OUT WITH A ROAD COMPANY
Miss Norvell failed to appear at the noon meal, though Winston met the
other members of the company. He found them genial enough, even
somewhat boisterous, with the single exception of Mr. Lane, who
maintained a dignified and rather gloomy silence, such as became one of
his recognized professional standing, after having favored the newcomer
with a long, impertinent stare, apparently expressing disapproval. The
manager was outwardly in most excellent humor, narrating several
stories, at which all, excepting the reserved comedian, laughed quite
heartily. At the conclusion of the repast, Albrecht condescended to
purchase his new recruit a cigar, and then walked beside him toward the
Opera House, where the necessary instructions in new duties promptly
began. If Winston had previously imagined his earlier steps toward
histrionic honors were destined to be easy ones, he was very soon
undeceived under the guidance of the enthusiastic manager. It proved a
strenuous afternoon, yet the young fellow had the right stuff in him to
make good, that stubborn pride which never surrenders before
difficulties; he shut his teeth, rolled up his shirt-sleeves, and went
earnestly to work.
It was a small, cheaply built theatre, having restricted stage space,
while a perfect riff-raff of trunks and detached pieces of canvas
scenery littered the wings. At first sight it appeared a confused
medley of odds and ends, utterly impossible to bring into any
conformity to order, but Albrecht recognized each separate piece of
luggage, every detached section of canvas, recalling exactly where it
properly belonged during the coming performance. For more than an hour
he pranced about the dirty stage, shouting minute directions, and
giving due emphasis to them by growling German oaths; while Winston,
aided by two local assistants, bore trunks into the various
dressing-rooms, hung drop curtains in designated positions, placed set
pieces conveniently at hand, and arranged the various required
properties where they could not possibly be overlooked during the rush
of the evening's performance. Thus, little by little, order was
evolved from chaos, and the astute manager chuckled happily to himself
in quick appreciation of the unusual rapidity with which the newly
engaged utility man grasped the situation and mastered the confusing
details. Assuredly he had discovered a veritable jewel in this fresh
recruit. At last, the affairs of principal importance having been
attended to, Albrecht left some final instructions, and departed for
the hotel, feeling serenely confident that this young man would carry
out his orders to the letter.
And Winston did. He was of that determined nature which performs
thoroughly any work once deliberately undertaken; and, although the
merest idle whim had originally brought him to this position of utility
man in the "Heart of the World" company, he was already beginning to
experience a slight degree of interest in the success of the coming
show, and to feel a faint _esprit de corps_, which commanded his best
efforts. Indeed, his temporary devotion to the preparation of the
stage proved sufficiently strong to obscure partially for the time
being all recollection of that first incentive which had suggested his
taking such a step--the young lady discovered asleep in Number
Twenty-seven. The remembrance of her scarcely recurred to him all
through the afternoon, yet it finally returned in overwhelming rush
when, in the course of his arduous labors, he raised up a small leather
trunk and discovered her name painted plainly upon the end of it. The
chalk mark designating where it belonged read "Dressing-room No. 2,"
and, instead of rolling it roughly in that direction, as he had rolled
numerous others, the new utility man lifted it carefully upon his
shoulder and deposited it gently against the farther wall. He glanced
with curiosity about the restricted apartment to which Miss Beth
Norvell had been assigned. It appeared the merest hole of a place,
narrow and ill-ventilated, the side walls and ceiling composed of rough
lumber, and it was evidently designed to be lit at night by a single
gas jet, inclosed within a wire netting. This apartment contained
merely a single rude chair, of the kitchen variety, and an exceedingly
small mirror cracked across one corner and badly fly-specked. Numerous
rusty spikes, intended to hold articles of discarded clothing,
decorated both side walls and the back of the door. It was dismally
bare, and above all, it was abominably dirty, the dust lying thick
everywhere, the floor apparently unswept for weeks. With an
exclamation of disgust Winston hunted up broom and dust-rag, and gave
the gloomy place such a cleansing as it probably had not enjoyed since
the house was originally erected. At the end of these arduous labors
he looked the scene over critically, the honest perspiration streaming
down his face, glancing, with some newly awakened curiosity, into the
surrounding dressing-rooms. They were equally filthy and unfit for
occupancy, yet he did not feel called upon to invade them with his
cleansing broom. By four o'clock everything was in proper position,
the stage set in perfect order for the opening act, and Winston
returned with his report to the hotel, and to the glowing Albrecht.
Miss Norvell joined the company at the supper table, sitting between
the manager and Mr. T. Macready Lane, although Winston was quick to
observe that she gave slight attention to either, except when addressed
directly. She met the others present with all necessary cordiality and
good-fellowship, yet there appeared a certain undefined reserve about
her manner which led to an immediate hush in the rather free
conversation of what Albrecht was pleased to term the "training table,"
and when the murmur of voices was resumed after her entrance, a
somewhat better choice of subjects became immediately noticeable.
Without so much as either word or look, the silent influence of the
actress was plainly for refinement, while her mere presence at the
table gave a new tone to Bohemianism. Winston, swiftly realizing this,
began observing the lady with a curiosity which rapidly developed into
deeper interest. He became more and more attracted by her unique
personality, which persistently appealed to his aroused imagination,
even while there continued to haunt him a dim tantalizing remembrance
he was unable wholly to master. He assuredly had never either seen or
heard of this young woman before, yet she constantly reminded him of
the past. Her eyes, the peculiar contour of her face, the rather odd
trick she had of shaking back the straying tresses of her dark, glossy
hair, and, above all, that quick smile with which she greeted any flash
of humor, and which produced a fascinating dimple in her cheek, all
served to puzzle and stimulate him; while admiration of her so apparent
womanliness began as instantly to replace the vague curiosity he had
felt toward her as an actress. She was different from what he had
imagined, with absolutely nothing to suggest the glare and glitter of
the footlights. Until this time he had scarcely been conscious that
she possessed any special claim to beauty; yet now, her face, illumined
by those dark eyes filled with quick intelligence, became most
decidedly attractive, peculiarly lovable and womanly. Besides, she
evidently possessed a rare taste in dress, which met with his masculine
approval. Much of this, it is true, he reasoned out later and slowly,
for during that first meal only two circumstances impressed him
clearly--the depth of feeling glowing within those wonderfully
revealing eyes, and her complete ignoring of his presence. If she
recognized any addition to their number, there was not the slightest
sign given. Once their eyes met by merest accident; but hers
apparently saw nothing, and Winston returned to his disagreeable labors
at the Opera House, nursing a feeling akin to disappointment.
Concealed within the gloomy shadows of the wings, he stood entranced
that night watching her depict the character of a wife whose previous
happy life had been irretrievably ruined by deceit; and the force, the
quiet originality of her depiction, together with its marvellous
clearness of detail and its intense realism, held him captive. The
plot of the play was ugly, melodramatic, and entirely untrue to nature;
against it Winston's cultivated taste instantly revolted; yet this
woman interpreted her own part with the rare instinct of a true artist,
picturing to the very life the particular character intrusted to her,
and holding the house to a breathless realization of what real artistic
portrayal meant. In voice, manner, action, in each minute detail of
face and figure, she was truly the very woman she represented. It was
an art so fine as to make the auditors forget the artist, forget even
themselves. Her perfect workmanship, clear-cut, rounded, complete,
stood forth like a delicate cameo beside the rude buffoonery of T.
Macready Lane, the coarse villany of Albrecht, and the stiff mannerisms
of the remainder of the cast. They were automatons as compared with a
figure instinct with life animated by intelligence. She seemed to
redeem the common clay of the coarse, unnatural story, and give to it
some vital excuse for existence, the howls of laughter greeting the
cheap wit of the comedian changed to a sudden hush of expectancy at her
mere entrance upon the stage, while her slightest word, or action,
riveted the attention. It was a triumph beyond applause, beyond any
mere outward demonstration of approval. Winston felt the spell deeply,
his entire body thrilling to her marvellous delineation of this common
thing, her uplifting of it out of the vile ruck of its surroundings and
giving unto it the abundant life of her own interpretation. Never once
did he question the real although untrained genius back of those
glowing eyes, that expressive face, those sincere, quiet tones which so
touched and swayed the heart. In other days he had seen the stage at
its best, and now he recognized in this woman that subtle power which
must conquer all things, and eventually "arrive."
Early the following morning, tossing uneasily upon a hard cot-bed in
the next town listed in their itinerary, he discovered himself totally
unable to divorce this memory from his thoughts. She even mingled with
his dreams,--a rounded, girlish figure, her young face glowing with the
emotions dominating her, her dark eyes grave with thoughtfulness,--and
he awoke, at last, facing another day of servile toil, actually
rejoicing to remember that he was part of the "Heart of the World."
That which he had first assumed from a mere spirit of play, the veriest
freak of boyish adventure, had suddenly developed into a real impulse
to which his heart gave complete surrender.
To all outward appearances Miss Beth Norvell remained serenely
unconscious regarding either his admiration or his presence. It was
impossible to imagine that in so small a company he could continually
pass and repass without attracting notice, yet neither word nor look
passed between them; no introduction had been accorded, and she merely
ignored him, under the natural impression, without doubt, that he was
simply an ignorant roustabout of the stage, a wielder of trunks, a
manipulator of scenery, in whom she could feel no possible interest. A
week passed thus, the troupe displaying their talents to fair business,
and constantly penetrating into more remote regions, stopping at all
manner of hotels, travelling in every species of conveyance, and
exhibiting their ability, or lack of it, upon every makeshift of a
stage. Sometimes this was a bare hall; again it was an armory, with an
occasional opera house--like an oasis in the vast desert--to yield them
fresh professional courage. Small cities, straggling towns, boisterous
mining camps welcomed and speeded them on, until sameness became
routine, and names grew meaningless. It was the sort of life to test
character thoroughly, and the "Heart of the World" troupe of strollers
began very promptly to exhibit its kind. Albrecht, who was making
money, retained his coarse good-nature unruffled by the hardships of
travel; but the majority of the stage people grew morose and
fretful,--the eminent comedian, glum and unapproachable as a bear; the
leading gentleman swearing savagely over every unusual worry, and
acting the boor generally; the _ingénue_, snappy and cat-like. Miss
Norvell alone among them all appeared as at first, reserved, quiet,
uncomplaining, forming no intimate friendships, yet performing her
nightly work with constantly augmenting power. Winston, ever observing
her with increasing interest, imagined that the strain of such a life
was telling upon her health, exhibiting its baleful effect in the
whitening of her cheeks, in those darker shadows forming beneath her
eyes, as well as in a shade less of animation in her manner. Yet he
saw comparatively little of her, his own work proving sufficiently
onerous; the quick jumps from town to town leaving small opportunity
for either rest or reflection. He had been advanced to a small
speaking part, but the remainder of his waking hours, while he was
attired in working-clothes, was diligently devoted to the strenuous
labor of his muscles. The novelty of the life had long since vanished,
the so eagerly expected experience had already become amply sufficient;
again and again, flinging his wearied body upon a cot in some strange
room, he had called himself an unmitigated ass, and sworn loudly that
he would certainly quit in the morning. Yet the girl held him. He did
not completely realize how or why, yet some peculiar, indefinite
fascination appeared to bind his destinies to her; he ever desired to
see her once again, to be near her, to feel the charm of her work, to
listen to the sound of her voice, to experience the thrill of her
presence. So strong and compelling became this influence over him that
day after day he held on, actually afraid to sever that slight bond of
professional companionship.
This was most assuredly through no fault of hers. It was at
Shelbyville that she first spoke to him, first gave him the earliest
intimation that she even so much as recognized his presence in the
company. The house that particular night was crowded to the doors, and
she, completing a piece of work which left her cheeks flushed, her
slender form trembling from intense emotion, while the prolonged
applause thundered after her from the front, stepped quickly into the
gloomy shadows of the wings, and thus came face to face with Winston.
His eyes were glowing with unconcealed appreciation of her art.
Perhaps the quick reaction had partially unstrung her nerves, for she
spoke with feverish haste at sight of his uprolled sleeves and coarse
woollen shirt.
"How does it occur that you are always standing directly in my passage
whenever I step from the stage?" she questioned impetuously. "Is there
no other place where you can wait to do your work except in my exit?"
For a brief moment the surprised man stood hesitating, hat in hand.
"I certainly regret having thus unintentionally offended you, Miss
Norvell," he explained at last, slowly. "Yet, surely, the occasion
should bring you pleasure rather than annoyance."
"Indeed! Why, pray?"
"Because I so greatly enjoy your work. I stood here merely that I
might observe the details more carefully."
She glanced directly at him with suddenly aroused interest.
"You enjoy my work?" she exclaimed, slightly smiling. "How extremely
droll! Yet without doubt you do, precisely as those others, out
yonder, without the slightest conception of what it all means.
Probably you are equally interested in the delicate art of Mr. T.
Macready Lane?"
Winston permitted his cool gray eyes to brighten, his firmly set lips
slightly to relax.
"Lane is the merest buffoon," he replied quietly. "You are an artist.
There is no comparison possible, Miss Norvell. The play itself is
utterly unworthy of your talent, yet you succeed in dignifying it in a
way I can never cease to admire."
She stood staring straight at him, her lips parted, apparently so
thoroughly startled by these unexpected words as to be left speechless.
"Why," she managed to articulate at last, her cheeks flushing, "I
supposed you like the others we have had with us--just--just a common
stage hand. You speak with refinement, with meaning."
"Have you not lived sufficiently long in the West to discover that men
of education are occasionally to be found in rough clothing?"
"Oh, yes," doubtfully, her eyes still on his face, "miners, stockmen,
engineers, but scarcely in your present employment."
"Miss Norvell," and Winston straightened up, "possibly I may be
employed here for a reason similar to that which has induced you to
travel with a troupe of barn-stormers."
She shrugged her shoulders, her lips smiling, the seductive dimple
showing in her cheeks.
"And what was that?"
"The ambition of an amateur to attain a foothold upon the professional
stage."
"Who told you so?"
"Mr. Samuel Albrecht was guilty of the suggestion.
"It was extremely nice of him to discuss my motives thus freely with a
stranger. But he told you only a very small portion of the truth. In
my case it was rather the imperative necessity of an amateur to earn
her own living--a deliberate choice between the professional stage and
starvation."
"Without ambition?"
She hesitated slightly, yet there was a depth of respect slumbering
within those gray eyes gazing so directly into her darker ones,
together with a strength she felt.
"Without very much at first, I fear," she confessed, as though
admitting it rather to herself alone, "yet I acknowledge it has since
grown upon me, until I have determined to succeed."
His eyes brightened, the admiration in them unconcealed, his lips
speaking impulsively.
"And what is more, Miss Norvell, you 'll make it."
"Do you truly believe so?" She had already forgotten that the man
before her was a mere stage hand, and her cheeks burned eagerly to the
undoubted sincerity of his utterance. "No one else has ever said that
to me--only the audiences have appeared to care and appreciate.
Albrecht and all those others have scarcely offered me a word of
encouragement."
"Albrecht and the others are asses," ejaculated Winston, with sudden
indignation. "They imagine they are actors because they prance and
bellow on a stage, and they sneer at any one who is not in their class.
But I can tell you this, Miss Norvell, the manager considers you a
treasure; he said as much to me."
She stood before him, the glare of the stage glinting in her hair, her
hands clasped, her dark eyes eagerly reading his face as though these
unexpected words of appreciation had yielded her renewed courage, like
a glass of wine.
"Really, is that true? Oh, I am so glad. I thought, perhaps, they
were only making fun of me out in front, although I have always tried
so hard to do my very best. You have given me a new hope that I may
indeed master the art. Was that my cue?"
She stepped quickly backward, listening to the voices droning on the
stage, but there remained still a moment of liberty, and she glanced
uncertainly about at Winston.
"Am I to thank you for giving me such immaculate dressing-rooms of
late?" she questioned, just a little archly.
"I certainly wielded the broom."
"It was thoughtful of you," and her clear voice hesitated an instant.
"Was--was it you, also, who placed those flowers upon my trunk last
evening?"
He bowed, feeling slightly embarrassed by the swift returning restraint
in her manner.
"They were most beautiful. Where did you get them?"
"From Denver; they were forwarded by express, and I am only too glad if
they brought you pleasure."
"Miracle of miracles! A stage-hand ordering roses from Denver! It
must have cost you a week's salary."
He smiled:
"And, alas, the salary has not even been paid."
Her eyes were uplifted to his face, yet fell as suddenly, shadowed
behind the long lashes.
"I thank you very much," she said, her voice trembling, "only please
don't do it again; I would rather not have you."
Before he could frame a satisfactory answer to so unexpected a
prohibition she had stepped forth upon the stage.
This brief interview did not prove as prolific of results as Winston
confidently expected. Miss Norvell evidently considered such casual
conversation no foundation for future friendship, and although she
greeted him when they again met, much as she acknowledged
acquaintanceship with the others of the troupe, there remained a quiet
reserve about her manner, which effectually barred all thought of
possible familiarity. Indeed, that she ever again considered him as in
any way differing from the others about her did not once occur to
Winston until one evening at Bluffton, when by chance he stood resting
behind a piece of set scenery and thus overheard the manager as he
halted the young lady on the way to her dressing room.
"Meess Norvell," and Albrecht stood rubbing his hands and smiling
genially, "at Gilchrist we are pilled to blay for dwo nights, und der
second blay vill be der 'Man from der Vest'--you know dot bart, Ida
Somers?"
"Yes," she acknowledged, "I am perfectly acquainted with the lines, but
who is to play Ralph Wilde?"
"Mister Mooney, of course. You tink dot I import some actors venever I
change der pill?"
She lifted her dark, expressive eyes to his mottled face, slowly
gathering up her skirts in one hand.
"As you please," she said quietly, "but I shall not play Ida Somers to
Mr. Mooney's Ralph Wilde. I told you as much plainly before we left
Denver, and it was for that special reason the 'Heart of the World' was
substituted. The more I have seen of Mr. Mooney since we took the
road, the less I am inclined to yield in this matter."
Albrecht laughed coarsely, his face reddening.
"Oh, bah!" he exclaimed, gruffly derisive. "Ven you begome star then
you can have dem tantrums, but not now, not mit me. You blay vat I
say, or I send back after some von else. You bedder not get too gay,
or you lose your job damn quick. You don't vant Mooney to make lofe to
you? You don't vant him to giss you?--hey, vos dot it?"
"Yes, that was exactly it."
"Ach!--you too nice to be brofessional; you like to choose your lofer,
hey? You forget you earn a livin' so. Vot you got against Mooney?"
Miss Norvell, her cheeks burning indignantly, her eyes already ablaze,
did not mince words.
"Nothing personally just so long as he keeps away from me," she
retorted clearly. "He is coarse, vulgar, boorish, and I have far too
much respect for myself to permit such a man to touch me, either upon
the stage or off; to have him kiss me would be an unbearable insult."
Albrecht, totally unable to comprehend the feelings of the girl,
shifted uneasily beneath the sharp sting of her words, yet continued to
smile idiotically.
"Dot is very nice, quite melodramatic, but it is not brofessional,
Meess," he stammered, striving to get hold of some satisfactory
argument. "Vy, Mooney vos not so pad. Meess Lyle she act dot bart mit
him all der last season, and make no kick. Dunder! vat you vant--an
angel? You don't hafe to take dot bart mit me, or Meester Lane either,
don 't it, hey?"
Miss Norvell turned contemptuously away from him, her face white with
determination.
"If you really want to know, there is only one man in all your troupe I
would consent to play it with," she declared calmly.
"Und dot is?"
"I do not even know his name," and she turned her head just
sufficiently to look directly into Albrecht's surprised face; "but I
refer to your new utility man; he, at least, possesses some of the
ordinary attributes of a gentleman."
The door of her dressing-room opened and closed, leaving the startled
manager standing alone without, gasping for breath, his thick lips
gurgling impotent curses, while Winston discreetly drew farther back
amid the intricacy of scenery.