I met Prosper Vane at the club some ten days before the first night, and asked him how rehearsals were going. "Oh, all right," he said. "But it's a rotten play. I've got such a dashed silly part." "From what you told me," I said, "it sounded rather good." "It's so dashed unnatural. For three whole acts this girl and I are in love with each other, and we know we're in love with each other, and yet we simply fool about. She's a dashed pretty girl, too, my boy. In real life I'd jolly soon----" "My dear Alfred," I protested, "you're not going to fall in love with the girl you have to fall in love with on the stage? I thought actors never did that." "They do sometimes; it's a dashed good advertisement. Anyway, it's a silly part, and I'm fed up with it." "Yes, but do be reasonable. If _Dick_ got engaged at once to _Winifred_ what would happen to Levinski? He'd have nothing to do." Prosper Vane grunted. As he seemed disinclined for further conversation I left him. . . . . . The opening night came, and the usual distinguished and fashionable audience (including myself), such as habitually attends Mr. Levinski's first nights, settled down to enjoy itself. Two acts went well. At the end of each Mr. Levinski came before the curtain and bowed to us, and we had the honour of clapping him loud and long. Then the Third Act began.... Now this is how the Third Act ends:-- _Exit_ Sir Geoffrey. _Winifred (breaking the silence)._ Dick, you heard what he said. Don't let this silly money come between us. I have told you I love you, dear. Won't you--won't you speak to me? _Dick._ Winifred, I---- (_He gets up and walks round the room, his brow knotted, his right fist occasionally striking his left palm. Finally he comes to a stand in front of her._) Winifred, I---- (_He raises his arms slowly at right angles to his body and lets them fall heavily down again._) I can't. (_In a low, hoarse voice_) I--can't! (_He stands for a moment with bent head; then with a jerk he pulls himself together._) Good-bye! (_His hands go out to her, but he draws them back as if frightened to touch her. Nobly_) Good ber-eye. [_He squares his shoulders and stands looking at the audience with his chin in the air; then with a shrug of utter despair, which would bring tears into the eyes of any young thing in the pit, he turns and with bent head walks slowly out._ CURTAIN. That _is_ how the Third Act ends. I went to the dress rehearsal, and so I know. How the accident happened I do not know. I suppose Prosper was nervous; I am sure he was very much in love. Anyhow, this is how, on that famous first night, the Third Act ended:-- _Exit_ Sir Geoffrey. _Winifred_ (_breaking the silence_). Dick, you heard what he said. Don't let this silly money come between us. I have told you I love you, dear. Won't you--won't you speak to me?