Ruth wept in secret over them, being the house-keeper. And, of late, some of the tradesmen were not as patient and kind as they had been at first. Some even sent professional collectors, who used all their various wiles to humiliate their debtors. But now a ray of light seemed to shine through the gloom, and a tentative promise from one theatrical manager had become a reality. Mr. DeVere had telephoned that the contract was signed, and that he would have a leading part at last, after many weeks of idleness. "What is the play?" asked Alice of her sister, when they had decided on what they might safely get from the delicatessen store. "Did dad say?" "Yes. It's 'A Matter of Friendship.' One of those new society dramas." "Oh, I do hope he gets us tickets!" "We will need some dresses before we can use tickets," sighed Ruth. "Positively I wouldn't go anywhere but in the gallery now." "No, we wouldn't exactly shine in a box," agreed Alice. "Hark!" cautioned her sister. "There's someone in the hall now. I heard a step----" There came a knock on the door, and in spite of themselves both girls started nervously. "That isn't his rap!" whispered Alice. "No. Ask who it is," suggested Ruth. Somehow, she looked again to the younger Alice now. "Who--who is it?" faltered the latter. "Maybe it's one of those horrid collectors," she went on, in her sister's ear. "I wish I'd kept quiet." But the voice that answered reassured them. "Are you there, Miss DeVere? This is Russ Dalwood. I want to apologize for that row outside your door a few minutes ago. It was an accident. I'm sorry. May I come in?" CHAPTER III THE OLD TROUBLE For a moment the girls faced each other with wide-opened eyes, the brown ones of Alice gazing into the deep blue ones of Ruth. Ruth's eyes were not the ordinary blue--like those of a china doll. They were more like wood-violets, and in their depths could be read a liking for the unusual and romantic that was, in a measure, the key to her character. Not for nothing had Alice laughed at her sister's longing for a prince, on a milk-white steed, to come riding by. Ruth was tall, and of that desirable willowy type, so much in demand of late. Alice was just saved from being a "bread-and-butter" girl. That is, she had wholesomeness, with a round face, and ruddy cheeks--more damask than red in color--but she also had a rollicking, good-natured disposition, without being in the least bit tomboyish. She reminded one of a girl just out of school, eager for a game of tennis or golf. "Are you busy?" asked the voice on the other side of the door. "I can call again!" "No, wait--Russ!" replied Ruth, with an obvious effort. "We had the chain on. We'll let you in!"