“I’m staggered!” spoke Pep Smith, breathlessly. “I didn’t think it could be done this fine.”
“Yes, Professor Barrington has certainly made good,” agreed Randy Powell.
The long and arduous efforts of the motion picture chums and their helpers had come to a splendid climax. The Standard had just thrown open its doors to the public. Like the unfolding of a fairy dream, at seven-thirty o’clock that evening the protecting canvas covering the entrance to the photo playhouse had been removed.
Those passing by had been dazzled. Instantly the glowing front of the building shone like a casket of jewels. Those in front viewed a reception hall that suggested the tasteful portal to some royal palace.
No placards had been placed—no advertising had been done in any general way. Professor Barrington had pleaded for that opening night as his especial own.
“Gentlemen,” he had said, “the programme we put out the first night must meet the unqualified approbation of the elite of Boston and the local press. I have thousands of friends in Boston and I have as many more in its vicinity, who for my sake would travel a good many miles. Let admission the first night be by special card. I will guarantee that the wealth and culture of the community put the seal of approval on this great enterprise.”
The old gentleman had not predicted wrongly. Over a thousand invitations had been sent out. From seven-thirty until eight-forty o’clock a constant string of private automobiles delivered load after load of well-dressed people at the entrance to the Standard. They showed themselves to be something more than mere invited guests. They took a pleased interest in viewing the comfortable and luxurious outfitting of the reception room and expressed their approval of the venture of Professor Barrington when the artistic beauties of the auditorium burst upon their view.
Frank wore a smile of great satisfaction as he and Mr. Strapp stood at the rear of the auditorium and looked over the assembled audience.
“It’s pretty fine, Durham—playhouse and people,” observed the latter. “I’d warm up quicker to the popular crowd; but their turn will come after we get the good word from these people. There’re a dozen newspaper men here.”
“I suppose we will get quite a lot of free advertising,” remarked Frank. “I’m sort of anxious about the programme. You see, the special film we counted on is delayed. That historical reel that Pep so luckily ran across has taken its place.”