The Moving Picture Girls | Page 7

you?" echoed Alice.
"Yes. He came to me and wanted me to sell him the rights, just as it
was, for a certain sum. I refused. Then to-day I came home
unexpectedly. I found him in the room where I work, looking over my
drawings and models. Mother had let him in to wait for me. She put
him in the parlor, but he sneaked into my room. That's why I sent him
flying."

"I don't blame you!" exclaimed Alice, with flashing eyes.
"Only I'm sorry he disturbed you," went on Russ. "I didn't mean to be
quite so hasty; but he got on my nerves, I expect."
"Oh, that's all right," said Ruth, graciously.
"Mother said you might be frightened," went on the young man, "so she
sent me here to tell you what it was."
"Don't mention it," laughed Alice. "We were a bit frightened at first,
and we put the chain on the door. But are you sure you're all right--that
he won't come back again?"
"Oh, you need not worry," Russ assured her. "He won't come here
again; though I don't fancy I'm through with him. Simp Wolley hasn't
much principle, and I know a lot of fellows who have done business
with him to their sorrow. But he'll have to work hard to fool me. So my
apology is accepted; is it?"
"Of course," laughed Ruth, blushing more than before.
Another step was heard in the hall.
"There's dad!" cried Alice. "Oh, where have you been?" she exclaimed,
as she ran to her father's arms.
"I couldn't come sooner," the latter explained in his deep, mellow
voice--a voice that had endeared him to many audiences. "We had to
arrange about the rehearsals. Haven't you a kiss for dad, Ruth" he went
on, putting his arms about the taller girl. "How are you, Russ?" and he
nodded cordially. "Isn't it fine to have two such daughters as these?" He
held them to him--one on either side.
"Father!" objected Ruth, blushing.
"Ha! Ashamed of her old daddy hugging and kissing her; is she?" Mr.
DeVere laughed. "Well, I am surprised; aren't you, Russ? Some
day----"

"Dad!" expostulated Ruth, blushing more vividly, and clapping a small
hand over her father's mouth. "You mustn't say such things!"
"What things?" with a simulated look of innocent wonder.
"What you were going to say!"
"Well, as long as I didn't, no harm is done. What about lunch? I must
go back this afternoon."
"I'll see you again," called Russ, retiring, for he knew father and
daughters would want to exchange confidences.
"It's good news, Russ!" called Alice, as he departed across the hall.
"Daddy has an engagement at last!"
"Glad to hear it, Mr. DeVere. I knew you'd land one sooner or later."
"Well, it came near being later, Russ, my boy."
"Now, Daddy dear, tell us all about it," begged Alice, when they were
by themselves. "Isn't it just splendid! I wanted to get up a banquet, only
there's nothing much on which to bank----"
"Alice, dear--such slang!" reproved Ruth.
"Never mind, better days are coming," said the actor. "At last I have a
part just suited to me--one of the best for which I have ever been cast.
It's with the 'A Matter of Friendship' company, and we open in about
three weeks at the New Columbia. I feel sure I'll make a hit, and the
play is a very good one--I may say a fine one."
"And you open in three weeks, you say, Dad?" asked Ruth,
thoughtfully.
"Yes; or, rather, in two weeks from to-night. There are two weeks'
rehearsals. But what--oh, I see. You mean there won't be any money
coming in for three weeks--or until after the play has run a week. Well,
never mind. I dare say we will manage somehow. I can likely get an

advance on my salary. I'll see. And now for lunch. I'm as hungry as a
stranded road company. What have you?"
"Not so very much," confessed Ruth. "I was hoping----"
There came a knock at the door.
"Come!" invited Mr. DeVere, and Russ appeared.
"Excuse this interruption," the young moving picture operator began,
"but mother sent over to ask if you wouldn't take dinner with us. We
have a big one. We expected my uncle and aunt, and they've
disappointed us. Do come!"
Alice and Ruth looked at each other. Then they glanced up at their
father, who regarded them thoughtfully.
"Well, I don't know," began the actor, slowly. "I--er----"
"Mother will be disappointed if you don't come," urged Russ. "She has
chicken and biscuit for dinner, and she rather prides herself on it. The
dinner will be spoiled if it isn't eaten hot--especially the biscuit, so
she'll take it as a favor if you'll come over, and take the places