He would have done anything in the world for his little girl while she was alive, but now that she was dead--Besides, after all, she was only a baby. For some time past this idea had occurred to him as an excellent argument to convince Kate that there was really no reason why she should not go to rehearsal on the following morning. If he had not yet spoken in this way it was only because he was afraid that she would round on him, and call him a heartless beast, and he would do anything to evade a sulky look; and now, when the funeral was over and they were walking home wet, sorrowful, and tired, it was curious to watch how he gave his arm to Kate, and the timidity with which he introduced the subject. At first he only spoke of himself, and his hopes of being able to obtain a better part and a higher salary in the new drama. But mention to a mummer who is lying on his death-bed that a new piece is going to be produced, and he will not be able to resist asking a question or two about it; and Kate, weary as she was, at once pricked up her ears, and said: 'Oh, they're going to do a new piece! You didn't tell me that before.' 'It was only decided last night,' replied Dick. The spell was now broken, and when they reached home and had dinner the conversation was resumed in a strain that might be considered as being almost jovial after the mournful tones of the last few days. Dick felt as if a big weight had been lifted from his mind, and the thought again occurred to him that there was no use in making such a fuss over a baby that was only three weeks old. Kate, too, seemed to be awakening to the conviction that there was no use in grieving for ever. The state of torpor she had been living in--for to stifle remorse she had been drinking heavily on the quiet--now began to wear off, and her brain to uncloud itself; and Dick, surprised at the transformation, could not help exclaiming: 'That's right, Kate; cheer up, old girl. A baby three weeks old isn't the same as a grown person.' 'I know it isn't, but if you only knew--I'm afraid I neglected the poor little thing.' 'Nonsense!' replied Dick, for having an eye constantly on the main chance, he wished to avoid any fresh outburst of grief. 'You looked after it very well indeed; besides, you'll have another,' he added with a smile. 'I want no other,' replied Kate, vexed at being misunderstood, and yet afraid to explain herself more thoroughly. At last Dick said: 'I wish there was a part for you in the new piece.' 'Yes, so do I. I haven't been doing anything for a long while now.' And thus encouraged he told her that in the so-and-so company the part of the Countess might be had for the asking. 'Only they play to-morrow night.' 'Oh, to-morrow night! It would be dreadful to act so soon after my poor baby's death, wouldn't it?' 'I can't see why. We shall be as sorry for it in a week's time as now, and yet one must get to work some time or other.'