The Moving Picture Girls | Page 7

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 of my uncle and aunt. Do come!" and he looked earnestly at Ruth.
"Well, what do you say, girls? Shall we accept of our neighbor's hospitality?" asked Mr. DeVere.
"Please do!" exclaimed Alice, in a tense whisper. "You know we haven't got a decent thing to eat in the ice box, and that delicatessen stuff----"
"Alice!" chided Ruth.
"Well, it's the truth!" insisted the merry girl, her brown eyes dancing with mischief. "Russ knows we aren't millionaires, and with papa out of an engagement so long--oh, chicken! Come on. I haven't tasted any in so long----"
"Alice--dear!" objected Ruth, sharply. "You mustn't mind her, Russ," she went on, rather embarrassed.
"I don't," he laughed. "But if you'll all come I'll promise you some of the best chicken you ever tasted. And mother's hot biscuits in the chicken gravy----"
"Don't you say another word, Russ Dalwood!" interrupted Alice. "We're coming!"
"I--I think we will," agreed Mr. DeVere, with a laugh.
Thus was his new engagement fittingly celebrated.
The memory of that chicken dinner lingered long with the DeVere family. For though there was daylight ahead there were dark and dreary days to be lived through.
As usual in theatrical companies, no salaries were paid while "A Matter of Friendship" was being rehearsed. Neither Mr. DeVere, nor any of the company, received