thought actors
never did that."

"They do sometimes; it's a dashed good advertisement. Anyway, it's a
silly part, and I'm fed up with it."

"Yes, but do be reasonable. If _Dick_ got engaged at once to _Winifred_
what would happen to Levinski? He'd have nothing to do."

Prosper Vane grunted. As he seemed disinclined for further conversation
I left him.

. . . . .

The opening night came, and the usual distinguished and fashionable
audience (including myself), such as habitually attends Mr. Levinski's
first nights, settled down to enjoy itself. Two acts went well. At the
end of each Mr. Levinski came before the curtain and bowed to us, and we
had the honour of clapping him loud and long. Then the Third Act
began....

Now this is how the Third Act ends:--

_Exit_ Sir Geoffrey.

_Winifred (breaking the silence)._ Dick, you heard what he said.
Don't let this silly money come between us. I have told you I love
you, dear. Won't you--won't you speak to me?

_Dick._ Winifred, I---- (_He gets up and walks round the room, his
brow knotted, his right fist occasionally striking his left palm.
Finally he comes to a stand in front of her._) Winifred, I---- (_He
raises his arms slowly at right angles to his body and lets them
fall heavily down again._) I can't. (_In a low, hoarse voice_)
I--can't! (_He stands for a moment with bent head; then with a jerk
he pulls himself together._) Good-bye! (_His hands go out to her,
but he draws them back as if frightened to touch her. Nobly_) Good
ber-eye.

[_He squares his shoulders and stands looking at the audience with
his chin in the air; then with a shrug of utter despair, which
would bring tears into the eyes of any young thing in the pit,
he turns and with bent head walks slowly out._

CURTAIN.

That _is_ how the Third Act ends. I went to the dress rehearsal, and so
I know.

How the accident happened I do not know. I suppose Prosper was nervous;
I am sure he was very much in love. Anyhow, this is how, on that famous
first night, the Third Act ended:--

_Exit_ Sir Geoffrey.

_Winifred_ (_breaking the silence_). Dick, you heard what he said.
Don't let this silly money come between us. I have told you I love
you, dear. Won't you--won't you speak to me?

_Dick_ (_jumping up_). Winifred, I---- (_with a great gulp_) I LOVE
YOU!!!

Wher