"Well, you see, Rupert is a very good fellow, but I don't think he is gifted enough to become an actor, that is, a prominent actor. I offered to get him the part of a servant, but he didn't care to attempt it. Some time, Mrs. Spenser, when a child is needed in any of my plays, I may get the chance for your Sophie." "Oh, Mr. Waters, how kind you are. Do you really think Sophie could act?" "Yes, if I should train her. You know not very much is expected of a child." "I should feel so proud to see my little girl on the stage. Did you ever see Elsie Leslie act?" "Yes, she is very clever. I only wish she were old enough, and would consent to take the part of Pauline. She would be far better than Ida Strassburger." "Is she pretty?" "She is fair-looking, but she is too fat. However, she has a lover, a stout, young German, who, I understand, is jealous because on the stage I am to personate her lover. I presume he will be present. I will harrow him up by being a little extra affectionate." "Now, Mr. Waters, you are really too bad. You ought to consider the feelings of the poor young man." "His name is Otto Schaefer, and he is a butcher's assistant, I understand. I really hope he won't bring a butcher knife with him, for it might prove serious for me." "Rupert," said Leslie in a mysterious tone, a few hours before the play, "I will tell you a secret if you won't breathe a word about it." "Is it that you are engaged to the fair Pauline?" "Oh, bother, no. Otto Schaefer may have her, if he wishes." "What is it, then?" "I have sent complimentary tickets to Palmer and Daly. Do you think they will come?" "I imagine they are both very busy men, and cannot afford the time." "I thought, if they should be impressed with my playing, one of them might offer me an engagement in his stock company." "And you would like that?" "Would I like it? It would make me supremely happy." "Then you are not satisfied with the position of a bell-boy?" "Certainly not. Are you?" "For the present, yes." "Should you be willing to be a bell-boy for the next twenty years?" "No, I don't think I should, but I am still very young. I have just passed seventeen." "And I am a year older. It is high time I entered upon my chosen vocation." At length the eventful evening arrived. The hall was well filled, but the audience were from the neighborhood of First Avenue and Avenue A. Many of them were German or of German descent. The fact that Miss Strassburger, who was to play Pauline, was of Teutonic blood, doubtless accounted for this fact. The play commenced and progressed smoothly. The actors were well up in their parts. Ida Strassburger, to be sure, hardly looked aristocratic enough for Pauline, her figure being decidedly dumpy. She assumed a coquettish air, and from time to time glanced from the corner of her eye at a short, stout German young man who sat but a few feet from the stage.