ountess made nothing of letting him in. She had missed him, she
said, for what seemed like months, and was glad to hear that he now
had something definite in view, because the picture game was mighty
uncertain and it was only the lucky few nowadays that could see
something definite. He did not confide to her that the definite
something now within his view would demand his presence at some distance
from her friendly self.

He approached the entrance to Stage Five with head bent in calculation,
and not until he heard her voice did he glance up to observe that
the Montague girl was dancing from pleasure, it would seem, at merely
beholding him. She seized both his hands in her strong grasp and
revolved him at the centre of a circle she danced. Then she held him off
while her eyes took in the details of his restoration.

"Well, well, well! That shows what a few ham and eggs and sleep will
do. Kid, you gross a million at this minute. New suit, new shoes, snappy
cravat right from the Men's Quality Shop, and all shaved and combed
slick and everything! Say--and I was afraid maybe you wouldn't show."

He regarded her earnestly. "Oh, I would have come back, all right; I'd
never forget that twenty-five dollars I owe you; and you'll get it
all back, only it may take a little time. I thought I'd see you for a
minute, then go out and find a job--you know, a regular job in a store."

"Nothing of the sort, old Trouper!" She danced again about him, both
his hands in hers, which annoyed him because it was rather loud public
behaviour, though he forgave her in the light of youth and kindliness.
"No regular job for you, old Pippin--nothing but acting all over the
place--real acting that people come miles to see."

"Do you think I can really get a part?" Perhaps the creature had
something definite in view for him.

"Sure you can get a part! Yesterday morning I simply walked into a part
for you. Come along over to the office with me. Goody--I see you brought
the stills. I'll take a peek at 'em myself before Baird gets here."
"Baird? Not the Buckeye comedy man?" He was chilled by a sudden fear.

"Yes, Jeff Baird. You see he is going to do some five--reelers and this
first one has a part that might do for you. At least, I told him some
things about you, and he thinks you can get away with it."

He went moodily at her side, thinking swift thoughts. It seemed
ungracious to tell her of his loathing for the Buckeye comedies, those
blasphemo