Reel Life (Sep 1914 - Mar 1915)

REEL LIFE Seventeen Our Mutual Girl at Newport By Carolyn Wells FROM the time that Margaret arrived at Newport she was the recipient of endless invitations to teas and things, ail of which were intended to delight a young girl's heart. Margaret was horn to the purple. Intuitively, she lo v e d beautiful and luxurious surroundings. Quiet, well-trained service and lavish but correct appointments were things that to her, went without saying. But she was not altogether prepared for the magnificent, though unostentatious extravagance of the Newport set. She deftly concealed her impressions, but she was almost awestruck at the glory of some of the elaborate functions she attended. One day she attended a tea at Malbone House, the famous old Morris place. Such pleasant people! Such gay chatter and laughter! And yet, in the midst of the fun, Margaret wandered away by herself. She just could not keep her mind from thoughts of that dainty, baby face, which daily was becoming dearer to her. As Edith had said, Margaret couldn't keep Lily for herself, for her aunt wouldn't hear of it, and her problem was indeed a difficult one. And so it was with a sigh that Our Mutual Girl turned and retraced her steps to the pleasure seeking crowd. Again among their light banter, Margaret, always adaptable, became once more, her own bright, happy, adorable self. There were the "showplaces" of Newport to be seen — the historic places, the Old Stone Mill, General Prescott's headquarters, Trinity Church and others of thrilling memories. And did Margaret see them? Indeed, yes ! And the homes of the grandees ! Great modern piles, some beautiful, some hideous, but all the last word of upto-date costliness and comfort. Marble House, The Breakers, Crossways — their name is legion, and Margaret enjoyed them with her never failing fund of interest and young enthusiasm. Then the Casino ; the shopping on Bellevue Avenue, the Fifth Avenue of Newport; walks on Lovers' Lane, garden parties among terraces, fountains, sundials and flower gardens ; and last, but by no means least, bathing on the marvelous beaches in the very smartest of all smart bathing suits. Margaret tried to keep her heart problem out of her CAST Our Mutual Girl Norma Phillips Jean Parke By Herself Captain Welles By Himself Senator Beekman By Himself Mrs. Knickerbocker, her aunt Maym Kelso Margaret's Friend Edith Edith Walters Edith's Brother Tom Paul Bliss Margaret's Maid Julia Chippendale Margaret's old nurse, Sally Melitha Elam Baby Lily Dorothy Ranges The' Baby's Mother Clara Whipple Director, John Noble Ass't Director, Arthur C. Vaughan Chapter Thirty-six Margaret at a Newport Garden Party mind and fairly well she succeeded. Yet she was just on the eve of a flying visit to New York to have one of Gotham's best photographers take Baby Lily in a score of childish poses, so that she might have them always with her, when she was called to the telephone. At the other end of the line was Captain Welles, of the Navy, who made an urgent request for Our Mutual Girl to attend the sailor's drill at the naval parade ground on the morrow. Like most of Uncle Sam's navy, the Captain was not to be denied, and so, on the next afternoon, Margaret, listening to stirring marches and still more stirring bugle calls, watched the sailor-lads go through a landing drill and bayonet exercises and battle formations. When it was all over she and Captain Welles had half an hour of banter, and Senator Beekman of Rhode Island was presented to! her and a number of the younger officers said pretty things, and altogether Margaret's afternoon was wonderful. That night she was awakened by a maid with a telegram. Hurriedly she opened it, trembling lest it contain bad news of Baby Lily. But it was only an urgent message from Mrs. Rogers telling her that she had determined to adopt the child without delay. Mrs. Rogers asked Margaret to go to New York to get the baby and added that, as Mrs. Knickerbocker was away, one of her own cars would meet Our Mutual Girl at the Grand Central and be at Margaret's disposal throughout her stay. The next morning Margaret admitted to herself that probably this was the very best thing she could do for Baby Lily. So down to town she went and was driven by Mrs. Rogers' chauffeur to Aunt Sally's cottage. As Margaret's arms flew around Baby Lily's neck and the little one was held close to Our Mutual Girl's breast in an ecstatic "bear hug" the chauffeur fairlv jumped from his seat. In Baby Lily he had recognized his own child. How he makes a desperate effort to kidnap the little one in one automobile, while Margaret gives chase in another, forms a thrilling climax to the reel, while the dis covery that he is a notorious criminal by the officer who arrests him, adds to the effect. But more than ever Margaret is determined to keep Baby Lily.