Marion Marlowe's Triumph, or, In Spite of Her Enemies

Marion Marlowe's Triumph: In Spite of Her Enemies This serial by Grace Shirley follows Marion Marlowe, a country girl boarding at Mrs. Denison's boarding house who aspires to become a stage actress like Duse or Bernhardt. When theatrical professionals suddenly occupy the house, Marion finds herself caught between sympathy for her exasperated landlady and amusement at the actors' antics. The opening chapters depict the chaos caused by the theatrical troupe—living crabs and a lobster left loose in rooms, excessive drinking and noise—and introduce conflict when Marion rebukes actor Ed Gordon for his inconsiderate behavior. This prompts jealousy among the actresses, particularly Vera Villette, who overhears Gordon's admiration for Marion. The other actors plot revenge against the "treacherous little minx," setting up a narrative of enmity that Marion must overcome to achieve her theatrical ambitions.