er 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.

"We will go for a short drive, then come back for Everett," planned Miss
Southard. "He has promised to hurry to-night--then we will have a nice
little supper at home." Their hostess and her brother had agreed that
there should be no after-the-theatre suppers at any of the so-called
fashionable restaurants for their young guests. "I am sure their mothers
would not approve of it," Miss Southard had said, "and I feel that I am
responsible for them every moment they are here."

The party at home was an informal affair in which there were many cooks,
but no broth spoiled. To see Mr. Southard earnestly engaged in making a
Welsh rarebit, an accomplishment in which he claimed to be highly
proficient, one would never have suspected him of being able to thrill
vast audiences by his slightest word or gesture.

"I can't believe that only two hours ago you were 'Hamlet,'" laughed
Grace. "You look anything but tragic now."

"He looked every bit as tragic just a moment ago. I saw a distinct
Hamlet-like expression creep into his face," stated Miriam boldly.

"You have sharp eyes," smiled Mr. Southard. "I happened to remember that
I had forgotten what goes into this rarebit next. I could feel myself
growing cold with despair. Then the inspiration came and now it will be
ready in two minutes."

The rarebit was voted a success. After decorating the actor with a bit
of blue ribbon on which Miriam painstakingly printed "first premium"
with a lead pencil, he was escorted to the head of the table and
congratulated roundly upon being able not only to act but to cook.

The next morning every one confessed to being a trifle sleepy, but
appeared at breakfast at the usual time. After breakfast Mr. Southard
carried Anne off to met Mr. Forest, while Miss Southard, Miriam and
Grace d