w, if Weldon offers you a part
in his new production at the Globe Theater, you won't refuse it, will
you?"

"No, I wouldn't do that," pondered Martha. "But do you think I could
play a small part?"

"Of course you can, and anyhow, never give up without a trial. Weldon
might even offer you the leading role if the part suited you."

"The leading role?" gasped Martha. "Impossible!"

"Not at all," continued Gordon. "I happen to know that in his new
production the leading role is that of a simple little country
girl--just the sort of ingenue you were when I first met you at French
Lick. The songs are simple. In fact, it's a little play with songs--not
a big musical production. Your very simplicity and naturalness would
make you splendidly suited to the role."

"It sounds like a dream," cried Martha, wonderingly. "Are you sure Mr.
Weldon would ever give me a trial in the part?"

Gordon came close to her. "If I ask it," he said impressively and with a
queer inflection of his voice which Martha did not understand. "If I ask
it, the thing is done. Come out to dinner with me and we'll talk it
over."

Martha's heart sank. "I'd like to, really," she said wearily, "but I've
never been out to dinner before, and Aunt Jane would be furious if I
went."

"You are not responsible to--your Aunt Jane, as you call her--are you?"

"No, but--"

"There isn't any one else, is there?"

"Yes--no--that is--"

"I thought you were here alone?"

"I am alone," replied Martha, with a sudden outburst of rebellion
against the conditions with which she had surrounded herself. "I am
responsible to no one and can do as I please. Still--" she hesitated
tearfully, "I don't think I'd better go."

"I've got my car outside. Come up to Rector's and have a bite. I'll
drive you to the theater afterwards."

"Oh, I'd love to," cried Martha. "I wonder if I dared."

"Of course. Come along."

"But I couldn't go in these clothes," exclaimed Martha. "I'd have to
change--I've got a little evening frock I used to wear to dances back in
Indiana. Oh, I'm sure there can be no harm, and even if Aunt Jane is
angry, it will blow over by to-morrow."

"Of course. How soon will you be ready?"

"In twenty minutes."

"I'll drive over to the club and return for you. I'd wait here only
these boarding-house parlors are so public. And that reminds me--you'd
better move to some other place where you can have some comfort and
decent surroundings."

"I'm sure this