dn't smoke so much, except, of course, in the
close-ups. His throat was dry and rough, his voice husky. His companion
had evidently played more smoking parts and seemed not to mind it.

Henshaw was now opposite them across the dancing floor, warning his
people to be gay but not too gay. The glamour of this night life must be
a little dulled.

"Now, Paul, get about three medium shots along here. There's a good
table--get that bunch. And not quite so solemn, people; don't overdo it.
You think you're having a good time, even if it does turn to ashes in
your mouth--now, ready; lights! Camera!"

"I like Western stuff better," confided Merton to his companion. She
considered this, though retaining her arch manner. "Well, I don't know.
I done a Carmencita part in a dance-hall scene last month over to the
Bigart, and right in the mi'st of the fight I get a glass of somethin'
all over my gown that practically rooned it. I guess I rather do this
refined cabaret stuff--at least you ain't so li'ble to roon a gown.
Still and all, after you been warmin' the extra bench for a month one
can't be choosy. Say, there's the princ'ples comin' on the set."

He looked around. There, indeed, was the beautiful Muriel Mercer,
radiant in an evening frock of silver. At the moment she was putting a
few last touches to her perfect face from a make-up box held by a maid.
Standing with her was another young woman, not nearly so beautiful, and
three men. Henshaw was instructing these. Presently he called through
his megaphone: "You people are excited by the entrance of the famous
Vera Vanderpool and her friends. You stop drinking, break off your talk,
stare at her--see what I mean?--she makes a sensation. Music, lights,
camera!"

Down the set, escorted by a deferential head-waiter, came Muriel Mercer
on the arm of a middle-aged man who was elaborately garnished but whose
thin dyed mustaches, partially bald head, and heavy eyes, proclaimed him
to Merton Gill as one who meant the girl no good. They were followed
by the girl who was not so beautiful and the other two men. These were
young chaps of pleasing exterior who made the progress laughingly. The
five were seated at a table next the dancing space at the far end. They
chatted gayly as the older man ordered importantly from the head-waiter.
Muriel Mercer tapped one of the younger men with her plumed fan and they
danced. Three other selected couples danced at the same time, though
taking care not