"Oh, I see," stammered Mamie. "I'm sorry to say I've everything in front of me! I've never had a part yet at all. I'm that awful thing--a novice." "Crumbs!" said Miss Forbes. "I guess you actresses look down on novices rather?" "Well, the profession is full enough already, goodness knows! Still, I suppose we've all got a right to begin. I don't mind a novice who goes to the agents in the snow; it shows she means business anyhow. It's the amateurs who go to the managers in hansoms that I hate. But it's an awful struggle, my dear, take my word for it; you'd better stop at home if you can afford to. And Passmore will never be any use to you. Look at _me!_ I've been going to him for four months; and I played Prince Arthur on tour with Sullivan when I was nine." "I _am_ looking at you," said Mamie, smiling, "and envying you till I'm ill. You say Passmore is no use: let me into a secret. What _can_ I do to get an engagement?" "Blest if _I_ know, if you haven't got any friends to pull the strings! I'd like to know the secret myself. Well," she broke off, "perhaps we shall meet again. I must say 'good evening' here; there's my bus." "Don't go yet!" begged Mamie. "Won't you come and have some tea first?" Miss Forbes hesitated eloquently. "I shall get tea when I reach home," she murmured, "and I'm rather late." "Oh, let me invite an actress to tea! Do, please! It will be the next best thing to getting a part." "You're very kind. I don't mind, I'm sure. There's a place close by where they give you a pot for two for fourpence. You're American, aren't you?" "I've lived in America; I'm English really." They were soon seated at a table. Mamie ordered a pot of tea, and muffins. "It's nice and warm in here," she said. "Isn't it! I noticed you in the office. My name is Mabel Forbes; but I daresay you heard Passmore speak to me?" "Yes; he didn't speak very nicely, did he?" "They never do; they're all alike. They know we can't do without them, and they treat us like dirt. I tell you, it's awful; you don't know what you're letting yourself in for, my dear." "To succeed I'd bear anything, all the snubs and drudgery imaginable. I do know; I know it's not to be avoided. I've read the biographies of so many great actresses. I should think of the future--the reward. I'd set my teeth and _live_ for that time; and I'd work for it morning, noon, and night."