But Alice's remarks had the desired effect, and there were no more references, for the present, directed at pretty Estelle. Miss Dixon and Miss Pennington had a scene with Mr. Pertell, though, in which they threatened to leave unless Estelle were sent back to the bungalow where the other extra players boarded. But the manager remained firm, and the two vaudeville actresses did not quit the company. Hard work followed, and Estelle made some daring rides, once narrowly escaping injury from the burning wad of a cannon, which went off prematurely as she dashed past the very muzzle. But she put spurs to her horse, who leaped over the spurt of fire and smoke. A few feet of film were spoiled; but this was better than having an actor hurt. Alice was sitting on the farmhouse porch one afternoon, waiting for Estelle and Ruth to come down, for they were going for a walk together, not being needed in the films. Estelle had been taken into companionship by the two girls, who found her a very charming companion, though little disposed to talk about herself. Alice, who was reading a motion picture magazine, was startled by hearing a voice saying, almost in her ear: "Is Miss Brown in?" "Oh!" and Alice looked up to see Maurice Whitlow smirking at her. He had tiptoed up on the porch and was standing very close to her. She had never been introduced to him, but that is not absolutely insisted on in moving picture circles, particularly when a company is on "location." "Is Miss Brown in?" repeated Whitlow. "I don't know, I'm sure," replied Alice. "Ah, well, I'll wait and find out. I'll sit down here by you and wait," went on the young man, drawing a chair so close to that of Alice that it touched. "Fine day, isn't it? I say! you did that bit of acting very cleverly to-day." "Did I?" and Alice went on reading. "Yes. I had a little bit myself. I carried a message from the field headquarters to the rear--after more ammunition, you know. Did you notice me riding?" "I did not." "Well, I saw you, all right. If Miss Brown isn't home, do you want to go over to the village with me?" "I do not!" and Alice was very emphatic. "Then for a row on the lake?" "No!" "You look as though you would enjoy canoeing," went on the persistent Whitlow. "You have a very strong little hand--very pretty!" and he boldly reached up and removed Alice's fingers from the edge of the magazine. "A very pretty little hand--yes!" and he sighed foolishly. "How dare you!" cried Alice, indignantly. "If you don't----" "See how you like that pretty bit of grass down there!" exclaimed a sharp voice behind Alice, and the next moment Mr. Maurice Whitlow, eye-glasses, lavender tie, socks and all, went sailing over the porch railing, to land in a sprawling heap on the sod below. CHAPTER VII ESTELLE'S LEAP "Oh!" murmured Alice, shrinking down in her chair. "Oh--my!"