was a stunner and no mistake.

What a pity

she went off so sudden! he'll not easily replace her the three he's had on trial since were n't fit to tie her shoes.

(Enter the Manager.)

Good morning, Sir.

Man. Good morning, Bob. Tell the billposter, when he comes, to display the new posters in the green-room for me to look at, and let me know when they are ready. (Exit Call Boy. Man. sits at table.) Oh! here's a day's work (looks over letters as he talks). For one runaway leading lady I am overrun with scores of applicants. If among the number I might hope to find one with the smallest right to the title! Oh, yes! offers, questions, phrases in every form and shape: nobility, spirit, memory, education, beauty, genius, figure, talent, etc., and yet scarcely one that spells correctly. No, no, I'm not to be taken in again by lofty recommendations

or self-praise: this time they must submit to such a trial as cannot deceive. My plan is a capital one; the true art of acting is not so plentiful as these aspirants imagine.

Call Boy (entering). A lady wants to see you, Sir.

Man. Ask her to come in. Plague number two, the more self-possessed aspirant comes herself. Well, that's better than letters, one can form some opinion of the appearance at least. A few crusty sentences soon dispose of the hopeless cases.

Call Boy (who has gone off and returnea ushering the lady in). The bill-poster is waiting for you, Sir. (Exit.)

Man. (bowing). Excuse me one moment, Madam. (Aside.) A good appearance. (Exit.)

Actress. And this is the sanctum of my old sweetheart. He does not dream his little wife that was to be is so near. Dear Frankie! Will he be glad to see me? or has he formed new ties, and forgotten the love of

his boyhood? How heart-broken we were, when we were torn from each other's arms! In all the sad years that have followed, that child's first sorrow has never faded from my thoughts. How altered he is; but for his eyes I should scarcely know him. A mustache does change a man. I too am changed. I am taller by a head, my hair is darker, and the burning Indian sun has colored the cheeks of the pale girl. I wonder if he will know me. We were little more than children when we parted.

Man. (entering). Now, Madam, your business?

Actress (aside).

His manner is not en

What is

couraging. (Raises her veil.) I am

Man. Never mind your name.

your business? My time is short.

Actress (aside). He does not know me. I am more changed than I imagined. I am informed the place of leading lady in your company is vacant, and trusting that my tal

ents may enable me to fill it worthily, I beg to offer you my services.

Man. So I presumed. I have been rather unhappy in my selection of late, and have determined in the future to guard against the usual fraud of a well-drilled tirade, or imitation of some celebrated actress.

Actress. As you please; but I cannot understand how you can judge of the capability of an actress without hearing her recite.

Man. You seem very confident. Have you a mind to stand a special trial?

Actress. Perhaps.

Man. I am very frank, and I must say I do not think the result will meet your wishes. The test I propose is very difficult.

Actress. This difficulty surmounts the contempt which your reception inspires. You see, Sir, I too am frank.

Man. (aside). I'm convinced of that,

but I'll soon remove the veil of egotism from your eyes. (Aloud.) So you are willing to submit to this examination?

Actress. Yes.

Man. Mind, I do not want to see yourself; simply the character that is to be presented.

Actress. Then what character do you wish to see? Will you leave the choice to me?

Man. Oh, no!

Actress. Then it may indeed become a harder task than I thought; your selection may not be in my repertoire.

Man. Oh yes, it is. I only require two words: "Come here."

Actress. Come here?

Man. Yes, and with the words, the meaning, emphasis, and expressions, that situation, character, and the surroundings would command.

Actress. This is strange, indeed.