Holcombe took
his note-book and read aloud what he had written. I have it before me
now:
"'Dog meat, two dollars, boat hire'--that's not it. Here. 'Yesterday,
Sunday, March the 4th, Mrs. Pitman, landlady at 42 Union Street, heard
two of her boarders quarreling, a man and his wife. Man's name, Philip
Ladley. Wife's name, Jennie Ladley, known as Jennie Brice at the
Liberty Stock Company, where she has been playing small parts.'"
Mr. Howell nodded. "I've heard of her," he said. "Not much of an
actress, I believe."
"'The husband was also an actor, out of work, and employing his
leisure time in writing a play.'"
"Everybody's doing it," said Mr. Howell idly.
"The Shuberts were to star him in this," I put in. "He said that the
climax at the end of the second act--"
Mr. Holcombe shut his note-book with a snap. "After we have finished
gossiping," he said, "I'll go on."
"'Employing his leisure time in writing a play--'" quoted Mr. Howell.
"Exactly. 'The husband and wife were not on good terms. They quarreled
frequently.
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