“Well, I’m a chump if I let you go that way,” said the big brute, suddenly. “You’re bound to kiss somebody if you stay in this business, and, by the powers, I’m going to be the first one!”
His face had reddened with passion as he spoke, and as Marion glanced at him quickly she found his eyes almost devouring her.
“Let me pass! It is late!” she commanded, sternly.
“Not until I have tasted of those red lips, Ila,” said the fellow. The next second he had caught her in his arms and was pressing her roughly to his bosom.
CHAPTER VII.
MARION MAKES ANOTHER ENEMY
For a second Marion Marlowe was almost paralyzed with fright, but as she felt the fellow’s mustache touching her cheek she raised her right hand and gave him a blow with all the force of her strong young muscles.
“Take that for your impudence, you cur!” she whispered, tensely.
Jack Green released her and fell back a step, and just at that moment Carlotta came out of her dressing-room.
“Hello!” she said, abruptly, as she caught sight of Marion. “You here again to-night, you little simpleton!”