"And I didn't expect you'd have it," sneered the man. "But I've come to tell you this. It's either pay your rent or----" He paused significantly and nodded in the direction of the street. "Three days more--this is the final notice," and thrusting a paper into the nerveless hand of Mr. DeVere, the collector strode out. CHAPTER IX MR. DEVERE DECIDES Mr. DeVere sank into a chair. Ruth looked distressed as her father glanced over the dispossess notice, for such it was. But on the face of Alice there was a triumphant smile. For she saw that this was the very thing needed to arouse her father to action. Despite the distastefulness of the work, she felt sure he would come finally to like acting before the camera. The collector's call had been very opportune, though it was embarrassing. "This--this," said Mr. DeVere, haltingly--"this is very--er--very unfortunate. Then we are behind with the rent, Ruth?" "Yes, Dad. You know I told you----" "Yes, I suppose so," he added, with a sigh. "I had forgotten. There have been so many things----" He was lost in thought for a moment. "Do we owe much more, Ruth?" he asked. "Quite some, Daddy. But don't worry. You are not well, and----" "No, I am not well. I feel very poorly, but it is mainly mental, and not physical--except for my throat. And even that does not really hurt. It is only--only that I cannot speak." His voice trailed off into a hoarse whisper, which the girls could barely distinguish. "I--I must find something to do," went on the stricken actor. "I'll go out again this afternoon. Let us have a little lunch and I will try again. I'll do anything----" "Then, Daddy, why don't you let me tell about the moving pictures?" broke in Alice. "I'm sure----" "Alice, dear, you know that isn't in my line," replied her father. "It is very good of you to suggest it; but it will not do. I could not bring myself to it----" He paused, and looked dejectedly at the dispossess notice in his hand. "I--I could not do it," he added with a sigh. "I must try to get something in the line of my profession. Perhaps I might get a place in some dramatic school. I have trained you girls in the rudiments of acting, and I'm sure I could do it with a larger class. I did not think of it before. Get me some lunch, Ruth, and I'll go out again." "But what about the rent?" asked Alice. "We can't be put out on the street, Dad." "No, I suppose not. I'll see Mr. Cross, and get another loan. I'll pay him back out of my first salary. We must have a roof over us. Oh, girls, I am so sorry for you!" "Don't worry about us, Daddy! You just get better and take care of your throat!" urged Alice. "You might try the movies, just for a little while, and then----" "Never! Never!" he interrupted with vigor. "I could not think of it!" Again there came a knock at the door. "I'll go," offered Alice. "No, let me," said Ruth, quickly.