"If he is really crazy," continued Mrs. Spenser, "I don't think I can keep him, though I need the money he pays for room rent." Rupert abandoned his game, and, accompanied by the frightened woman, proceeded to the part of the house where Leslie lodged. As he stood outside in the hall he heard Leslie in a low, guttural voice rehearsing the part of Hyde. One who was not familiar with the _rôle_ or the play might be excused for being startled. Rupert tried the door, and entered. There was his associate bell-boy, half-crouching, and with his black hair carefully disordered, walking across the room, with his naturally pleasant face distorted by a grin as fiendish as he could make it. "Look at him! He is certainly crazy!" ejaculated the terrified landlady. "He looks awful." "What are you doing, Leslie?" asked Rupert. Leslie looked up, and his face showed embarrassment when he saw his visitors. "I am practicing the part of Hyde," he said. "I thought so. You have frightened Mrs. Spenser, who thought you had a fit or were crazy." Instead of being offended, Leslie took this as a tribute to his art. "Yes," he said, "it is a frightful character. Did I really look dreadful?" "Awful!" said Mrs. Spenser. "That's the way Mansfield looked. Isn't it, Rupert?" "Something like it, Leslie, but I shouldn't think you would like to imitate such a personation. Why don't you try Romeo?" "Romeo is a silly character. He is only a sixteenth century dude." "Then imitate Claude Melnotte, in the 'Lady of Lyons.'" "I never saw it." "In that character, instead of looking frightful, you would need to look handsome, romantic and attractive. If Mrs. Spenser should see you in that she wouldn't be frightened." "Are you an actor, Mr. Waters?" asked the landlady, curiously. "I hope to be some day," returned Leslie, much flattered. "I am going to have some friends come in to see me Christmas evening. I should be very much obliged if you would do some acting for us, only not that Hyde," and she shuddered. "I shall be pleased to do what I can, Mrs. Spenser," replied Leslie, graciously. "I will speak some pieces for you--some pieces that require acting. I have a recitation called 'The Tramp.'" "I shall be very glad to have you. It will be a great favor. Don't you act, too, Mr. Rollins?" "No; I leave all that to my friend Leslie." The landlady retired, leaving the two boys alone. "What did you think of my acting, Rupert?" said Leslie. "If I could see it again I think it would give me a nightmare." "I consider that a compliment," said Leslie, complacently. "I shall never be satisfied, Rupert, till I go on the stage." CHAPTER XXV. LESLIE WATERS AS A DRAMATIC STAR.