The girl’s head drooped. “I suppose mother is all broken up,” she confessed. “Haven’t you been to see her?” “Can’t. It’s too far!” “How is that?” “We live in Carrolton. I ran away from home.” Now Merry’s interest was thoroughly aroused. “How did you happen to come to St. Jo.?” he asked. “Oh, I’ve got friends here. I’ve been here visiting twice before. The first time I was here was when I began to flirt with an actor.” “Miss Blaney, you should return home. Your mother will be glad to see you, and——” “The old man will kick me out. It’s no use, Frank Merriwell. I think you mean well enough, but you are off your trolley in regard to me. I can’t go back now, and I’m bound to have a good time while there is a good time going. I thought you were sporty, but I see I made a mistake. I reckon I’d better shift along. You are all right—from your head up.” “Wait a moment. We play in Carrolton to-morrow night. Can I not take a message to your mother from you? Think how she must feel. Can’t I tell her something that will cheer her up?” “What’s the use?” “How do you know but her heart is breaking for you? Perhaps she prays for you night and day. Perhaps——” “Oh, don’t!” cried the girl. “I don’t like to hear about that. No, I won’t send a message by you. The idea that an actor should want to take such a message! Ha! ha! ha! Why, it’s perfectly ridiculous! Ha! ha! ha! ha!” The girl’s laughter caused him to shiver a bit. It was not the laugh of genuine merriment—it was forced and unnatural. She was quick to see how it touched him, and she suddenly cried: “Don’t mind me! I’m not worth it! You have tried to give me some good advice, but it’s a waste of breath. I’m going to do as I like, no matter what comes of it.” “Whatever you do,” said Frank, with deep earnestness, “don’t forget your mother! When you are having a good time, as you call it, think of your mother. When you are gay, think of your mother, who may be praying for you at that moment. That is all, Miss Blaney. Good-by! I would like to know that some day—very soon—you go back to your mother.” She was not laughing now. All the false merriment had gone out of her face, leaving it very sober. Something like tears seemed to fill her eyes. “Good-by,” said Frank, once more. Without a word, the girl turned swiftly and hurried away, almost running. “Too bad!” he muttered, as he hurried on to the theater. CHAPTER XI. FRANK SPEAKS HIS MIND. At the stage door he saw Douglas Dunton talking to a very pretty, blue-eyed girl, who started and blushed when she beheld Frank, quickly exclaiming in a low tone: “Oh, there is Mr. Merriwell!” “Never mind him,” laughed Dunton. “He’s not the only pebble on the beach.” Frank said not a word, but entered the theater, apparently to the disappointment of the girl. A short time later, Dunton came in. Frank called him aside.