Fettered

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 206, 19 November 1927, Page 21 (Supplement)

Fettered

By

Paul Trent

Author of •' When Greek Meets Greek.** •* The Vow,” 4c.. 4c

CHAPTER XVII. During the morning there was a little rehearsing, and the girls returned to their rooms for their three o’clock dinner. Diana noticed that the cloth was spotlessly white, and some attempt had been made at cleaning the room. “I told the landlady you were new to the profession. She is charging us threepence for the clean cloth.” ‘‘lt’s well worth it. Now I’m hungry.” The steaks were well cooked, and they thoroughly enjoyed the meal. Afterwards the two girls rested and glanced at their parts. “Are you nervous about to-night?” Cora asked, curiously. “I don’t think so, but I can’t tell until I face the footlights,” Diana answered cautiously. As she stood in the wings waiting to go on, she wondered if it could really be herself—Diana Lytton—with the painted face and the servant’s clothes. At last came her cue, and she stepped into the glare of the footlights. Just for a moment her brain whirled, but Cora, who was speaking, gave her a quick glance of encouragement. Then she spoke, and her voice sounded strange to her ears. A few' minutes later she was back in the wings and breathing heavily. “Well?” she asked of Cora, when the curtain went down on the first act. ‘‘You did splendidly. The old man is quite pleased with you,” Cora answered. That night after supper they chatted together for a w'hile, for neither was sleepy. ‘‘Cora, dear, I believe I’m going to like the stage,” announced Diana. ‘‘You’ve got it in you to act. You’ll go further than I shall,” the latter answered quickly. A month passed, and Diana had caught a glimpse of the realities of theatrical life. The work was hard, but she happened to want hard work, for only in it could she forget. The constant change was also a benefit, although the towps they visited were hardly health resorts. And then came a pleasant intervention. The manager took her aside and told her that she was to understudy the part of the heroine. *T don’t think I can manage it,” she answered nervously. • Just learn the part. You’ll do it all right if it comes to a pinch,” the manager said, pleasantly. Cora was pleased to hear the news, and insisted upon helping Diana to master the part. "You may never have the chance, but it’s always as well to be prepared.” "He’s raised my salary to thirty shillings.” "Good! Diana, I wonder if you know vou’re possessed of a little of the divine fire. You’ve personality and temperament. I’ve been watching you carefully, and I am a bit of an expert in acting. When you’ve had a little experience in the provinces you must try to get to London. Mr. Cameron may have influence to get you an engagement. But you mustn’t be in too much of a hurry. This experience wdll do you all the good in the world. Do you like the work?” . "I’m beginning to love it. “Then let us hope you'll get a chance.” Cora said lightly. The chance came sooner than cither of them expected. A fortnight later they were due to open at IronhamptOJ\t half-past nine on the Monday morning the manager came to their lodgings and pulled loudly at the bell. "Miss Tressider has sprained her ankle badly. Miss Leighton, you’ll have to play her part to-night There s a call for eleven o clock. Tv e shall have to run through the whole play. Hope you know the part,” he wound up with a quick look. ‘‘She’s word perfect,” Cora answered emphatically. •Good! That’ll save us a lot of trouble,” he rejoined, pleasantly. Several hours of work followed. The manager was not satisfied until nearly four o’clock. A hasty meal, and Cora insisted that Diana should he down and 16 -I‘m not tired.” the latter answered, hut obeyed.

There was a fair "house” when the curtain went up. Diana glanced at the people from the wings, as she waited for her cue, and for the first time was conscious of nervousness. But this feeling disappeared. She became the heroine herself. Often the words she hid to speak were stifled and the action wis lurid, but she put life into the part and the curtain descended on the first act amid ringing applause. ‘•You’ve got ’em’” the manager remAr nd ed sTit et continucd until the final curtain. Yl'hen Diana reached her dressing-room, she was quite exhausted and fell back into an armCh ”Miss Leighton, hurry up. the manager wants you,” came a voice from OU -He's going to offer you the part,” Cora remarked with a smll J f f And so it proved to be. Alter a iew wol-di of congratulation, he made the course you haven’t had much experience, and I can't pay you a big * rv Will three pounds ava eek do ‘r‘he wound up. giving her a keen

10 -Yes,” Diana answered joyfully the'latter wa s'" detishteU butTuddenly we'et i T winder what? the P pwr girl

will do. She’s got a couple of kiddies in London to keep. Her worthless husband does nothing for them.” "Surely the manager will look after her.” ‘‘Not much—lie’ll pay all he’s got to. If she’d sprained her ankle on the stage it would have been all right, as it is she can only draw her insurance money, which doesn’t amount to much.” Diana became thoughtful, and in the morning, after breakfast, she walked round to Ruth Tressider’s rooms, and found her in bed. "I’m so sorry,” she began. "I want some of your screw. You’ve done me out of my job; I shouldn’t have been all right in a few days, but the old man has told me he doesn’t want me any more.” "It isn't my fault. If I can do anything ” "What can you do? Words don’t cost much.” But Diana saw she was really suffering, and did not mind the speech. "If I can do anything at all.” "Well, you can help me to keep my kiddies going—can you? It’s the wrong time to get a ‘shop,’ and I shall be out of work tin Panto.” "Are you ‘hard up?’ ” Diana asked in a. low voice. "Haven't been able to save a ‘bean.’ I don’t know what I shall do.” Ruth added, and broke into sobs. Diana crept from the room, and walked to the main street, there she looked for a jeweller. The man behind the counter looked at her keenly,

when she offered a diamond and sapphire ring for sale. "Is this yours?” "Y'es —or I shouldn’t offer to sell it,” she answered quietly. The door opened, and a well-dressed lady of great beauty came in. "Good morning, Mrs. Warner. What can I do for you this morning?” The lady smiled pleasantly. "When you’ve attended to this lady,” she said graciously. “I can give you twenty pounds,” the , jeweller said to Diana. "I’ll take it.” ‘‘Please write down your address.” "Is that usual?” Diana asked, with a blush. "Quite usual,” he answered politely. When Diana gathered up the notes, and left the shop, Mrs. Warner’s eyes followed her with sympathetic interest. A little way down the street a billposter was at work, and in big letters was the name of Garth Cameron. Diaria stopped and read the announcement of a great meeting to take place on the following Thursday. Diana stopped and carefully read the poster. So Garth had decided to enter politics, and in a day or two he would come to Ironhampton. It seemed that Fate had determined to bring them together again. But she told herself there was no reason why they should meet. Her name in the programme was that of Dora Leighton, which he would not recognise. and there was little chance of his visiting the theatre But it would be wise to stay indoors as much as possible. The knowledge that he was to be so near her brought the warm colour to her cheeks, and there was a smile on her face as she turned in the direction of Ruth Tressider’s lodgings. Just then a large car passed, and in it she recognised the lady who had been in the jeweller’s shop. “She seemed to smile at me. but I’m sure I don’t know her.” muttered Diana. She went into the bedroom, where Ruth was crying quietiy. Diana took the notes from her purse aTid placed them on the bed. "Perhaps this will help the kiddies,” she said cheerfully.

‘‘What do you mean? I don’t understand,” Ruth said nervously. ‘•lt’s only fair. I’ve done you out of your 'shop.’ ” Diana smiled to herself as she used the words, for how quickly she had become accustomed to the jargon of the profession. “This will help you to London and give you time to look round.” “I can’t take money from you. I’ve got my pride.” “You’ve just got to think of the kiddies. If you refuse you’ll make me very miserable.” “I believe you mean it!” Ruth said, with a gasp. “Of course, I do. You’ll do me a favour by accepting it. If you refuse I shan’t know a peaceful moment.” “Can you afford it?” . Ruth asked hesitatingly. “Quite easily. Drop me a line when you’ve spent it all. If I can I’ll help you. I shall be able to save a pound a week. He's raised me to three.” “So he’s only paying you three—the mean old pig! The girls tell me you’re great in the part, so the old man is well rid of me. But don’t think I’m jealous. I hate the stage. If only I could make a living in any other way I’d jump at the chance.” And then she looked at Diana, and there were tears in her eyes. „ “You’re a good sort. I’ve said all along that you’re not one of our sort. You’re a real lady, and I guess you’ve an income of your own. So I don’t mind taking this money, but only on a loan. I swear I’ll pay it back when I get another shop.” Diana was tempted to explain that she had no income at all, and was working for her living, as was Ruth, but thought it better to remain silent. If Ruth saw that the notes were the proceeds of the sale of a ring she might refuse to accept the money. “I must go now,” she said suddenly. “I wonder if you would mind giving me a kiss. I’m very grateful to you. I don’t know what I should have done; I was desperate.” Diana leant over and touched her forehead with her lips.

"I wish you the best of luck.” she said quietly. "I shall get back to London just as soon as I can put my foot to the ground. You’ll come and see me again. It’s very lonely lying here all day.” "Of course, I’ll come. Good-bye for the present,” Diana answered, and kissed Ruth again. As soon as she reached the street she noticed another poster displaying Garth’s name. On the way back to her i rooms she met Cora, who looked at her inquiringly. "Yes, I have seen the announcement,” Diana said quietly. "It’s a pity. You were settling down nicely, and now you’ll have to go through it again. I’m going to stick pretty closely to you as long as we’re here. Come along to the theatre.” There they met several members of the company, and Diana noticed with amusement that they all treated her with greatly increased respect. The manager came along, greeted her boisterously, and then took her on one side. "My dear, I’ve been thinking things over. I’ve decided to make it four pounds a week. Y'ou did very well, and if you only work hard enough you'll j become an actress in time. I’m not talking through my hat. I've had : lots of ’em through my hands who are • making big money in London. You’ve I got it in you. and if you stick to me I for a year or two I’ll make you.” ] "I’m very glad to hear it,” Diana ; said brightly. "Look here, my dear —if you like we’ll fix up a little agreement —four pounds for the next twelve months, five for the next year, and six for the

third. By that time you'll know your business from A to Z, for I'll teach you all I know.” "You are very kind, hut I must think it over.” "It's a good offer and ought not to want any thinking about. I may change my mind, so you’d better decide at once. Come to the office now and we’ll fix it up.” "No, I must have a day or two,” she answered decidedly, and he ceased to press her. When Cora knew, she commended her for her discretion. "You were very wise. After this tour is over, London is the place for you. Some of them have been talking to me, and they all say you have the makings of a tip-top actress. It means a lot for they would much rather have slated you. That’s the way of the profession,” Cora wound up drily. Diana was .resting after dinner, when Cora burst into her bedroom. "Well, of all the fools —” she began beathlessly. "What’s the matter now,” Diana asked drowsily. "I suppose you’ve sold a ling.

Next you’ll be giving the clothes off your back. Do you think you can afford to give away twenty pounds?” Cora said angrily. “She wanted it more than I did. A ring more or less doesn’t matter very much.” "Diana, you’re quite hopeless.” “I had to think of Ruth’s kiddies. In a way it was my fault.” “Nonsense, you're too soft hearted.” “You didn't say anything to Ruth to make her feel uncomfortable?” (To be continued.)