNTY FAIR
THE BOBBSEY TWINS CAMPING OUT
THE BOBBSEY TWINS AND BABY MAY
GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK
THE BUNNY BROWN SERIES
By LAURA LEE HOPE
Author of the Popular “Bobbsey Twins” Books, Etc.
Durably Bound. Illustrated. Uniform Style of Binding.
Every Volume Complete in Itself.
These stories by the author of the “Bobbsey Twins” Books are eagerly
welcomed by the little folks from about five to ten years of age. Their
eyes fairly dance with delight at the lively doings of inquisitive
little Bunny Brown and his cunning, trustful sister Sue.
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE ON GRANDPA’S FARM
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE PLAYING CIRCUS
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AT CAMP REST-A-WHILE
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AT AUNT LU’S CITY HOME
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE IN THE BIG WOODS
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE ON AN AUTO TOUR
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AND THEIR SHETLAND PONY
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE GIVING A SHOW
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AT CHRISTMAS TREE COVE
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE IN THE SUNNY SOUTH
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE KEEPING STORE
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AND THEIR TRICK DOG
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AT A SUGAR CAMP
Grosset & Dunlap, Publishers, New York
THE MAKE-BELIEVE STORIES
(Trademark Registered.)
By LAURA LEE HOPE
Author of THE BOBBSEY TWINS BOOKS, ETC.
Colored Wrappers and Illustrations by HARRY L. SMITH
In this fascinating line of books Miss Hope has the various toys come to
life “when nobody is looking” and she puts them through a series of
adventures as interesting as can possibly be imagined.
THE STORY OF A SAWDUST DOLL
How the toys held a party at the Toy Counter; how the Sawdust Doll
was taken to the home of a nice little girl, and what happened to
her there.
THE STORY OF A WHITE ROCKING HORSE
He was a bold charger and a man purchased him for his son’s
birthday. Once the Horse had to go to the Toy Hospital, and my! what
sights he saw there.
THE STORY OF A LAMB ON WHEELS
She was a dainty creature and a sailor bought her and took her to a
little girl relative and she had a great time.
THE STORY OF A BOLD TIN SOLDIER
He was Captain of the Company and marched up and down in the store
at night. Then he went to live with a little boy and had the time of
his life.
THE STORY OF A CANDY RABBIT
He was continually in danger of losing his life by being eaten up.
But he had plenty of fun, and often saw his many friends from the
Toy Counter.
THE STORY OF A MONKEY ON A STICK
He was mighty lively and could do many tricks. The boy who owned him
gave a show, and many of the Monkey’s friends were among the actors.
THE STORY OF A CALICO CLOWN
He was a truly comical chap and all the other toys loved him
greatly.
THE STORY OF A NODDING DONKEY
He made happy the life of a little lame boy and did lots of other
good deeds.
THE STORY OF A CHINA CAT
The China Cat had many adventures, but enjoyed herself most of the
time.
THE STORY OF A PLUSH BEAR
This fellow came from the North Pole, stopped for a while at the toy
store, and was then taken to the seashore by his little master.
THE STORY OF A STUFFED ELEPHANT
He was a wise looking animal and had a great variety of adventures.
Grosset & Dunlap, Publishers, New York