“Not a bit.”

“Oh, well, it isn’t anything very serious.”

“She’s clever, though,” said Drouet, casting off any imputation against Carrie’s ability.  “She picks up her part quick enough.”

“You don’t say so!” said the manager.

“Yes, sir; she surprised me the other night.  By George, if she didn’t.”

“We must give her a nice little send-off,” said the manager.  “I’ll look after the flowers.”

Drouet smiled at his good-nature.

“After the show you must come with me and we’ll have a little supper.”

“I think she’ll do all right,” said Drouet.

“I want to see her.  She’s got to do all right.  We’ll make her,” and the manager gave one of his quick, steely half-smiles, which was a compound of good-nature and shrewdness.

Carrie, meanwhile, attended the first rehearsal.  At this performance Mr. Quincel presided, aided by Mr. Millice, a young man who had some qualifications of past experience, which were not exactly understood by any one.  He was so experienced and so business-like, however, that he came very near being rude-failing to remember, as he did, that the individuals he was trying to instruct were volunteer players and not salaried underlings.

“Now, Miss Madenda,” he said, addressing Carrie, who stood in one part uncertain as to what move to make, “you don’t want to stand like that.  Put expression in your face.  Remember, you are troubled over the intrusion of the stranger.  Walk so,” and he struck out across the Avery stage in almost drooping manner.

Carrie did not exactly fancy the suggestion, but the novelty of the situation, the presence of strangers, all more or less nervous, and the desire to do anything rather than make a failure, made her timid.  She walked in imitation of her mentor as requested, inwardly feeling that there was something strangely lacking.

“Now, Mrs. Morgan,” said the director to one young married woman who was to take the part of Pearl, “you sit here.  Now, Mr. Bamberger, you stand here, so.  Now, what is it you say?”

“Explain,” said Mr. Bamberger feebly.  He had the part of Ray, Laura’s lover, the society individual who was to waver in his thoughts of marrying her, upon finding that she was a waif and a nobody by birth.

“How is that—­what does your text say?”

“Explain,” repeated Mr. Bamberger, looking intently at his part.

“Yes, but it also says,” the director remarked, “that you are to look shocked.  Now, say it again, and see if you can’t look shocked.”

“Explain!” demanded Mr. Bamberger vigorously.

“No, no, that won’t do!  Say it this way—­explain.”

“Explain,” said Mr. Bamberger, giving a modified imitation.

“That’s better.  Now go on.”

“One night,” resumed Mrs. Morgan, whose lines came next, “father and mother were going to the opera.  When they were crossing Broadway, the usual crowd of children accosted them for alms—­”