"Does she look the part?" "Well, no. I am sorry to say it, but she is rather short and fat. She is German, as you may guess from her name. Still I think she will do, if she will be guided by me. You see we can't afford to be too particular about a Pauline, for it is harder to get actresses than actors." "Do you feel at all nervous about your first appearance in a star part?" "Oh, no, I never was troubled with stage fright. I have considerable confidence in myself." This was quite true. Had Leslie been requested to appear as Hamlet, he would have had no misgivings, but with sufficient time for preparation would have walked on the stage prepared to enact the _rôle_ of the melancholy Dane. "I hope you will win the popular favor, and get your name before the public." "I hope so. One of our members, who sometimes reports for the _Evening News_, has promised to write an account for that paper, and we hope to be noticed by the _Sun_ and _World_." "Suppose your father reads the account? Does he take either of these papers?" "I hope he will. In fact I shall make sure that he does, for I will send the papers to him marked, getting you to address the wrappers. While he would object to my going on the stage professionally, I don't think he will mind my appearing for the benefit of a charitable society." "Do you know anything about the Society for the Relief of Indigent Laundresses?" "No." "Yet you are going to work very hard for them." "Oh, I don't care anything for the society. I would be willing to work for any society, as long as I got a chance to appear in a prominent part." "I am not sure," said Rupert, laughing, "but I would like to have your club give a performance for the benefit of destitute bell-boys." "I am quite ready, if any such society should be formed." "I'll think about forming one, though I am glad to say I don't know of any destitute bell-boys at present." Rupert bought several tickets, and invited the entire Benton family, including his young charge, to attend the performance. Mrs. Spenser and her daughters received an invitation from Leslie Waters himself. The widow felt quite flattered. "I am sure, Mr. Waters," she said, "I am proud to think a distinguished actor like you is a lodger of mine. It will seem so odd to see you on the stage. I don't see how you can do it." "It comes natural to me, Mrs. Spenser," said Leslie, much flattered. "And do you think you will ever go on the stage as a regular business, Mr. Waters?" "I will if I have a good opportunity. To be a bell-boy does not satisfy my ambition." "It is a good, steady business." "Yes, but I feel that I was born for higher things. Anyone can be a bell-boy, but there are few who are qualified to become actors." "I wonder your friend Mr. Rollins doesn't act."