"Sometimes it comes off," Dick replied thoughtfully. "There was Claribel Winthrop--Jane Perks her real name was--in one of my country companies; she married a young lord. But she worked desperately hard for it. All of us looked on and backed her up. It might come off that way; but I should be sorry, Molly. You're born for better things; you ought to have an empty purse." "What should you say, Dick, if it was to come off that way?" "Is there a young lord, then? Already?" He changed colour. "He isn't a lord, but he is not far off, Dick; and I can have him if I like." "What sort of a fellow, Molly? Oh, be very careful. It is the devil and all if he isn't the right sort. Do you like him?" His face twisted as if he could not find it in his heart to like him. "He's a baronet. He's young. He wants to conceal things. His mother doesn't like show folk. He thinks most people are cads. He's rich." "You don't mean to say it's that cousin of mine--not Sir Humphrey?" She nodded her head. "You don't like him, I know. I'm afraid he's got a temper, and I don't know if I shall be able to put up with him." "You haven't promised, have you?" "He says I have. But I haven't, really. I am always reminding him that there is still time to draw back. But, Dick, think! To have plenty of money! To be independent!" Dick groaned. "It's the greatest temptation in the world. Eve's apple was made of gold, and after she'd got it she couldn't eat it. You think of that, Molly. You can't eat a golden apple. Now, I could give you a real delicious Ribstone pippin." He sat down beside her, and took her hand again. "It's very serious, my dear." It is the manner of the stage to address the ladies so. It means nothing. Whether it is also the manner to take their hands, I know not. "You must be very careful, Molly. Will my other cousin, Hilarie, advise?" "It's a secret, so far. But don't think about it, Dick. I've got to please Hilarie first. The young man will have to be considered next." "Well, if there's nothing fixed---- Molly, I don't like the fellow, I own. I don't like any of the lot who talk about outsiders and cads, as if they were a different order. Still, if it makes you happy--Molly, I swear there's nothing I wouldn't consent to if it would make you happy." The tears stood in his eyes. "My dear Dick," she said. "There's nobody cares for me so much as you." And the tears stood in her eyes as well. The young man let go her hand, and stood up. "That's enough, Molly--so long as we understand. Now tell me about the studies. Are you really working?" "Really working. But, oh, Dick, my trouble is that the harder I work the more I feel as if it isn't there. I do exactly what I am told to do, and it doesn't come off." "But when you used to sing and dance----" "Oh, anybody could make people laugh." The actor groaned. "She says--anybody! And she can do it! And they put her into tragedy!"