Photoplay (Jul-Dec 1922)

tension that was nearly unbearable. "Miss Johnson is a very fortunate young lady. Mr. de Brissac believes he can do great things with her — that she really has a future. And Mr. de Brissac doesn't often go wrong in his judgment. You understand, of course, that it is an unusual thing to hire an untried girl on a salary basis and pay her expenses to the Coast and back. But that is Mr. de Brissac's wish. It is a very unusual opportunity. Mr. de Brissac plans to make this his greatest picture. We stand ready to spend up to a million dollars— " The sisters looked at each other. " — if necessary to see it through. And we are willing to guarantee employment for not less than four months."' "How much will you — " "I'm coming to that. In view of all the circumstances, we feel that seventy-five dollars a week would be — " The sisters looked again. Hattie's eyes clouded, and her underlip quivered. Mr. Kremmer studied her narrowly. Alice fe'.t a flash of anger coming into her eyes, and fought it back. "Oh!" breathed Hattie unhappily. "You see," Alice explained, nervously brisk. "I can't let my sister go alone. "No, indeed. We are quite willing to — " "... and I should have to give up my own job in the store. My sister'd have to give up her job, too. Then there's my little girl and an invalid grandmother. They're both helpless. We couldn't leave them. I'm really afraid we can't — " HATTIE put out a fluttering hand to stop this. She couldn't consider not going. Mr. Kremmer hesitated; drew pictures on an envelope. Alice rushed eagerly on. But he said he'd have to talk it over with both Mr. de Brissac and Mr. Zeeck. He finally told them to come back at four, and bowed them out. The sisters ate unhappily at Childs. Then they went to see a picture. And toward four their courage nearly failed. But Alice stuck grimly to it; dragged the girl into the elevator that led up to the headquarers of nearly all Filmdom, and after a brief time of waiting was arguing again. Mr. Kremmer's next proposition, however, proved nearly as surprising as the first. He insisted on tying Hattie up for three years, starting at a hundred dollars a week, and increasing by a hundred dollars a week, during each of the other years. "But she might make a hit," cried Alice, still fighting hard. "Then she must keep her contract. She takes that chance. On the other hand, we take the chance of a failure. We will, besides, give you a drawing-room for four people to the Coast — and return at the end of the three years. We will pay for any other transportation that may be necessary during the life of the contract. And if you need a little money to clear up here and get away — say two or three hundred dollars— we'll give you that. . . . This is the best offer we can make. I'm afraid I must ask you to take it or leave it. And I don't mind adding that you are very fortunate in having Mr. de Brissac on your side." There was to be no overnight fortune. But as they walked over to the subway, their spirits rose somewhat. At least it was something — a change and a chance. "How'll we ever bring Gran'ma round?" asked Hattie, swinging from a strap in a subway car, and indulging in a nervous giggle. "We'll hardly be able to bring her around," replied Alice with a set mouth. "But she'll have to go. I'll handle that. Photoplay Magazine — Advertising Section For trial we invite you to send 15 cents, and we will be glad to mailyou three guest-room packages of Armand Cold Cream Powder, Talcum and Vanishing Cream. JT takes five times as long to make Armand Cold Cream Powder as it does ordinary powders ! And you can tell the difference. Armand Cold Cream Powder is absolutely smooth — there are no gritty granules to irritate the skin. It is soft and fine and spreads perfectly. And it is the only face powder which contains a tiny bit of exquisite cold cream — just enough to make it stay on till you wash it off ! The little pink-and-white hat-box of Armand Cold Cream Powder is $1, everywhere. Buy one box and just try it ! If you are not thoroughly pleased with it, you can take it back and your money will be returned. ARMAND— Des Moines Canadian customers should address Armand, Ltd., St. Thomas, Ont. Armand COLD CREAM POWDER In ■%■ LllTLE PINK (PWHlTE BOXES When you write to advertisers please mention PHOTOPLAY MAGAZINE.