was always the same quiet, sweet-tempered little woman, seldom relaxing her dignity. He wondered what there was that kept her different from the other women of her class. She never accepted invitations out to supper; no "joy rides" for her; even a pious cup of tea at the Waldorf could not tempt her. It mystified him, and he wished he knew the reason for it all. For the present it gratified his vanity to be seen with her on the Avenue, and he purposely slackened his pace.

"I may count on your attending my reception next Tuesday when your portrait is to be viewed by the world of Art and Fashion?" His voice was expectant. "You received the card of invitation yesterday, did you not?"

"Yes, I received it, thank you. It is very daintily gotten up," she replied, ignoring his first question.

"But will you come?" he repeated, as he moved closer to her side, resting his hand lightly on her elbow as they crossed the street.

Bettina was sorely perplexed. This very thing had been troubling her ever since he announced his intention of giving a select few the privilege of viewing the portrait in his studio before it was placed on public exhibition in the lobby of the theater. She had never mingled with the "smart set." Invitations without number had been received. Notes had come to her almost nightly from the first week of her appearance; and the

flowers, baskets of fruit, and presents that found their way to her dressing room at the theater plainly indicated that many sought to ingratiate themselves with the popular actress. When cards accompanied the presents, some of which were of intrinsic value, she had returned them through Mr. Williams, the business manager, who, with Jones, the crusty old stage manager, seemed to understand her better than anyone else. They both had shown from the first that they were anxious to advance her professionally, and as well to protect her in private whenever and wherever they could.

She was sincere when she said she had no use for any other enjoyment than the regular routine of her daily life. Her one aim and ambition was to be successful and to lay by money for the future. All her personal affairs she guarded jealously; no reporter had ever gained for publication a single item of her private life. But this reception! She quite understood that she was expected to attend, and be exhibited, so to speak, along with the picture. She did not reply, and he again repeated his question, his voice betraying slight impatience. "The whole thing would be as flat as the proverbial pancake, if you were not there,” he added.

Finally being cornered, she gathered herself together for a final refusal. They had reached the

apartment house where she made her home and were standing on the sidewalk by the entrance.

"I certainly appreciate all your thought implies, and perhaps you cannot understand why I do not care to be there "; she hesitated and looked up at him. "Isn't the portrait quite enough?" she stammered, the color coming and going in her cheeks.

His brown eyes turned almost black with disappointment; he had feared a refusal, and his pride was touched. If she were not so essential to the piece he was backing heavily, he would make it his business to have her understand a thing or two; but he knew coercion would never do with Miss Germaine, she was too high-spirited, and too valuable to the success of his money venture for him to risk offending her.

Bettina saw the look of resentment and felt regretful. She did not want to offend him, he had been too kind to her in many ways, and she was not ungrateful.

"Don't misunderstand me, Mr. Garland," she pleaded. "If you knew how I positively dread social gatherings of that sort I am sure you would not urge me." She raised her pansy eyes to his while that sweet, ingenuous, magnetic smile overspread her face the smile that went over the footlights and held the audience captive. He could not hold out against the power of that smile. All

signs of displeasure vanished. He held her hand in parting, and pressing it gently, whispered:

"Think it over, Friend Cecelia. I must admit you rather dashed my hopes to the ground, but think it over, and be as kind as thou art fair, little Quakeress."

She shook his hand cordially.

"Don't count on my coming, please. I seldom change my mind, and I am sure I shall not in this case. Good-by." And she passed within.

Hailing a taxicab he told the man to drive to the Lyric Theater. He would just have time to catch Sam before he went home to dinner. He must have a little talk with him about Miss Germaine. As he leaned back and lighted a cigarette, he tried to think why it was that he had not been as successful in having his way with Miss Germaine as he usually was with most women. "She's a strange combination. Just like the part she plays; in private life the demure little Quakeress, and on the stage the most alluring of dancing girls. We must be sure of her for next season. Williams must see about that contract right away-to-night, if it can be arranged." And he drew off his gloves, arranging them with care, placing them in his breast pocket with the tips up. "I'll give Sam a line to work on, and perhaps he'll get at the reason for this exclusiveness. She'll tell him quicker than anyone else." Then the cab drew up to the curb and he hurried into the theater.

CHAPTER II

BEHIND THE SCENES

TH

HE call had just gone out for the last act as Business Manager Williams came rushing behind the scenes. His eyes searched the group of chorus girls and men standing in the wings waiting for the call of the stage manager to take their places. The orchestra was playing the final strains of the entre'acte music as Friend Cecelia appeared. She did not go on until after the first scene, but she never tired of the light, bright music, and she liked to watch the house. Tonight it was packed and her reception had been more enthusiastic than ever. The manager beckoned her to one side.

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Something doing, all right, all right,” whispered a chorus girl to the comedian. "Wonder what the old man wants with Germaine? She's solid with him." And she gave an insinuating look to another girl standing near. The woman laughed and winked knowingly. The comedian gave a hitch to his sailor trousers as he retorted: "You're a couple of jealous little cats! What has Germaine ever done to you for you to slur her