“That is the reason he has been so successful in his work, I suppose,” remarked Anne.  “He makes other people feel that it pays to be good, too.”

From the subject of the actor-minister the conversation drifted to Overton.  Miss Southard listened interestedly to Grace’s vivid description of the college, the various halls and even the faculty.

“Then you are satisfied with your choice?  You never wish that you had entered Vassar or Smith or any other college?”

“Yes, I am satisfied,” declared Grace, while Miriam and Anne echoed her reply, but Grace might have truthfully added that there were times when even the glorious privilege of being an Overton freshman had its drawbacks.

CHAPTER XVI

THANKSGIVING WITH THE SOUTHARDS

Thanksgiving dinner was served at exactly half-past twelve o’clock, and eaten with much merriment and good cheer.  At half-past one Mr. Southard was obliged to leave his sister and guests, and at two o’clock they were getting into their wraps, preparatory to accompanying Miss Southard to another theatre to see one of the most successful plays of the season.  That night they saw the actor in “Hamlet,” and his remarkable portrayal of the ill-fated Prince of Denmark was something long to be remembered by the three girls as well as by the rest of the enthusiastic assemblage that witnessed it.

“I shall never forget the awful look in his poor eyes,” said Grace solemnly.  Then she joined in the insistent applause that Everett Southard’s art had evoked.  Presently the actor appeared and bowed his appreciation of the tribute.  Then he made his exit nor could he be induced to appear again.

Anne sat as though turned to stone.  She could not find words to express the emotions that had thrilled her during Mr. Southard’s marvelous portrayal of the role.  His own personality was completely submerged in that of the melancholy ghost-ridden youth, who, dedicating his life to the purpose of avenging his father’s murder, welcomed death with open arms when his purpose had been accomplished.  She had seen a great play and a great actor.  The first time she saw “Hamlet” she left the theatre heartsick and discouraged.  To-night she was leaving it alert and triumphant.

“Anne has been touched by the finger of Genius,” smiled Miss Southard, as she marshaled her charges to their automobile.

“How did you know?” asked Anne, but in spite of her smiling lips her brown eyes were full of tears.

“My dear, living with Everett has taught me the signs,” said his sister simply.

“I should like to play Ophelia to Mr. Southard’s Hamlet,” said Anne dreamily.

“Perhaps you will have the chance to do so some day.  Everett thinks you would be a more convincing Ophelia than the young woman you saw in the part to-night,” encouraged Miss Southard.

Anne looked so delighted at those words that Miriam and Grace exchanged swift glances.  It was evident that the genuine love of her profession lay deep within the soul of their friend.