The Moving Picture Girls; Or, First Appearances in Photo Dramas

a china doll. They were more like wood-violets, and in their depths could be read a liking for the unusual and romantic that was, in a measure, the key to her character. Not for no

d ruddy cheeks-more damask than red in color-but she also had a rollicking, good-natured disposition, without be

oice on the other side of t

with an obvious effort. "We had

ther intimately, in a comparatively short time. She was what would have been called, in the country, "a good neighbor." In New York, with its hurry and scurry, where people live fo

well invested, and Russ held a place as moving picture machine operator in one of the largest of those theaters. He earned a good salary which made it unnecessary

se the smiling and yet rather worried face of Russ. The girls had come to know him well enough to call him by h

't mean to shove that fellow so hard. But he was awfully persistent,

admitted Ruth,

, to escape from you?" aske

ng. I guess he thought I was going to hit him; but I wasn't. I just shoved him away t

Alice balked at th

ather fiercely. "He's as unscrupulous as they come, and I didn't want him to get a

nice! What's it about? Oh, I forgot! Perhaps you can

returned Russ. "I don't mind telling you

nderstand the least thing about it-if it has anyth

w to go on moving picture machines, to steady the film as it moves behind t

on't go very ofte

't go into all details-to tell you the truth I haven't got 'em all worked

have done some work for him, you know. He says it will be a good thing, and, while

what did he have to do

y-Simp, he's called for short, though he is not as simple as his name sounds. He h

from you?"

ay I came home unexpectedly. I found him in the room where I work, looking over my drawings and models. Mother ha

" exclaimed Alice,

on Russ. "I didn't mean to be quite so h

right," said R

," went on the young man, "so she se

ened at first, and we put the chain on the door. But are

ugh with him. Simp Wolley hasn't much principle, and I know a lot of fellows who have done business

hed Ruth, blushin

p was heard

here have you been?" she exclaimed

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

bjected Rut

sing her; is she?" Mr. DeVere laughed. "Well,

idly, and clapping a small hand over her fa

h a simulated look

were goi

harm is done. What about lunch?

tiring, for he knew father and daught

ce, as he departed across the hall

eVere. I knew you'd lan

near being late

hey were by themselves. "Isn't it just splendid! I wanted to

such slang!"

t for which I have ever been cast. It's with the 'A Matter of Friendship' company, and we open in about three

weeks, you say, Dad?" a

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.

," confessed Ruth

a knock a

Mr. DeVere, an

mother sent over to ask if you wouldn't take dinner with us. We have a big

. Then they glanced up at their fat

w," began the acto

r prides herself on it. The dinner will be spoiled if it isn't eaten hot-especially the biscuit, so she'll take it

hall we accept of our neighbor's

r. "You know we haven't got a decent thing to e

" chide

th mischief. "Russ knows we aren't millionaires, and with papa out of an e

ply. "You mustn't mind her, Russ,

promise you some of the best chicken you ever tast

d, Russ Dalwood!" interrup

l," agreed Mr. De

engagement fitt

the DeVere family. For though there was daylight ahea

d any money for those two weeks of hard work. Those actors or actresses who had nothing put by lived as best they could on the charity of others. It was indeed

liked to th

o be a great success, according to Mr. DeVere. B

of needed comforts. Tradesmen were insistent, and one man in particular threatened to have Mr. DeVere arrested if his bill was not p

rs. Dalwood suspected, or Russ may have hinted at their neighbors' straits, for many a nourishing dish w

inner or supper, but Mr. DeVere was proud, and dec

fuse, when he knows we are r

m to be a beggar; wou

s awfully ha

d there'll be another full week! Oh, Alice, I wis

But what

know. O

g-silent, waiting for t

ep!" exclaimed

s, "it-it doesn't sound like him, somehow. How-how

there?" asked Ruth, y

glance at his white face to show that something had hap

is it!" cried Alice,

y speak, so hoarse was he. Only a

rt?" cried Ruth. "S

e-I can't speak a word to be heard over the footlights! It's