"The warrior bowed his crested head and tamed his heart of fire, And sued the haughty king to free his long-imprisoned sire." "Yes, I know the poem." "I got a prize for speaking it at one of our closing examinations," said Leslie, proudly. "Would you like to have me speak it for you now?" "I afraid it would attract attention in some of the neighboring rooms, as it is a spirited piece." Leslie looked disappointed but continued. "Then I have spoken 'Young Lochinvar' also--I liked that." "Did you never speak any prose pieces?" "No, I didn't care for prose. I like poetry best. I wish we were alone, so I could speak something for you." "We will go on an excursion some Sunday--say to Weehawken--and then I shall have a chance to hear you." "I am afraid I shall not be able to stay in the city," said Leslie, gloomily. "I have met nothing but disappointment since I came here." CHAPTER XXII. TRYING TO BE AN ACTOR. "Have you inquired for work?" asked Rupert. "Yes." "What kind of work?" "I wanted to be an actor. So I applied at Palmer's Theatre and Daly's this forenoon, and this afternoon I went to others." "How were you received?" asked Rupert, in considerable curiosity. "They wouldn't talk with me," answered Leslie, indignantly. "One of the managers laughed at me when I asked if he would let me speak a piece, so that he might judge of my ability." "Perhaps they had no vacancy," suggested Rupert, trying to keep his countenance. "They asked me if I had ever acted. Of course I can't till I get the chance. I told him I would be willing to work for five dollars a week till I got some experience. I told them they might try me in small parts. One of them asked me if I had ever played Hamlet. He must have been in fun." "I should think so." "Of course great actors like Booth must have served an apprenticeship. I was reading an account of Booth's early life lately, and he began just as I want to begin." "I expect the profession must be crowded. There was an actor staying at the hotel last week. He is out of employment, and I think he must be out of funds, for he got me to go out and pawn an overcoat for him." "I am sure I could succeed if I only had a show," continued Leslie. "You don't happen to know any manager, do you?" "No. Perhaps you would stand a better chance of getting into a variety theatre. Can you sing or dance?" "No; I should not be willing to. I don't think Booth ever did, or Irving, or Forrest." "No. I don't think they did." "And I'll get some time to be a famous actor, so I wouldn't like to have it mentioned in my biographies that I ever played in a variety theatre." "Are you going to make any more applications, Leslie?" "I shall apply to every manager in the city," answered Leslie, energetically. "I like your pluck. You deserve to succeed." "Didn't you ever think of being an actor?" "No; I don't think I have any talent for it." "Don't you like to speak pieces?"